Reception 6 Months after Wedding

I don't think so - as long as you are properly hosting guests and it is clear that this is a reception in honor of your marriage that was done at a private ceremony I think its fine. 6 months is on the outside end of the amount of time I would wait, but I think you are fine!

Edit - what negative feed back are you getting?

I'm wondering the same thing as Erin, what are people saying? And what kind of reception are you planning? As in, what kind of vendors will you have?

I think its fine to have your wedding reception 6 months after your wedding with everything that happened. Im sure your family and friends will be very supportive of the event and understanding. What kind of stuff have people been saying?

I don't think so AT ALL. I'm sorry you went though that

I don't think it's greedy, but 6 months is quite a bit of time afterwards. That said, you have a good reason and those near and dear to you should be understanding.

I think most people close to you who would be attending know the situation and hopefully understand. If they don't understand I wouldn't invite them!

Just say "you're invited to celebrate the marriage of c to y who were married in a private ceremony on May 5 2015" or something like that

This is definitely a circumstance where people can understand why you postponed. It's not like it's a PPD. I hope it lifts your spirits!

Nope nothing wrong with it at all. If I were your family or friends I would be delighted for you that you are now in a place that you can celebrate your wedding

I had a friend that did this and...it was very odd. I admit I felt like I wasn't really celebrating their wedding as much as I was just hanging out with people while someone else paid for my mimosas.

However, you have extenuating circumstances, and I don't view it at all as greedy. I don't know why on earth anyone would hold this sort of thing against you? What could they possibly be saying? You want to celebrate your marriage and this is clearly your Plan B to do it. I'd be happy you now have found a way.

My only suggestion is to make sure they know it's for your wedding -- wear your dress again, put up some lovey dovey decor, make it clear. When the ceremony isn't really seen, I think it's hard to get into the spirit of things.

Yeah it's fine. Especially if people close to you know you had family in hospice. The reception is the party part.... everyone loves a party!

My aunt passed away just before my cousin's wedding. She decided to have a private ceremony so her mom could be present since we knew time was running out.

At her actual wedding, she still held a small ceremony and a reception. At the reception, pictures and videos of the original ceremony. It was very beautiful and left everyone in tears.

We already had the hall, photgrapher, etc booked and basicly just put everything on hold. Thankfully, I already had my dress and my sister-in-law is great at alterations so we were able to pull things together quickly with a judge right in my mom's living room. However, I am also the youngest of seven children so my siblings and their kids is pretty much all we had room for. This is my first and only marriage so as much as I wanted to have my mom there, I kinda felt like I missed out on alot of the plans we had made. Family has been mostly supportive. They understand there was no way mom was leaving the house for a reception and we were taking turns with round the clock care. I will have my celebration, I guess I just needed to vent. Thanks for the comments and support

Replying to questions, Most people are saying that we are only having a reception for gifts and money... I guess that is partly true but really I just want the experiences I missed out on

I would remind these people that if your Mom hadn't gotten sick, you would have proceeded as planned. That would have included a reception where people more than likely would have brought you a gift. You changed your plans for good reasons and now just want to celebrate, as originally planned with family and friends. Anyone that still protests that you're just gift gabby, should decline the invitation, or not be issued one at all.

I am sorry for your loss, but honestly as you admitted that you are having the reception for "gifts & money", then yes you are being greedy. No one ever has to give you a gift or money and you should never expect it, especially with a vow renewal. I do not give anything for a gift for a celebration of marriage. You can have a killer party, but don't try to make anything look wedding-y because it is not a wedding. Have great food, let the booze flow, and of course CAKE. There really are no "experiences" that you missed out on. Definitely do not have any showers, bachelorette/bachelor parties, etc, and do not expect gifts at all.

Kaitlyn, you are exactly the kind of negativity that I was talking about. These events were all planned and booked, deposits paid, and in motion MONTHS ago. Of course, I missed out on Bridal showers and Bachlorette party and these will not be done at all. We are not doing a vow renewal and it it just a big party. I'm sure any other new bride would feel like she missed out if you did not have these pre-wedding experiences and the gifts that come with them.

I don't think there's anything wrong with it. The reality is people get gifts at receptions. SO WHAT if you want freaking gifts (you're not having showers or any of that so I don't find it gift grabby). I'm sure you want the support from your family in celebrating your wedding as well. And with all that's going on with your mom YOU NEED IT! IF YOU WANT YOUR RECEPTION THEN HAVE IT GIRL! *hugs*

If you were my family member or friend I would totally understand and would still bring a gift considering the reason you moved the date up. The reality is if people don't understand and don't want to come bump em. STILL HAVE YOUR FUN HONEY!!

Heather - in this circumstance, I think it is absolutely fine. I'm so sorry for your loss. I think you should go ahead with the reception you planned on.

Invite those who are supportive Forget the rest

I'm in the same boat. It's not wrong. You had everything planned and it didn't go according to plan. People will understand.

ETA: it's very painful to even begin to think about the reception and all of the emotions that go along with it. It's still going to be a wedding reception, and honestly, a lot of your guests who would come may have been disappointed that they missed the ceremony. A lot of our friends were, but they are excited that we are (tentatively) still holding our reception. Just say on your invitation that it's a reception to celebrate the marriage of you and FH, who were married in a private ceremony on x day. You could also send out wedding announcements that say a celebration is forthcoming. I understand that you feel cheated of the experience, but keep thinking about the amazing gift you gave your mom by moving your wedding up. It makes everything all the more special.