Wedding etiquette for destination weddings

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Anna Post, of The Emily Post Institute, calls destination weddings "small affairs for close friends and family." While destination weddings combine the best of weddings and vacations, they can still raise some etiquette dilemmas. Following some simple guidelines can help everyone feel welcome and comfortable during the trip, and make the wedding and vacation run smoothly.

1. Invitation Etiquette

   • Save-the-date cards and invitations should be sent early.

     Since destination weddings can require more advanced planning for the guests and bridal party, Destinationweddings.com recommends sending "save-the-date" cards four to six months before the wedding, and the invitations should be mailed at least two months in advance, according to Peggy Post. Anna Post advises sending an invitation to anyone who received a save-the-date card, even if they have said they cannot attend. Post points out that their "plans [may] change [...] they also might feel slighted if you don't invite them [and] some may simply wish to have the invitation as a keepsake."

   Guest Expense Etiquette

   • Guests are still expected to give a gift.

     Destinationweddings.com notes that guests should "not assume that the couple (or the couple's families) will be paying for a majority of the trip." In addition to these expenses, guests are still expected to purchase a wedding gift for the couple (given before or after the trip). As Anna Post says, "Every wedding invitation carries the obligation to give a gift."

   Bridal Party Expenses

   • Be clear with your attendants about what expenses you will cover.

     How much of the wedding party's expenses should be shouldered by the bride and groom? Destinationweddings.com claims "etiquette dictates that you should pay for the travel and other expenses of your wedding party." Anna Post differs, explaining that the couple typically pays for the attendants' accommodations, but not airfare. Brides.com offers the least expensive advice, stating "you're not obligated to foot the bill for any of their travel expenses [...including...] plane tickets, car rentals, accommodations and any meals and activities that aren't included in the wedding festivities." Most experts agree, however, that it is essential to be clear about which expenses you are able to help cover for your attendants.

   Socializing Etiquette

   • Most guests will treat a destination wedding as a vacation, as well as a wedding celebration. However, Brides.com advises "whether you spend time with [your guests] or go into post-nuptial seclusion is your decision entirely." Typically, couples will socialize with their guests before the wedding, but treat the remainder of their stay as a honeymoon. Guests may remain at the destination after the wedding, so it is courteous to supply them with suggested activities that they may enjoy on their own.

   Second Reception Etiquette

   • A second reception at home is acceptable.

     Since destination weddings are often small, it is acceptable to hold a second celebratory reception at home for those who could not make the trip. Anna Post notes, "the one way in which a belated reception always differs from the real thing is that wedding gifts are not expected." Although some friends and family may give gifts, they should be "given privately [...] so as not to embarrass guests who didn't bring a gift."

Source: www.ehow.com

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