[taltons]

Good morning. I have a wedding crisis and I think I've solved it, but I'm not sure.

Our wedding is in February and many in our community (business clients, civic collegues, friends) assume they will be invited. My wedding planner has called many of them to "update my records" with their personal address. Now we realize most of our family members are going to attend and that only leaves room for some collegues.

My thought is to mail invitations to close friends and collegues who have already attended the shower and mail announcements with an invitation to a reception in April to those who cannot be invited to the wedding due to a lack of space.

Also, what do I say to them? I don't want to hurt feelings or make people feel they aren't important. I'm a small business owner and my clients are quite close to me. Help!!

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Taltons,

Inviting those who attended your shower is a must. The rest could receive a save the date for the reception in April. There is no need to mention the wedding on these.

Just tell them the truth, that you had limited space and many family members, but you want to share with them as much as possible, so you hope to see them at the reception.

Best wishes,