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Anndréa
Savvy July 2018

Bon Voyage Pre-Wedding Party Wording Etiquette... and theme?

Anndréa, on February 19, 2017 at 5:26 AM Posted in Style and Décor 0 12
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Hello! I have somewhat of a unique situation; I am American engaged to a Norwegian. We will be getting married Summer of 2019 in Norway and permanently moving there after the wedding to take over the family farm. I have read commenters saying that pre-wedding receptions/parties are somewhat tacky/tasteless for destination weddings... but I feel my situation might be different enough that it could be done tastefully? We are planning to host it at the Nordic Heritage Museum here in Seattle so that the guest attending can get some of the culture I will be marrying & moving into. This being said, I am wondering about the wording of the invites and how to 'split' the theme somewhat between bon voyage and pre-wedding? I think most people at the 'pre-party' will not be able to fly to Norway. The majority of my immediate family making the effort to get to Norway are in different states and won't come to the Seattle party. Should I invite everyone in Seattle to Norway instead of just some?

12 Comments

Latest activity by Anndréa, on February 20, 2017 at 6:43 PM
  • Rayla
    Super May 2017
    Rayla ·
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    This is a really unique situation, IMO.

    Not sure if others on here will agree, but I think it would be fine for you to host a reception-type event w/ food, alcohol, dancing, etc.

    I think you should emphasize the farewell party aspect so that people do not view this as a pre-wedding event. To me, a pre-wedding event is like a bridal shower, etc. that leads up to the big day. I think you should think of this party as the big day, at least from these guests' POV.

    I really like the idea of doing it at the Nordic Heritage Museum.

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  • J. Clo
    Master May 2018
    J. Clo ·
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    I agree with Rayla. Make it a goodbye party

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  • RealLindseyO
    Master October 2017
    RealLindseyO ·
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    If you do this, it should have nothing to do with your wedding. It should simply be a going away party.

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  • A. L.
    Master July 2017
    A. L. ·
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    Agreed, going away party.

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  • Ashley
    Devoted July 2018
    Ashley ·
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    Agreed, it should just be a goodbye party.

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  • R
    Super October 2017
    Rachel ·
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    It would be best to make it a going away party.

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  • annakay511
    Master July 2015
    annakay511 ·
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    I agree, this is more of a bon-voyage party, not a pre-wedding party, so there is no issue in you hosting it and inviting anyone you wish. I love the idea of doing it at the Norwegian Heritage Museum!

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  • Mrs. Knolle
    Master July 2016
    Mrs. Knolle ·
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    Call it a bon-voyage party and have fun.

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  • Jacks
    Champion November 2054
    Jacks ·
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    Sounds like fun, I also love the bon voyage party. I agree with pp's that said stick with the bon voyage idea vs having anything to do with your wedding.

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  • Danielle
    VIP December 2017
    Danielle ·
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    Make it a going-away party and serve lots of Aass. (No, really: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aass_Brewery)

    Very tangential note: You need to watch Lilyhammer on Netflix like right meow.

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  • MrsCalderon
    VIP December 2016
    MrsCalderon ·
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    I think it would be an awesome idea! I know that if I had a friend who was getting married in Norway there would be no way I could attend because I couldn't afford it. So I would love being able to attend some type of reception beforehand. I love the bon voyage idea!!

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  • Anndréa
    Savvy July 2018
    Anndréa ·
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    Thank you all so much for the advice and input!

    I appreciate it so much, I am new to this community but these forums & discussions seem to be so great for advice and positivity. Thanks ladies Smiley smile

    xoxo

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