[lola]

I am having a destination wedding in Florida (from Illinois) and we are only inviting parents and siblings/significant others. My parents are divorced and not only do they not get along, neither do their families. Their families are both very large. Also, my fiancee is from a large italian family who is always fighting. I am keeping it to immediate family so that we can enjoy our day peacefully without any ridiculous drama. We chose Florida b/c it will be inexpensive and we are on a tight budget BUT now it seems that b/c we chose something so affordable the whole family thinks they should be invited (at their own expense). We decided we are absolutely not inviting anyone else but we originally intended to have a very informal cocktail reception when we get home. Except, if everyone is mad at us, should we bother? I feel as though noone may come. We even thought we may do a New Years Eve party so everyone would have somewhere to party New Years Eve with drinks at our expense but now I'm not so sure we should do anything at all. If we dont do a reception should we send out announcements with a picture of us getting married on the beach? This is becoming such a headache which is what I was trying to avoid!!!

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

You know your family best so stick with your original idea. The New Year's party sounds like fun, and is perfectly acceptable as a reception type of event, but, if the families don't get along how will that work? Just something to consider.

Yes, you should send out announcements to anyone not invited to the wedding who you feel should be informed.