Don’t invite someone to a wedding ceremony, but not to the reception. Yes, you can do it by excluding a reception invitation card from their invitation, but frankly, we think that’s a little bit rude and bound to lead to confusion when some guests leave to go the reception.
It is better just to decide your budget and then stick to it. If your funds are tight, consider having a less formal and more casual (but still joyful) celebration so that you can include everyone you want to include.
It is generally fine to invite a limited number of people to a ceremony, because that will be more meaningful to the bride and groom, and then have a larger reception that has a separate invitation sent out. Sometimes the couple arrives at the reception and sometimes it is held at a later date.
Married elsewhere, reception only invitation:
If you are married in a small private ceremony or in a small destination wedding, you can still invite people to a reception to honor your marriage. Here are some ways to do that:
. . . . . . . . . .
Jane Smith
and
John Johnson
are pleased to announce
that we will be married
in a private ceremony
in Las Vegas
on Sunday, May 24, 2015
Please join us for a celebration toast
when we return as husband and wife
on Sunday, May 24, 2015
at 8:30 p.m.
First Bar
City, State
. . . . . . . . . .
Jane Smith
and
John Johnson
invite you to be with us
as we celebrate our new life together
as husband and wife
Please join us
on Saturday, July 11, 2015
at 5 o’clock
at the First Club
Casual Attire
R.S.V.P. to 919-123-4567
. . . . . . . . . .
We eloped!
Because you have shared in our lives
by your friendship and love
we are very proud
to share our happy news.
Jane Smith
and
John Johnson
pledged vows of love and faith
in a small private ceremony
in Hawaii
on Friday, May 22, 2015
Please join us to celebrate at a
Brunch Reception
on Saturday, July 11th
at 11:30 a.m.
Elmo’s Diner
City, State
R.S.V.P. via e-mail to
mail@address.com
by July 1st