My fiancee and I are getting married in a civil ceremony at a restaurant. My fiancee is very ill with cancer and money is a problem. We want a small, private ceremony and then enjoy an intimite dinner party with immediate family members (approx. 15-20 people). Is it too tacky to ask invited guests to pay for their own dinner? We want them to come to share in our celebration, but honestly we can't afford to pay for everyone's dinner. How could I word it on the invitation without offending anyone?
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Nov 30, 2004, 4:21 PM
Post #2 of 3
(1683 views)
Re: [dsawyer] Help with Wording on Invitation
[In reply to]
Dear Help With,
I am very sorry for your fiance's illness. I hope he recovers fully.
I am also very sorry but there is no polite way to ask your guests to pay for your wedding and reception. If you cannot afford to pay for their dinners, it is best to change your plans.
There are many other reception ideas that are less expensive. For example, you could rent a room at a city recreation building (one in our city is $35 for five hours) and serve sparkling wine, coffee, and cake.
Re: [dsawyer] Help with Wording on Invitation
[In reply to]
There is no polite way to invite guests to pay for their own dinner. I suggest that you figure out what your budget is for the wedding. Then there are options to keep things small, elegant and within your budget. You could have wedding cake and champagne after the ceremony. You could have dinner catered by a local restaurant back at your home. You could narrow down the guest list even more. You could speak with immediate family members about helping to host the dinner for you. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Help with Wording on Invitation
