Our son is marrying a wonderful young lady from a city approximately 2 1/2 hours from our family and friends. They have decided to get married in her home town. Which is what we expected and understand. The bride's family doesn't have a lot of money and so the bride and groom are paying for most of it themselves. We have already given them about $3,000 toward the wedding and we are okay with this. The question is regarding the guests.
Both my husband and I come from large families. The immediate aunts, uncles and cousins equal 49. That is not counting the out of state family, second cousins or our aunts and uncles. This is just our siblings and their children. The bride and groom want to only have 60 people at the wedding. Our son wants to invite only 2 of his cousins but not the rest. One of which has 3 sisters. They have planned their wedding at an all-inclusive venue so that there will be a reception immediately following the ceremony at the same location. We offered to pay for the extra guests to insure all immediate relatives were included. But they only want the 60 people. We have suggested a reception in the city where we live 2 weeks after the wedding, when they return from their honeymoon. Both are in agreement this would be nice because then everyone would be included and they could invite more of their friends. Is this a proper solution for the big family problem, are all those invited to the wedding invited to the second reception, and how do you word an invitation that is for a reception only?
Too many questions? Sorry. I do appreciate your time and effort in guiding us through our preparations. Thank you.
Usually, all wedding guests are invited to the "real or entire" reception and they are often invited to all of the receptions. But, it has become very common for more than one reception to accommodate those who cannot travel or attend the wedding. We wouldn't do this if it was strictly a family reception (excluding family from the bride's side) if this was held in the same city. That would seem insulting. But, in your case it would seem appropriate, after all you are 2 1/2 hours away.
small wedding, big reception
