Wedding a few years later questions

[JeanFromBNA]

They only get one gift IMO -- send a note of congratulations, but no more gifts.    But I don't see why there can't be as many parties as they want to throw.

Sure, they can have as many parties as they'd like.  They just don't get multiple do-overs of the BWW without risking appearing greedy and ridiculous.

[Julsie]

Several years after getting married legally we had our marriage convalidated in the Catholic Church.  It was a small ceremony to which we invited two other people and then went out to dinner.

No gifts, parties or announcements.  Looking back, maybe we should have fleeced our friends and family for more stuff.   

[RooRoo]

LOL Julsie! DH and me too! Gawrsh, why didn't we think of soaking his family for gifts! 

Back on topic... I can see having a BWW for a vow renewal, but only if you (generic) never had one and had really, really wanted one. But you do not get to soak your family and friends for gifts and money-spending. Bachelor/ette parties? You are married. Get over it.

[Jones]

^^^It never even occurred to me, but really we should have done the same.

[mj]

OP here - we know we are definitely invited to the ceremony (I'm not sure what the actual name of it is in their religion, sorry) and to the reception afterwards.  I'm unsure on any of the parties, but they are telling us about them as if we are.  But I guess it doesn't matter, I'm glad to know I'm not so off base, it really makes me feel strange about it all.  And I don't know how to handle this in the family either, but I think I will just send a card and leave it at that. 

[Winterlight]

I think that's wise.

And count me in on finding bachelor/bachelorette parties years after their wedding to be ridiculous.

[Mikayla]

If it would cause family drama not to even acknowledge this, I'd probably send a card and write a nice congratulatory note inside.

The honest me admits I'd see if I could find a card on sale.

[Drunken Housewife]

Sadly people having a do-over and having a Big White Wedding after a small, justice of the peace one seems too common.  My husband had a close friend who did this.  They got married down at city hall and then later regretted not having had a big deal, so they threw a big, expensive wedding over a year later. 

Of course people are free to do this; the only thing I find off about it is that it does seem very attention-grabbing, gift-grubbing usually.   If you already gave a gift, there's no reason to give another.  Attend if you can, send a note telling them how happy you are for them. 

[Outdoor Girl]

If it would cause family drama not to even acknowledge this, I'd probably send a card and write a nice congratulatory note inside.

The honest me admits I'd see if I could find a card on sale.

Or get one at the dollar store.