Is it tacky to register for gifts if we have a destination wedding followed by a bigger reception at home?

anna f: Is it tacky to register for gifts if we have a destination wedding followed by a bigger reception at home?
My fiance and I want to have a small destination wedding including our closest friends and family (18 or so people including children). Once we return home from the honeymoon, which should last no longer than a week, have a reception. I want to invite everyone we know and love to the reception. Is it tacky or weird to register for gifts since we are still having a reception at home???
Thanks for the opinions!

Answers and Views:

Answer by Naomi:)
i hope not!! im doing this as well! except my fiance is from arizona and im from north carolina. we are getting married in virginia then coming to nc for a reception then to az for a reception and then going on a honeymoon

Answer by $0.02
I don’t think it’s tacky, no. You can have the reception just as a big party for everyone to celebrate your new marriage. I don’t think it’s inappropriate to register gifts for anyone who is interested.

Answer by Yes, it’s true
I am not a fan of having weddings at one time and then receptions at a later date, especially if gifts are involved. I believe that you get one shot and whoever is there is there.

I’d feel more comfortable labeling your party a “wedding celebration” or a “marriage party” over a reception. And no, you wouldn’t register for wedding gifts for that any more than you would for an anniversary party.

Register for your real wedding and you can leave that up for people who want to use that site to help them get gifts for you.

I know I’ll be in the minority with my view, and as a proper etiquette stickler, I’m used to it.

To me, late receptions with gift registries are no more than begging for gift parties.

Answer by Avis B
You can only have A RECEPTION on the day you are married, your wedding day. You cannot have A RECEPTION one day or one week or one month after wards. You can have A PARTY or you can have A CELEBRATION but you cannot have A RECEPTION. The invitation can be worded ” A Party in Honor of Mary and John’s Marriage on October 10, 2009.”

It is not tacky or weird to register for wedding gifts as long as your party or celebration is scheduled within thirty days of your wedding day.

Answered by: A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant

Answer by Messykatt
Sorry to be a downer, but this is a big no-no. Destination weddings were invented for the purpose of avoiding the hassles of a more traditional event and they can be lovely. But it’s not only a big etiquette violation to have the registry, it’s a big violation to have the reception at all.

People will say they’ve done this, but that doesn’t have anything to do with etiquette, and it is very clear cut on this. You can certainly throw a party when you get back, but not as a gift giving occasion – it’s just a bash, and it isn’t a “wedding” anything. The wedding events took place at your destination.

Answer by 11/25/04
For the ones who don’t attend the ceremony are not required to bring a gift.

Answer by raychelhunt
It depends on how much you spend on the reception. If you are just having a cheap reception in your church hall or a bbq in someones back yard then you should NOT register for gifts.

I am doing the exact same thing as you are. But I’m spend about 10 grand on the reception. I’m hiring a DJ, a florist, a baker for my cake, a caterer for the food and everything. So in that case, I will be registering for gifts. I am spending a LOT of money for people to come and eat and have a good time. It’s not unfair to ask them to buy me a plate for my wedding china.