Private Wedding?

Question

Im getting married in August. We had planned for a big wedding. But the closer it gets the more I want a little private ceremony with few friends and family, with a big reception afterwards. How can we word the invites so people know its just for the reception. And will people be offended if we dont invite them to the wedding?

Answer 1

There might be a few who get their nose out of joint over not witnessing the marriage. Like you're only expecting a gift. But I wouldn't worry too much about it. Most men will be grateful they didn't have to "suit-up" and still get to party.

http://www.weddingbells.com/invitation/sample10.html

http://www.idotaketwo.com/invitation_4.html

Answer 2

To change a wedding invitation into a reception invitation, you simply replace the word "wedding" with "wedding reception".

You only include a Ceremony Card (with time and details of ceremony-- it can even be handwritten) into the envelopes being sent to people you're inviting to the ceremony. People not invited to the ceremony should NOT receive any details about something they are not invited to. That would be rude. (Those examples that someone else posted above, from verseit.com-- should NOT be used.)

(However, you could NOT do it vice versa-- You can have small ceremony, big reception, but NOT big ceremony small reception. Everyone you invite must be invited to the reception, because it is rude to deny guests hospitality.)

If you do the etiquette properly, the above invitation procedure is a perfectly polite thing to do. Whether people's feelings are hurt, you can't control. They should not assume they will be invited to something if they don't know for certain.

Answer 3

there may be some guests who will be offended that they are not invited. But during the course of planning a wedding, there is always at least one person who is not happy with some aspect on how a couple chooses to plan their wedding. All you can do is plan the wedding the two of you feel most comfortable with. Those who really want to share in your joy will respect your wishes. Below are few examples of what you can say on your reception invitations. There are more suggestions at http://www.verseit.com or you can always see sample wording provided by the company where you will be purchasing your invitions.

The pleasure of your company is requested
at the reception celebrating the wedding
of
BRIDE
and
GROOM
DATE at TIME
LOCATION
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE

BRIDE
and
GROOM
will be married in a private wedding ceremony on
DATE
LOCATION
Please join us for a reception
immediately after the ceremony
DATE at TIME
LOCATION
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE

BRIDE
and
GROOM
are happy to announce
their marriage
on DAY
YEAR
CITY, STATE
Please join them
for a celebration
on DAY
YEAR
TIME
LOCATION
CITY, STATE


BRIDE
and
GROOM
will be married on
DATE
LOCATION
Please join them for a reception
when they return
DATE at TIME
LOCATION
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE

Answer 4

I would send out wedding invitations to those I want to attend. I would then send out separate reception invitations to those I want to attend the reception. Yes, some will get both. But if you do separate mailings, it is clear what the expectation is to all. Also, many people will like the idea. Usually the reception is much more enjoyable.

Answer 5

The pleasure of your company is requested at the wedding reception of ............ on ............ at............. . You do as you want and don't worry about offending guests. There will always be someone who isn't happy but it's your day.

Answer 6

We got married!
___ and ___ want you to celebrate with them on date, time info.

or

Please join us in celebration of the union of ________ and _______.
time, date info