Should STD announce AHR?

[Thisisit2011]

That's a great way to make it simple. I want to invite everyone to the wedding but I know not everyone can make it and I want them to know up front that they will have another option. I'm not worried about discouraging anyone from attending the Mexico ceremony because as long as myself and the FI are there, I'm happy. Just trying to minimize the comments about not being able to attend the ceremony in Mexico upfront and still not confuse folks.

[vlynnw]

I didn't put any information about an AHR on my STD's and am still debating about the invites. It also is not mentioned on our website at this time. We've gotten a lot of complaints about having a wedding in Mexico and we've told a couple of people like FMIL that is already booked for Mexico about an AHR and between FI, myself, and her we all decided to keep the plans for an AHR a secret until further down the road. I simply don't want people using that as an excuse not to come to our wedding. Afterall the AHR is FI's idea not mine, I wouldn't have one at all if it were solely up to me.

[Brandy]

Our STD was a passport, and one of the stamps said "we will have a repeption at home when we return from the wedding" This way people who could not make it felt better knowing we would have reception at home as well.

[Thisisit2011]

Thanks for the feedback ladies!

[SunnyDBride]

Great post! I have been wondering about the same thing. I did mention it to a few family and am a little disappointed because there are some members on my side that can afford to go, but are choosing not to for whatever reason. Outside of my parents, 3 sisters, bridal party members and a couple of friends, (total about 15-20 people) the majority of the guests seem like they will come from FI's side. I am bummed about that, but what can you do I guess? I have thought about canceling the DW so more guests could attend, but I want something different and at a substantial savings to FI and I since we are paying the bulk of the wedding.

 

I feel like maybe I shouldn't have said anything until later, but like other girls have said, they probably weren't reliable anyway and weren't going to come to Jamaica. My aunt had the nerve to ask my mom, I'm glad she's having an AHR, do you think she'll do a mock wedding so we can see everything? Lol! Come to Jamaica then. But, we are planning to have my pastor dedicate our marriage and we will be in our wedding attire and will show the video but we are not reinacting our vows or anything.

[ksugirl]

I agree that if people use the AHR as an "easy out" they couldn't be counted on to come to the wedding.  We are including both in our STD but not providing any details about the AHR.  Whatever you decide will be the right one.

[shanbeth]

I sent out invitations for my Destination Wedding and I did informal Postcard invitations.  They had the wording of a formal invite and then also had the link to our website to get the information for the travel etc.  I did say that I would love to have everyone join us in Mexico, but that I understand that not anyone would be able to make it.  I gave the AHR date on there and told people to Save the Date.

My family (aunts) are not going to be able to make it and want to throw my bridal shower.  I have never been married and have been in 13 weddings (MOH 8 times) so I would really like a traditional shower.  They want to throw this for me about 6 weeks before I get married.  I'm getting married on Nov. 11, 2010 and my AHR we put in January so we could get thru the holidays.  Because I have guests being invited to my shower that are NOT on my Destination invites but ARE invited to the AHR I am sending out SAVE the Date cards now for my AHR.  I just feel like I need to do that and then I will send out Formal Invitations after we are married for the January date.  This was a lot to think about, but at 39 I decided I'm not going to worry so much about what is right and do what I feel is appropriate.  Hope this helps someone!

[FutureMrsYak]

I sent out message in a bottle invitations to DW, just to immediate family members and friends. I was kind of just spreading by word of mouth about the AHR. Well we recently went to FI's sisters wedding and saw alot of his family and friends we haven't seen in awhile. A couple of them came up to us and said we will be with you in spirit on your wedding day, and we mentioned the AHR and they had no idea and were so excited.

 

So FI the next day decided he wants to send STD for the AHR. So I'm sending them out next week, since we are still 6 months until the AHR in February I didnt think it would be to awkward and wanted to get them out before my shower invites went!

 

The wording for my STD is

 

Nicole Plante & Scott Yakuboski

will be married on December 2, 2010

Riviera Maya, Mexico

beachside

 

Please kindly save the date

February 12, 2011

to celebrate our marriage with us.

 

Invitation to follow

[Thisisit2011]

Great suggestions ladies.    We decided to send out post card STD's.  On the backside we have said the following:

 

Join us for our wedding in paradise!

 

Bride and Groom say "I Do."

Cancun, Mexico

June 2011

 

Reception

New York City

October 2011

 

Formal invitation to follow.

For more information please visit our website.

 

I thought this way everyone knows upfront they can come to either, neither or both.  I'm not worried about those that use the AHR as an excuse to not come to Mexico.  Frankly, I'm glad their saving me the time it takes to make the extra OOT bag

 

[ambularose]

Great idea.  I think we will do something similar...