How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

Our guest list has grown considerably from the 140's to 191! I have a number of 'friends' from college who I e-mail with once in a while and see once or twice a year and I have a PT job where I'm not super friendly with anyone so I was thinking of extending a ceremony only invitation since all these people know I'm getting married and always ask how things are going. What do you guys think? If it matters at all we're not getting married at our reception hall.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

If you can't invite them to the reception, I wouldn't invite them at all

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

Personally I wouldn't do it. You could casually mention it maybe and if they decide they want to come to the church or wherever to see you get married then fine, but I wouldn't send them a 'ceremony invite only'

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

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Posted by suven

If you can't invite them to the reception, I wouldn't invite them at all

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Me too

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

I did not want to do it because we got married at our reception site. I think that since you are getting married in a different location it should be fine.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

i wouldn't send them anything official, but i have a lot of people who have told me already that they would love to come to the ceremony. you could always mention when and where the ceremony is, and if they want to come they can.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

I wouldn't do it. I would be worried the ceremony only people would ask the reception people where the reception was, and just show up.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

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Posted by fallinlove04

i wouldn't send them anything official, but i have a lot of people who have told me already that they would love to come to the ceremony. you could always mention when and where the ceremony is, and if they want to come they can.

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Agreed - I would not send one of your invites. But I think it's okay to let them know the details and that they are welcome.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

We told people in the beginning of wedding planning that we're having a small wedding. We have extended invitations to the church for almost EVERYONE we know (it's free). I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the church and our close family and friends at the reception.

I think you can ask them to come to the church. I'm personally am a 'church hopper' when it comes to weddings. I look forward to going to the church if I'm not invited to the reception. I guess because I know how much it costs I don't get offended when I'm not invited but I wouldn't miss out on the church.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

I would not invite people only to the ceremony...JMO

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

I wouldn't 'invite' them to the ceremony only. I'd let them know when it was in case they wanted to see you in your dress.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

I think, if I were extended an invite to the church only, I would be offended.

It's sort of a catch-22. It's fine for people you know but could not invite to come to the church, but it's impolite to ask them. If it's brought up to you, then you can of course welcome them. But I wouldn't tell people to come.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

not a big fan of it...

just like i don't like it when guests say 'i'll come the reception' and skip the ceremony i find both situations a little impolite.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

i wouldnt do it...you can always mention at work that your up to your limit already...

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

I think it's just asking for more headaches!

There is inevitably a person who doesn't quite 'get' the concept of just going to the church, and will show at the reception.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

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Posted by suven

If you can't invite them to the reception, I wouldn't invite them at all

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ditto!

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

I had people at my job that asked where the ceremony was so they could come and see me, unfortunately I could not invite them all. Maybe at your job, you could just put and invitation with ceremony info up on a board for them to see, and if they want to come they can. And maybe casually in an e-mail tell your college friends if they would like to come to the ceremony they are more than welcome and give them the info. But I wouldn't just send them an invite with only the ceremony info.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

IMO I wouldn't do that. The ceremony is usually opened to everyone anyway. If you can't invite them to the reception then don't send any invite at all. If they know when the ceremony is and want to go then they will.

Also a close friend of mine did this and a lot of people complained about it.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

I would not send an invite to them, but just spread the word where your church is if you want people to come that you could not invite to the reception.

I know my parents are doing that at work bc a lot of their clients/business colleagues want to come to the church and they are not invited to the reception.

Re: How do you feel about inviting people to ceremony only?

This has been very helpful...thank you! By the way, when I said invite I meant a verbal 'church is at 2:30 at xyz....' not a mailed invitation. I appreciate your comments. I wish I could have everyone at our reception.....sighs...... THANKS!