My nephew is getting married in October. He and has bride, who is catholic and from up north, are inviting about 200 people to a catholic church ceremony. the church does not have large reception space.They have rented a reception location in town and are having a reception there but only plan to invite 75 of the 200 guests. Now I KNOW that is a big no-no at least for southern baptist which our side of the family is. I doubt we'll be able to change their minds about doing this. Can anyone advise me on the best way to diplomatically inform guests for the ceremony that they are NOT invited to the reception? I have advised the couple to do a small cake and punch bowl somewhere at the church as a mini reception and then the "private" one later. But I don't know if they will go for it. Any ideas most appreciated.
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
May 28, 2008, 4:54 PM
Post #2 of 2
(338 views)
Re: Invited to Ceremony but NOT reception?
[In reply to]
Dear Lovesgirl,
This is a major no-no and is impolite to guests. It's like saying to guests that the couple wants their wedding gift, but they are not important enough to come to the party. Even if they had a cake and punch reception for all and had a private reception, it wouldn't be polite. All wedding guests should be invited to the entire reception. There is no polite way to explain this to the guests who are not invited.
It may be best to ask the couple to read our many posts on the subject or to read any etiquette book that informs about wedding etiquette.
Invited to Ceremony but NOT reception?
