Do you think it's tacky to have two wedding receptions in two different states?

I don't think it's tacky at all considering the situation. Your Mil wants to have a reception for you two for all those that are unable to be there, there's nothing wrong with that. If you actually had everyone there for the wedding and than asked for another reception that would be a whole other story. I tihnk it's very sweet she wants to do this and you should accept her invitation. Congrats on your marriage.

People get confused by this question. If they think you are asking "is it appropriate to make myself the centre of attention a second time, getting a second round of presents and being the guest of honour twice", they quite rightly answer "no". Those things often do happen at a reception -- and they are indeed in terrible taste, even the first time. But in fact "reception" merely means any afternoon party where a meal is not served and where the primary entertainment is conversation (this despite the attempts of some would-be wedding mavens to co-opt the term for the exclusive use of The Wedding Industry! ) The person who holds such a party is practising hospitality: a virtue, and an example of generosity. You can hold a reception at any time -- it won't, technically, be a -wedding- reception unless it happens immediately following a wedding ceremony, but still a lovely and gracious entertainment. Consulates hold diplomatic -receptions-, the government departments hold ministerial receptions, clubs hold social receptions, and you can certainly hold either a "going-away" reception before you leave town for your wedding, or an "at-home" reception when you come back. In fact, the most traditional thing for a bride in your circumstances is to marry in her own home town (where her parents would give the reception with the bride and her new husband as guests of honour) and then settle in her husband's town where his relatives might well give a reception in their honour. If your parents aren't up to the effort, of course, there is nothing wrong with giving any party as hosts yourself -- as long as you don't attempt to throw it in your own honour. Now, I will add the same warning that I always add to these questions. The "It's your day, you do what you want; your guests just have to follow along" kind of advice is *WRONG*, and it has led to a growing phenomenon of guests either declining, or simply not showing up, at wedding-related events -- because they expect to be treated with such discourtesy. A great many elements of "the new wedding etiquette" are actually violations of etiquette, and when you meddle with the formula people are less forgiving of the violations. A polite hostess does NOT: - make a grand entrance after her guests have arrived! She has to be there, standing at the entrance, to greet each one as they arrive. - solicit, nor even expect, presents of any sort. - make herself the centre of attention to the neglect of her guests, including dressing inappropriately for the event (you would not wear a white ball-gown to an afternoon reception, and would wear a wedding gown only if you already had it on because you were coming directly from your wedding ceremony.) As long as you are courteous, you can pull off this party with perfect good taste. The objections that "you only get one reception" are all based on the notion that somehow a reception is a burden on your guests. And indeed, if you as hostess imagine that you don't have to take your guests' comfort and convenience into account ahead of your own, it can be quite an imposition. But any time you *courteously* offer people entertainment, shelter, food and drink you are practising hospitality and generosity -- which are admirable virtues that you may practice *any* time you choose, with perfect propriety. .

No it is not tacky to share in celebration with family that can not be at the first. Many people have done this. You shouldn't feel bad about it at all. It's not like you are having two receptions with all the same guests in the same place. Go ahead, there is nothing wrong with it.

Not tacky at all...

Families and friends are often spread out.. Having a second reception is common practice these days...

It's not tacky at all. In fact is a common practice. Because realistically you know a large chunk of family/friends can't attend, and want to share your day with them as well. To have a second party in a closer location to accommodate those people.

Good luck and have fun!

Thats a great idea. My Fi's family is from Peru and of course im from the US. Its going to be very difficult to get all his family here so we might just use your plan and have two receptions.

Not at all. I'm having an east coast reception and a west coast one, since our families and friends are pretty much in one or the other.

I don't see anything wrong with that. It makes sense and his mom is the one who suggested it and is willing to put it on. I'm sure all the relatives would love to meet you and celebrate your marriage with you. That would be nice! It's not like you were having 2 receptions locally!

By all means have two receptions. That way, both your families get to celebrate with you.

Of course and I think that is very sweet after thesecond reception you leave to your honeymoon. Go for it sweetie and you won't regret it. I think one weekend do it here then fly over there and the next weekend there and then you leave on a nice relaxing honeymoon.