My FMIL approached me the other day about having a second reception a few weeks after the wedding. She said she would like to host an "open house" style reception for everyone from FI's church as well as some other family friends and people FI knows. (old boy scount leaders, shop/ag teacher, FFA leaders, etc). Probably a total of 50 people. All of these people, however, are not invited to the wedding - mainly because of budget and that FI isn't super close them. I really don't know any of these people and have only ever met a handful.
I know second receptions are common when the wedding is held out of town. However, everything in our case is happening locally. My mom and I wonder if this is inappropriate, as it kind of rubs in the fact that these folks weren't invited to the wedding in the first place. And even if the invitations say "no gifts," it can still create an awkward situation. FI says no, just because he wants to be done after the wedding and not have to worry about another reception.
Wedding planning has been a little rough with FMIL, including her planning the rehearsal dinner and later pulling the plug. After all of this unfolded, she later admitted that she has been seeking mental counseling and is on multiple medications (depression and issues pertaining to FI's parent's divorce 2 years ago). She's nowhere near the lady she used to be, and is fragile, at best. How do we explain to her that we don't really want this party, without royally pissing her off? I see that she has good intentions and just wants to share the good news, but I'd love to gracefully bow out. Can we veto or do we need to suck it up?