Is this "appropriate"?

[StephanieMN]

We had a pre-wedding party as a way for all our guest to meet before the trip and that way it would be more fun at the DW. We rented a place at a park and it was fun. I am in Minnesota so a winter party wouldn't work too well here either.

 

We did get a few gift but I think some people just like to give gifts . We made name tags and it made our wedding more fun cause more people knew each other.

[karahmia]

I would recommend having it after the wedding. Do you have to have it right after you return? My FI and are having ours in the Summer of 09 and we're marrying in October of this year. Like you, we live in Seattle where there weather takes a turn for the worst at the end of October and doesn't stop raining until April/May. Since I'm from the eastcoast it's a big journey for the fam so I want it to be at a time when the weather is at it's best.

[saraece]

I am not sure this helps, but we decided against an AHR for a few reasons, some being we are getting married in Jan as well and we would want to have something outside as our yard is huge but our house is not. If we waited until it was warm, it would be like 6 months later. Too long. And we decided to go away so we wouldn't have to have a big thing here, just catch a plane and have a relaxing wedding. So I am with everyone else, have a send off party. That wouldn't be as much stress as a whole reception.

[Davematthews16]

After talking this weekend We've decided this: We're going to have an "Engagement/Send off Party" in August at Chatfield Reservoir. We're going to rent an area for 50-100 people and just play in the sun, BBQ, and drink. I want everyone to feel "included" in our wedding. This is a no gift celebration for all our friends to attend!!! Once we get married in Mexico that will be it for "wedding events" January is too cold, and I don't want to wait 5-6 months to have an AHR. This seems to make the most sense for us, and our personalities!!!

[DanielleNDerek]

I think that sounds great. Now i'm going to pm you my address so you can send my invite. j/k lol