If we're getting sealed is it ok to have a reception afterwards, who would you invite?

[Guest amylynnezylks]

Ok so my husband has had some problems in the past like being tempted by his parents to go on a mission for money, a truck and a full paid college tuition. He rushed into the temple, but after talking to my parents decided he wasn't ready for a mission and if he went he'd be going for the wrong reasons. We continued dating for 6 months then got married civilly. He wasn't talking to his parents and my family couldn't afford to come. We are now getting sealed in the temple but we were wondering if it would be ok to throw a reception? Who would you invite? Would you have bridesmaids and groomsmen there? (I have five sisters who really want to be bridesmaids.) What would be good and what would be over the top? We've only been married for 2 years and not a lot of people know were married.

[Just_A_Guy]

I think it's awesome that you guys are getting sealed--congratulations!

I think it's a great idea to have a family party/get-together to celebrate. I don't think you should call it a "reception" or have bridesmaids, groomsmen, cake, presents, etc. The two of you chose not to do that at your actual wedding. I can see why you might regret that now; but (in spite of the modern trend of "renewing our vows") I don't think a temple sealing is a valid reason for calling a mulligan on the wedding day. Celebrate the temple sealing for its own sake, not as a pseudo-wedding.

But, again--congratulations; and by all means do have a celebration of some sort. :)

Edited August 23, 2014 by Just_A_Guy

[Backroads]

I have known couples that kept it still wedding-ish, just not extreme.  I mean, they already had their big wedding fun earlier. Several couples DID get a nice cake, one actually wore her old wedding dress (one end of the spectrum) and my sister- and brother-in-law just went out to dinner with everyone.

 

In your case, I see nothing wrong with having a big family-welcoming party of celebration.  But yeah, it's not a wedding reception.

[pam]

I would do an open house with simple refreshments but not an all out reception.