Whats the best way to invite people to your wedding ceremony only, not the reception?

Question

I have people who i work with that i would really like to come to my wedding, but we are restricted with numbers for the reception. Is it rude to invite them to come to the ceremony only? Should i send them an actual invitation? If so, how do i word it?

Please realise that im not trying to be rude! Its just that i have been planning my wedding for about 2 1/2 years and ive only worked with these people for about 6 months. Id really love to be able to invite them to my reception, but it would add like 20 people to the guest list and we cant actually fit that many people inside the reception house! I thought that inviting them to the ceremony at least would be less rude than not inviting them at all!

Answer 1

You shoudn't invite them at all. Make it common knowledge that you have limited space and cannot invite more people or that it is familly only. It's rude to invite people to just them ceremony when the fun part is the reception. Good luck

Answer 2

If you don't want to come off rude, which I know you don't. I think you should just leave it alone. Do not invite them to the wedding. People will think it rude if you just invite them to the ceremony and not the reception. As if their presence at the ceremony to make it look like more people was your need of them, and that to pay for them to attend your reception is not. Stick with what you've got. :) People will understand if you just don't invite, rather than just inviting them for the 'free' part.

Answer 3

hmmmmmmmm.... in an ideal world, people would be happy and content with coming to the celebration of your marriage whether or not there is a reception. But in the states, that usually doesn't fly.

If you were having a private reception (say, 40 people) and you invited 150 people to the ceremony, you might be able to get away with it by having a "punch and cookies" time after the ceremony. But since I doubt that's the case, I can't think of a way to invite people to just the ceremony without them being offended. Sorry. :-(

Answer 4

I would just word the invites to say that they re invited to the wedding. If they ask about the reception- tell them it is at a later time and that it is only for family.

If someone gets offended, that is on them. If you don't have enough room for everyone, then only invite those who you want to come by including an extra card in their invite. Word of mouth also works...

Good luck!

:0)

Answer 5

You can't formally invite them to the ceremony and not to the reception. That is considered rude. If your work friends express interest in coming to the wedding, I'd advise you tell them that seating at the reception is limited, and that some members of your own family could not be invited. Then mention that if they still wanted to see you on your wedding day, they are welcome to come to the ceremony.

I would only do this if they express interest on their own of attending the reception and/or ceremony.

If they don't' come to either, just let them know that you'll bring in plenty of pictures.

Answer 6

I defiantly understand how costly weddings can be but it's considered inappropriate to invite guests to witness your ceremony but not invite them to your reception.

To save costs, you could have a simple cake and punch ceremony for everyone immediately following the ceremony in the church hall, then have a private dinner reception later with your close family and friends. At least this way you can still thank your guests for coming and save costs at the same time.

But if this doesn't interest you, I don't think you should invite your co-workers to your ceremony if you are not going to invite them to your reception. Since they have taken time out of their day to witness your union, it's only appropriate to thank them and invite them to the reception as well. You can always bring in your wedding video and pictures to share with your co-workers afterward. I'm sure they'll understand. It's not uncommon for co-workers not to receive invitations to other co-workers weddings.

Answer 7

You really are not supposed to do this according to proper ettiquitte. I do understand the situation and feel you have good intentions. I would send out seperate hand wriiten invitations to invite them to a champagne toast after dinner has been served. This still may be a little improper but I would simply explain your situation to fellow co-workers and let them know you just wanted to share your special day with them in some way. I would not invite them to any bridal showers or any function where they felt inclined to buy a gift that would not be right. Let them know they are welcome to the church and you wish they could be at the entire reception but your venue is unable to accomodate the amount of seated guests you wanted. Good Luck!!

Answer 8

This is not an easy thing to do, as some people may be offended. But if you have to, you can have your usual invitation for the ceremony, and then at the bottom you can note that:

"Wedding banquet for close family members and relatives will follow the ceremony by separate invitations [only]."

If I were a guest, I won't be offended because it's obvious I'm not related to you. And I'm happy because I won't have to gift you as much as if I had to attend your banquet. Save both you and me some $$$.

Answer 9

I understand where you are coming from however you have to understand that people will think that not being invited to the reception is a rude gesture. (and you would think that people would understand the expense involved with hosting a reception). The bottom line is that folks won't think that far and they will be offended so it is best not to invite them at all.

Answer 10

Yes, it is rude. That's like saying "hey I like you but not enough to buy you a meal...you'll still have to get me a gift because I invited you to the ceremony."

Its better just not to invite them. Most likely they won't get to talk to you or congratulate you at the ceremony anyway, and you wouldn't know if they were there or not.

If they ask, just explain that you are already overbooked at the reception hall and that if they'd like to come to the ceremony that would be fine (make it a verbal invitation).