mog here - bride wants small wedding (

The general problem seen here is when a couple is getting married locally with only a small guest list followed by a big reception. The ceremony is the ritual that people love to see. But another problem is having a small reception but trying to invite many to a bridal shower. That shower then appears as gift grabbing with people not invited at all.

In the situation of this destination ceremony, a shower may not be the best option. Also, the shower traditionally was not by the bride or her family but rather someone like a bridesmaid arranging it. Perhaps the safer idea is to just have a gathering as a pre-wedding couple's introduction party while stating no gifts are needed. A registry could still be available but suggest it be used later so it is not embarrassing people arriving without gifts.

Apart from these ideas, the culture may be changing such that people might be happy with this as a shower.

Yes! You can definitely have a pre-wedding celebration, like a couple’s shower or small party, before the beach wedding. Having a bigger celebration back in the US afterward is also totally fine it’s a nice way for everyone who couldn’t go to Cancun to celebrate with you.

It’s perfectly fine to have a pre-wedding celebration or couple’s shower before a small destination wedding, as long as it’s clear that the intimate wedding remains limited to immediate family—this way, everyone still feels included and celebrated.