Many brides with a strict budget may question etiquette and their guest list; ceremony vs. reception. The question stands: Is it acceptable to have two types of guest invitations to keep the reception guest count to a minimum?
While it's true that keeping the guest list small is the best way to reduce the reception budget, inviting guests to the ceremony but not the reception isn't always the best way to minimize costs. Just imagine how hurt you'd feel if a friend invited you only to her wedding and later you found out she held an intimate and lavish reception for only a select few.
However, there are a few exceptions; and few only defines two rare exceptions. Sometimes, couples open their ceremony to the membership of their congregation or synagogue. The invitation is issued with an announcement in the weekly bulletin, or by the clergy person. In this case, only those guests who receive a reception invitation attend the reception.
In the other scenario, only very close family attends a reception. All other guests are simply invited to the ceremony, with no mention of "reception to follow." If you can, arrange for punch and cake immediately after the wedding ceremony so that you have an opportunity to thank people for coming and offer them refreshment. Then plan your very private reception for later in the day or the following day.
It is okay, however, to flip the situation around—inviting more guests to the reception than to the ceremony. Just be aware that any guests invited to a reception only (whether it's held the same day or a month later), don't have an obligation to give a gift. Many choose to send one anyhow, but don't be offended if you don't receive gifts from everyone.
While it's true that keeping the guest list small is the best way to reduce the reception budget, inviting guests to the ceremony but not the reception isn't always the best way to minimize costs. Just imagine how hurt you'd feel if a friend invited you only to her wedding and later you found out she held an intimate and lavish reception for only a select few.
However, there are a few exceptions; and few only defines two rare exceptions. Sometimes, couples open their ceremony to the membership of their congregation or synagogue. The invitation is issued with an announcement in the weekly bulletin, or by the clergy person. In this case, only those guests who receive a reception invitation attend the reception.
In the other scenario, only very close family attends a reception. All other guests are simply invited to the ceremony, with no mention of "reception to follow." If you can, arrange for punch and cake immediately after the wedding ceremony so that you have an opportunity to thank people for coming and offer them refreshment. Then plan your very private reception for later in the day or the following day.
It is okay, however, to flip the situation around—inviting more guests to the reception than to the ceremony. Just be aware that any guests invited to a reception only (whether it's held the same day or a month later), don't have an obligation to give a gift. Many choose to send one anyhow, but don't be offended if you don't receive gifts from everyone.
