Renowned etiquette expert Jodi Smith answers your questions on your Destination Wedding.  If you would like to ask another question please post a comment to any one of the etiquette posts and we will send them over to Jodi.

Question:

How do introduce the idea of a wedding party for those guests who are not able to make it to your wedding? When do you send out invites to that party in relation to your wedding invitation? How long should you wait before having a party at home? What kinds of things do people do at that party? ie. Do they show a video of their wedding and does the bride wear her dress again?

For a destination bride, to consider a celebration at home is a wonderful way to have all of those who are special to you included in your wedding.  There are as many ways to handle this as there are brides.  Each bride must factor into the planning the number of guests who will not be able to attend the actual wedding, the time of year of the wedding, the preferred time of year for the hometown celebration, and the level of formality desired.  The invitations to the hometown party should be sent 4 to 6 weeks prior to the actual event.  For most affairs, this means sending the invitations after you have arrived home from your wedding trip to avoid any confusion.  The hometown celebration can occur any time within the first year.  Of course, the sooner the better.  The activities during the hometown celebration depend on the couple and the type of event.  Typically the bride will wear her gown again, if the groom has his wedding attire, he will wear them again, they will perform their wedding dance, show the wedding video and there will be toasting.  It is recommended the bride and groom toast their guests and thank their parents.

Jodi R. R. Smith is a nationally known etiquette expert and author.  To email your etiquette emergency, visit http://www.mannersmith.com.  Copyright © 1996-2008 Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute this newsletter as long as this copyright and full information about contacting the author is attached.