AboutWeddings Etc LLC Expertise Wedding traditions, fashions, ceremonies, wedding planning, coordination, customs, how to handle situations that arise, responsibilities, budget planning.
Experience I''ve been a wedding coordinator for 16 years. I authored a WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE, a Bride''s Workbook, that is available in local bridal shops. Tattered Cover Bookstores in Denver, CO as well as local Borders Books and through my website. I''ve worked with weddings from just 2 people to 350 guests and all budget ranges. I've also written and teach The Art of Wedding Coordination to those who want to become wedding coordinators.
Expert: Weddings Etc LLC Date: 7/11/2008 Subject: post wedding celebration
Question QUESTION: Hello,
I was married in Italy 7 months ago because I live here and my husband is Italian so it really wasn't a destination wedding it was a regular wedding in a foreign country. I invited all of my family and friends here from the states, but few could come. Now we would like to have a celebration in the states, but it will be a little before our 1st year anniversary. (we couldn't have it sooner for various serious reasons). Is it too late? Can I still wear my wedding gown. What is an appropriate invitation?
thanks,
ANSWER: Hi Lisa,
(I'm on my way out the door to meet a client, but wanted to answer. I'll get back to you this evening with examples of wording. In the meantime, feel free to check my website www.weddingsbytanya.com for additional information on invitations....until later :-)
How about doing it on your first anniversary? It wouldn't be a wedding, but would be a renewal of vows. Your invitation will invite people to be in attendance as you renew your vows and then attend a reception. Since it's after the wedding, it's no longer a wedding reception.
Hope this helps.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hello,
Thank you for your quick reply. We were thinking of having a civil ceremony because I haven't been back to the US since I got married in Italy so in the states I'm still considered "single". That would be a type of ceremony so could I wear my wedding gown again or is it inappropriate? I'm sorry, but I don't quite understand what you mean by it's no longer a wedding reception. Is it still a post wedding reception? Thanks.
ANSWER: Generally, if you meet all the requirements of the country where the wedding took place, your marriage is legal in the US. In that case, the only difference would be you won't need a marriage license when you exchange vows here. If for some reason your marriage isn't recognized here, then you'll need to have a marriage license to make it official.
I don't see any problem with wearing your wedding gown for the ceremony. In fact, it's nice to have another opportunity to wear it.
If you haven't considered it, you might want to consider hiring a wedding coordinator to assist so you can enjoy the party.
What I meant is that the wording "wedding reception" is used for the party immediately following the ceremony. In your case, you are waiting for a period of time, so it's considered a reception, generally it's noted as "a reception in honor of Lisa and Tom".
Technically, it would be a wedding reception, but it just isn't called that. Just like your invitations will be to a renewal of vows. If the wedding isn't recognized here in the US, then it will be a wedding, just as if you hadn't gone through it before and your invitations will be worded to reflect that.
Lisa, hopefully this will answer your question. If not, please feel free to contact me direct through www.weddingsbytanya.com or tporterweddsetc@hotmail.com.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hello Tanya,
I have a few questions in reference to the post wedding reception we are having in the states. It will be a year later since we live in Italy now and couldn't have it sooner.
If we don't have a ceremony or renewal of vows will it be strange to wear my wedding dress at the celebration dinner?
Everyone who will be invited to this celebration dinner was invited to our wedding in Italy, but many couldn't make it and others wanted to send gifts, but we told them to hold off because we would have a reception in the states after.
Of course we are only having the party for all of those who couldn't make it to our wedding in Italy because we really felt their absence and we obviously don't expect gifts from anyone, but since we are paying for another celebration ourselves and we need to budget ourselves what could realistically happen? My parents and myself have been to many weddings and given many generous gifts. Even though it's almost a year after will people reciprocate? Just wondering what to expect and little worried about finances. We wanted to wait linger to save a little more, but then it would be too late.
Of course if we felt more secure financially I wouldn't even ask this question. We really want to celebrate with everyone!
Thank you for your help.
Answer Hi Lisa,
First, I see nothing wrong with you wearing your wedding dress. It would tie everything in if you happen to have a video or have one put together from your wedding pictures so your guests can "attend" the wedding. I know they'd enjoy seeing your pictures.
When you send the invitations, they need to say something like:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas James
request the honour of your presence
at a dinner reception in honor of
Lisa and George Brown
etc.
Remember this is an invitation to celebrate, not bring a gift. My guess is that people who want to gift you will probably bring money in cards, especially if you are returning to Italy. Gift cards are great as well since you can order on line.
Don't figure in how much you think you'll receive, plan for what you can afford. Do you have a coordinator you are working with? If not, consider hiring one because they can help keep you in line budget wise, offer suggestions for accomplishing what you want and help spend your money wisely. Besides having one will help you enjoy the evening. If you are planning this from Italy as well, it's good to have a person available to field questions and handle any situations that may arise.
Determine how much you can spend, what type of reception you'd like to have..for example band vs. DJ; venue, then work on your guest list based on what you want to spend.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
