My daughter had a small (10) people elopement wedding on a beach planned with five days notice in April two years ago. We were in the midst of planning a larger wedding and reception for the following August and had hefty deposits paid for venue, photographer, and band. We decided to go ahead with the larger event also. Her wedding dress had just arrived so she wore it on the beach and then wore it again when we had the August reception. Everyone at the event knew they were already married and were delighted to come help celebrate. A dear friend "officiated' the second time including portions of the original service. The invitations stated to please come celebrate the marriage of ...........

My friend's daughter was married in Ireland. Then they hosted a lovely, elegant reception in the USA. The happy couple wore their wedding finery. It was a lovely party, with good food, flowing beverages, and traditional bride's and groom's cakes.

Thank you for the replies, they are very helpful. I thought we would do it much like a normal wedding reception, the exception being that they will already be married and prefer a small guest list, just immediate family and close friends. Finding a local venue for a small reception may be the challenging part, most of the local venues are for 75+ guests. We need a smaller space, yet large enough for dancing. Luckily, I am retired and have the time to look into it.

I'm sure whatever you do your guests, because they are a small group of people who love you, will be just fine with it.

I wouldn't have anyone "bless the union" or other quasi-ritual that is just for show. It's unnecessary and feels, to me, a little cheapening of wedding rituals: they either mean something or they don't, KWIM? The guests aren't going to feel cheated if they don't see some made-up ritual. I think that you all might end up feeling awkward if you do that.

The way pkpk23 did it is almost like having two weddings, from what I can tell. A lot of people frown on that, but I don't, especially when it's for a good reason (like this is, in my opinion) -- as opposed to just wanting more gifts or attention. So if you really want a ritual, maybe you have a situation where they won't have had a religious wedding yet? If so, then you're all set -- they had a civil (or other type of religious) ceremony in Japan, and now one in your religion here. That's not a do-over just for show; it's another ritual with another meaning. Otherwise, I'd skip it. Who is it for?

I'd just have a fabulous reception with some of the trappings of a wedding. A wedding cake and even a bridal gown (I wouldn't want to wear one if I were the bride, but if she really wants to, it's at most a bit eye-rolling and it certainly doesn't affect anyone else; just please don't pressure her to do it if she doesn't want to), and especially toasts and speeches and special dances wouldn't seem amiss to me at all. But I wouldn't have bridesmaids, a bouquet toss, and things like that. No real logical reason to make the distinction, but some things feel a little bit silly to me while others don't.

But none of them would hurt anyone! So if you all want every bit of it, go ahead.

As for the invitations, I would have them read "Dinner and Dancing [or "a reception"] in honor of Thusnelda and Cuthbert, who were/will be married in Tokyo on [date]." MAKE SURE that the date of your party is in much more prominent type than the date of the marriage, or you risk the guests writing down the wrong date. In fact, I'd just put something like "in February" for the marriage, not the specific calendar date.

Thank you gellchom for your response. You are right, they don't need any kind of blessing here (unless of course they want one) I think the bride may want a nice ivory dress, and that is up to her. Maybe a short length would be more in keeping with this type of party, but its her call. I am a pretty experienced seamstress, I used to have a home based business and have done many, many prom, bridesmaid and a few wedding gowns. So if she wants me to create one, I would be honored to do that. If not, no problem. They are coming for Thanksgiving, so I will find out more then.