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: Our wedding is in the French Quarter, but we have to be out of the reception venue by 10 p.m. That’s fine, but we want to keep the celebration going until at least midnight, so we are going to head to one of our favorite nearby bars where we’ll have a tab set up and special hand stamps for our party. We also plan to have our favorite food truck there and are in the process of arranging pre-paid tickets for our guests, so they don’t have to pay for late-night snacks. I think we have everything covered, except for the guest list. Who should we invite to our wedding after-party?
Answer: Kudos for thinking ahead about your guest’s needs. Be sure to invite everyone in your wedding party, as well as your close friends and younger (of age) relatives and any other “party people” on your guest list. The older adults likely will be relieved to be let off the hook. If by the time 10 p.m. hits and you start to feel the effects of a long day, which is understandable, be sure to attend the after-party for at least an hour, say your goodbyes and then depart after letting the guests know they are free to stay until the tab runs out.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Respond in the comments or email Melanie@MyNewOrleans.com.
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