Sharon, a recent visitor to our blog, had asked a question of our resident etiquette expert Jodi Smith.  You can find her question and Jodi's answer below.  As always, if you have a question for Jodi please post a comment to any of the Destination Wedding Etiquette posts and I will forward your question to her.

From Sharon:

I have been invited to a destination wedding in Punta Cana. I am a single female and live in South Carolina. The guests are all paying their own hotel and flight. What is proper etiquette as far as bringing a guest to this type of wedding? The wedding is in June and the invitations have not gone out yet. I was told by the Bride guests were not allowed. I have a problem with that considering I am paying over $1700 to attend their wedding and don't prefer to travel alone. Is it unreasonable of me to want to bring a guest considering I am paying for everything. Please help...need your expertise....I understand the rule of not allowed to bring a guest if your not engaged but does this apply to a destination wedding where the bride and groom are not paying for anything but the reception?

From Jodi:

Dear Guest,

In general, guests are not allowed to invite others to a wedding.  However, with a destination wedding, it is not uncommon for guests to extend their trips and turn the wedding trip into a vacation.  While you certainly can invite a friend to join you on the trip, you should understand (and make it clear to your guest) that the guest is not invited to the wedding festivities. 

You should be very diplomatic about who you share your vacation plans with as you do not want to be seen as trying to pressure the bride into including your guest too.

I do hope this helps,

Jodi   

Jodi R. R. Smith is a nationally known etiquette expert and author.  To email your etiquette emergency, click to 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.