How to word invitations to tell guests they are expected to pay for their own meal
Hello All,
My husband and I were married civilly one year ago and to celebrate we are having a temple sealing in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple(Mormon). Now this is a big deal in our religion and we are very excited...however! My husband is deep into school & we are not able to pay for a reception. We are having a small dinner after which will only be for immediate family! BUT with my husband’s family being so big, they all want to attend and we've given them the option to attend the reception. Now I've read you’re so called 'rules' that if you invite you pay...however this is not a wedding reception so the rules I feel don't apply to this situation. My question is how to word or phrase a Dutch dinner after the sealing due to other family members coming that aren't officially invited!? And should we word this as a celebration dinner or anniversary dinner?
Sincerely,
Confused and Flustered
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Aug 12, 2008, 11:16 AM)
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Aug 12, 2008, 4:10 PM
Post #2 of 2
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Re: How to word invitations to tell guests they are expected to pay for their own meal
[In reply to]
Dear BJohnson,
My "so called rules?" The rules are not mine, although I would have wanted to create them and feel the rule is fair. These rules are in every etiquette book and understood and practiced by all who know how to treat others with respect.
I'm sorry if you feel that the rules don't apply for you, but they do. In all cases, when you invite, you pay. And, if you send an invitation to others, you are inviting. So, there is no polite way to mention on an invitation that your guests are expected to pay for the party. The reason you are finding it difficult to word this is because you probably realize that there is no polite way to phrase it. It is best not to invite them and explain why.
You could invite your guests to a dinner to celebrate your temple sealing.
How to word invitations to tell guests they are expected to pay for their own meal
