Wedding Etiquette question regarding wedding annoucements

[SuLi]

Hi everyone!

My fiance and I will be eloping in about a month. We''ve already thrown a party for all of our family and friends this past summer. And, we hired a photographer take pictures of us in various places around DC. We were thinking about sending a postcard-style annoucement some time afterwards with our favorite picture of the day to let everyone know that we''re married. My question is, do you think it is appropriate to do so, in light of the fact that we''re eloping? My biggest fear is that our friends and family will think it''s a solicitation for gifts or money, when all we really want to do is simply "announce" that we''re finally married after 10 years together. Should we send annoucements, or just pass on it? I''m not really sure what the etiquette is. Thanks!

 

[JulieN]

By all means, send announcements! They should not be seen as a solicitation. Etiquette does not call on receivers of announcements to send gifts.

 

[jewelerman]

Skip formal announcements...post cards are a casual fun way to let people know that you are married...put in fine print on the bottom of the card... no gifts please. .........But please send loads of hard cold cash!

 

[Rhea]

Send announcements. People will want to know that you got married. If you changed your name or address it will be a way to help them update their address books. You''d probably want to know if someone you knew got married or had children.

Don''t mention gifts of any kind on the annoucements.

 

[kimikocat]

I have received wedding announcements from friends who eloped, or chose to have small weddings. I''ve never felt pressured to send money/gifts. I think announcements are a different creature than invitations. With a wedding invitation, one feels obligated to send something. With an announcement, it seems to be a matter of free will.

 

[SuLi]

Thanks for the advice! I think we''re going to do it. Just post-card style so that it''s informal.