Wedding Reception Months After The Wedding, 1 Year Anniversary Party, or Neither?

[Bridesmaid]

Recently a friend of mine had a destination wedding in Jamaica. She is thinking about a) throwing a "reception" months after the wedding in her home town or b) having a year anniversary party. I told her that I don't think either of these are good ideas. So, we are trying to see 1) what is the longest length of time after a wedding you would suggest having a reception and 2) do people have 1 year anniversary parties? 3) Of both of these options which would you more so advise from an etiquette stand point.

[Sharon Naylor]

Actually, with destination weddings on the rise -- over 400,000 this year alone! -- the new etiquette trend is for couples to have a celebration at home a few months after the wedding. This way, they can share their excitement with a larger group of their friends and family, and the party can be any style or formality they wish. They can have a formal reception or a backyard barbecue, a cake and dessert party, a brunch -- whatever they'd like. This is not seen as a plea for gifts, but rather a very welcome gathering of loved ones to celebrate something positive in the family circle.

As for timing, that's completely up to the couple. They can have it a month after they get back, or three months after. I wouldn't go much further out than that, as the whole idea of celebrating good news should come as close as possible to the actual event.

Some destination wedding couples are planning a one year anniversary party -- in order to save up the money for a celebration -- where they renew their wedding vows in front of friends and family. You can renew your vows at *any* time, and especially couples who have children within their first year of marriage love to renew their vows with their babies present.

Sharon Naylor

[Julz518]

Welcome to Pash!

I voted for the 1-year anniversary party because I wasn't sure what you meant by "months" after the wedding. I agree with Sharon that any more than 3 months is in appropriate.

Since the wedding is already passed, why has the bride decided now to have a reception? Was the wedding more of a spur-of-the-moment thing? I feel like if the bride took the time to plan a destination wedding, she should have already thought about a reception upon their return - so this party would be an afterthought, which the guest may realize and be somewhat offended by, thinking that it is a plea for gifts. Therefore a 1-year anniversay party may be a better plan.

Good Luck!

[justnmary]

I say have it a few months later....my cousin got married in Vegas in April last year and in Sept. they rented a hall and had heavy appetizers, drinks, and a wedding cake. The bride wore her dress and the groom a suit and it was a great time.

The bride got to wear her dress 2x's!!!! So I think it's a great idea.