Etiquette

Etiquette is not to impose on others when you choose to have a destination wedding. The choice is yours…but you are giving up the right to all those gifts by choosing a venue that you know most people can not attend. And you NEVER invite someone to a reception and not the wedding, which is technically what you are doing because you already know they can not attend the wedding by choosing a far away venue that it too expensive for most to attend. Enjoy your day, have it all exactly as you want it. However, having a reception when you get home is just screaming for gifts. It's rude and selfish. I have attended 4 receptions at home,(will not go to any more) after the destination wedding and you would be shocked to hear what your guests really think of you. They know they are only there because you want a gift from them. If the gifts are that important to you, choose a venue they are able to attend.

Don't have a reception at home. It's just asking for gifts!

So what you are saying is, you didn't care enough about where you were having your wedding so that your guests could attend, But, you are willing to schedule your reception at better time so that they can make it and you can get gifts. Having a destination wedding is your choice, you realize that most people can not attend. Having a reception when you get home is screaming, GIVE ME A GIFT! Enjoy the type of wedding you want, but don't impose it on others.

Having a destination wedding is your choice, however, you are aware when making this decision that most people will be unable to attend. Knowing this, you should never expect or accept a gift from anyone. Having a reception when you get home is just saying, " We really didn't care that you couldn't make it to our wedding, but give us a gift anyway!" You should have a destination wedding if that is what you want and enjoy every minute of your beautiful day. But do not go asking for gifts, which is what you will be doing by having a reception. That is cheap, rude and selfish.

Should you have a destination wedding when some of your family doesn't want you to? YES, do what you want to do, it's your wedding! HOWEVER, DO NOT have a reception when you get home for those that could not attend!!! That just screams, "Give me a Gift!" You NEVER expect or accept a gift from someone knowing that they can not attend a destination wedding. That's like saying, "You weren't important enough to us to know you could possibly attend our wedding, BUT, we want a gift anyway!"