open reception followed by closed for family and close friends
My daughter’s fiancé has a large family, and a large number of friends they wish to invite to the wedding. We are limited financially and are thinking about having an open reception after the service at the church with appetizers, punch, cheese cake , with a video and pictures of the bride and groom, and a receiving line with just the bride and groom. This would last about 45 minutes.
Following this would be a closed reception, with a brunch for only family and close friends (175 total)
2 different invitations would be sent.
Is this OK, or is it offensive. We are just trying to accommodate the large number of people that want to see them married, and provide a modest way for them to wish the bride and groom well, but still have a manageable reception.
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jun 7, 2006, 10:44 AM
Post #2 of 2
(1124 views)
Re: [tidalestar] open reception followed by closed for family and close friends
[In reply to]
Dear MOB,
Parents are no longer financially responsible for their children's weddings. So, if they want to invite all of these people, they should pay for them. If the groom's family wants all of these people, it should be the couple who agrees and the groom's family should pay.
Actually, the parents friends are not invited as much these days, because weddings are no longer considered the social event for parents as it once was.
The couple should be financially in control and do all of the planning and inviting.
What you are describing is the open church type of affair, which is typically fine. However, yours is not an open church wedding for all of those who attend the church. These would be invited guests--completely different type of event.
It is considered impolite to invite some to the 'real' reception and not all. 175 guests is a lot. That is the size of a 'real' reception. This isn't the size of a small family meal after the wedding, which would have been fine.
So, it would be best for everyone to chip in if they all want a big affair.
open reception followed by closed for family and close friends
