[Sherry_R]

[:/]EVERYTHING is going smoothly, except for one hiccup..the guest list. The church is small and seats 150 comfortably..trying to limit to 75 each...well it isn't going to happen. I have a HUGE family, though not everyone can be invited, and so far, no friends invited. My mother-in-law-to-be suggested we not invite family/friends we haven't seen in the last five years. I am struggling with that because my family was ALL there on the worst day of my life, when I lost my Mom at 19, that I want them ALL there on the best day of my life. Any suggestions? I understand that even though we invite a lot of people, not everyone will show up...

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

How many guests can you reception venue seat? If more than the church perhaps you could invite 150 to the ceremony and the less close family and friends just to the reception.

[Sherry_R]

Sorry, I should've mentionned the hall seats about the same...150-200. We're not having a meal, just a dance at the hall.

[Etiquette Now]

If that is the case, you will have to cut deeply. You could also send invitations very early to those you must invite and ask for RSVPs very soon after. Then you can invite others once space is available. Just don't send any invitations less than 4 weeks before your wedding.

Please do not schedule this at a time your guests will expect a meal. It is considered impolite.

[Sherry_R]

We thought about doing a "backup" list..We thought about doing two sets of invitations. Our friends/family already know that we are not having a meal, just a dance.

I wasn't planning on RSVP for anything because we are not having a meal. When on a budget, saving extra on RSVP cards, evelopes and stamps were deemed not necessary

Wording on invitations will clearly state the festivities at the hall will begin after 7:30. We plan to do the receiving line at the hall as well as the speeches..which will take quite a while..the music will not actually start until probably 9:00.

[Etiquette Now]

You will probably end up with a lot of guests then. Plus, I had said not to send invitations any later than 4 weeks before, but that could make others feel as if they are second class. Typically guests wouldn't receive invitations eight to six weeks before the wedding. So, it is best to stick with this guide.

Please be realistic and only invite those you can afford to entertain. Even with only a dance, you should have some sort of food and beverages. It is only fair to your guests.