Hi all, this is my first post so go easy on me
I'm the primary planner for a close friend's upcoming wedding. They are trying to be as frugal as possible since they don't have very much money. So far, we're leaning toward having a very small (less than 50 people) family ceremony in the MIL's backyard on a Saturday evening at a time that isn't during a mealtime (after dinner time), and then afterward having light hors d'oeuvres and drinks, some dancing and backyard games. For the reception, we were thinking of having it the next evening (also at a time that isn't during a mealtime; after dinner most likely) at their local tavern that has agreed to let them host the reception for free until 10pm, and serving cupcakes/cake/some sort of dessert and some light hors d'oeuvres. There would probably be around 100 people at the reception and it would be mostly friends and acquaintances. Think casual: pool, darts, corn toss, makeshift photo booth, etc.
My questions are-- is this tacky? I'm of the impression that as long as you schedule it at an other-than-mealtime time, and phrase it in a way that is clear there won't be a sit-down meal, then people won't be hungry and mad. She's worried about coming off as cheap, but I think it's better to be upfront about what the deal is (casual situation, providing less fare than a traditional ceremony/reception) than implying you might be providing more and run out of food/disappoint guests. How would you phrase those invitations? Any help anyone has is wonderful. Thank you in advance!