Dear Queenie,
My husband and I got married quietly at the Census Office because we couldn’t afford a big wedding. Things are going better now and we are planning to have the wedding reception we couldn’t afford back then. We aren’t looking for gifts, we just want to celebrate our marriage.
Queenie, how do we get that message across without looking tactless?—Bride for a year now
Dear Bride,
Do not call your celebration a wedding reception; call it a “renewal of vows” or an “anniversary party” because that is really what it is. Even so, some of your guests will bring gifts or “hostess gifts,” so accept them with thanks and make sure everyone has a good time.
