| Planning your beach wedding can be stressful | | | | assume that everyone invited to the wedding is |
| enough without the added worry about keeping all | | | | also invited to the reception. Even so, it's a |
| of the rules straight. Without a doubt, invitations | | | | courtesy to add a brief sentence at the bottom |
| involve more rules and customs than anything | | | | of the invitation announcing that a reception will |
| else associated with weddings, but thankfully for | | | | follow immediately afterwards |
| casual beach weddings, you can safely throw | | | | On the other hand, if the reception will be some |
| most of them out the window. | | | | distance from the site of the ceremony, for a |
| But you should keep these rules/customs in mind | | | | beach wedding it is still OK to include the required |
| and use them if your heart tells you it's the right | | | | information on the invitation itself. |
| thing to do. Even if your best girlfriend thinks | | | | What do I do when two unmarried people are |
| differently. | | | | invited from the same house? |
| How far in advance should I send the wedding | | | | This can get a bit touchy. If they consider |
| invitations? | | | | themselves a couple, then the recommendation is |
| My best sources suggest that you send them out | | | | to send only one invitation, but write each name |
| at least 8 weeks before the beach wedding. With | | | | on a separate line in the address area. The |
| this much advance notice, every guest should | | | | custom is to address them alphabetically. |
| have plenty of time to make their travel plans, | | | | However, if the two are a parent and an adult |
| arrange for time off from work, and get the best | | | | child or just roommates, then it's best to send |
| deals on air fares. | | | | two invitations. |
| Can I send information about bridal registries with | | | | Is OK to mention my deceased mother/father on |
| the invitation? | | | | my invitations? |
| No matter where you hold your wedding or how | | | | This is a really bad idea because anyone |
| formal or casual it is, it's considered rude to | | | | specifically mentioned on the invitation (other than |
| include any kind of information regarding gifts with | | | | the bride and groom) is assumed to be hosting |
| your wedding invitation. It's better to circulate this | | | | the event. If you are planning a wedding program, |
| information later, possibly through word of mouth, | | | | you can honor them there. Otherwise, consider a |
| an email, your Facebook page or private website, | | | | short memorial either at the ceremony or |
| or even an additional mailing. | | | | afterwards. |
| Do I need to include a separate reception card? | | | | If you give a little thought to these guidelines, you |
| You'll be happy to know that the answer is No. If | | | | may avoid making an unfortunate etiquette goof |
| the reception is going to be held on the beach or | | | | that you may regret long after your great beach |
| very near the site of the ceremony, guests | | | | wedding. |