[ahill025]

We are having our destination wedding ceremony in Lake Tahoe and a reception to follow 2 weeks later at home. We did not actually invite anyone to our ceremony, however, we have a current list of 30 people who are going to be coming to the ceremony. We are on a very tight budget and were not planning on doing anything after the ceremony since we are having a full reception (dinner, DJ, bar) once we return. We feel weird having that many people going to the ceremony and then just saying goodbye afterwards. Any suggestions of what to do after that would be cheap, yet appropriate?

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 19 August 2025 - 06:31 AM

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Ahill,

It is unusual to have guests in attendance who were not invited. It they weren't, then you are not obligated to provide anything for them. However, it does seem awkward not to do anything. Depending on the time of day and venue, you could provide items like pastries and coffee/tea, cake and coffee/tea/punch, or sandwiches with soft drinks/ice tea. Earlier in the day is best.

If the venue, time, and budget doesn't allow, you don't need to provide them with anything but your time. Perhaps all of you could just mingle for a while and discuss the upcoming reception. But, providing something light to eat and drink while mingling would be best if possible.

Best wishes,