Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)
Question: Due to personal reasons, my fiancé and I have scaled back our wedding to include only our closest family and friends. We’ll have about 50 people in attendance. There are some friends we weren’t able to include on the guest list, but that I’d love to have with us during the bachelorette party. Can friends not invited to the wedding attend the bachelorette party?
Answer: It’s customary to reserve invites for the engagement party, showers and the bachelor and bachelorette parties only for those invited to the wedding. While health concerns, financial issues or just personal preference can all come into effect, we would normally suggest to stick with just those invited as to not hurt anyone’s feelings. Though it has become more accepted when the wedding is family-only or very limited to number of guests – and all extended family and friends are aware of the situation – it still leaves the couple open to family/friend arguments, awkward conversations and heightened emotions. If in the budget, consider hosting a more casual event at your home or a venue like a brewery space to include all friends or family that are unable to attend the main event. This way you can show appreciation for and celebrate with everyone.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Email LTEC@MyNewOrleans.com.
