Does anyone know? (wedding etiquette question)

[MissMillie]

I'm now thinking of a destination wedding sometime this summer. But I would, at some point, like to host a celebration party so our family and friends can share in our joy.

Does anyone know if there's a proper time-frame involved? Could I, conceivably, invite people to a buffet dinner party, say, one year later (even if it's called an "anniversary party")?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear MissMillie!

I think that those parties are normally nearer the wedding than a year. I'd guess within a 2 to 3 month period after the wedding...

But this is just my very non-scientific POV!

Have a ball planning it!

:toast:

[MilesColtrane]

2. I think destination weddings are great, if the bride and groom buy everyone a ticket.

[Brickbat]

3. I think within the next year is fine, and even if it isn't within the next year, that's fine too.

We had a very small (like, a dozen people, including us) courthouse wedding in December. In January, my parents hosted an evening buffet in my hometown to "present" us as a couple to my extended family and my parents' friends (it sounds a lot more fancy than it was). Six months later, Mr. Brickbat's parents did the same thing in a public park with a church-basement potluck for their friends and his extended family. It was great fun and a nice way to not have to worry about a huge fancy reception. I like the idea of a one-year celebration, too. Have fun!

[HopeHoops]

4. The further away from the wedding date, the more need for an open bar.

:beer:

[hippywife]

5. I wouldn't wait a year.

I would try to do it within a month of returning. By a year, everyone's gonna be over your joy but you. :hi:

[Eyerish]

6. We got married back at the end of last october...

and all he had was the commissioner and the witness. It was just the 2 of us exchanging our vows, simple and beautiful. But because our families wanted something more formal, we decided that we would renew our vows on our first anniverary and turn it into a party. We figured that since all the pressure was off, all we would have to do is enjoy & have fun. Not sure if this would work for you, but might be something to consider!
Whatever you decide, Congratulations and enjoy! :toast: :hi:

[Sanity Claws]

7. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials.

I didn't know --- I'm very happy for you.

[dysfunctional press]

8. we got married on kauai in march, and had the 'reception' at the end of april in chicago.

a year would seem to be stretching it, if you ask me. especially if you're expecting 'wedding' presents.

[trof]

9. Congratulations and I wouldn't wait a year.

Give yourself enough time for planning and invitations and then hold a 'home town' reception.
If time constraints allow, you could even have it prior to the wedding.
All the best.

[REP]

10. Got married in '07 ... still haven't had the parent party

Our parents are old, we've been together for freaking ever, and we didn't feel like making them travel over 2,000 miles to hang out at a party with people they don't know (we moved to California as soon as we could). We're still meaning to go home and have a dinner party with the family at home ... In other words, it's your wedding; do it your way.