What would you do?

jlbmousie

My Mom and I are having a debate. 

There is a lady at church that plays the piano at weddings.  I just know this lady from church and it has just been casual conversation.  She did ask me if I needed a musician  ( at the time I did not however, I may need her services) 

My maid of honor is a classical opera singer and is going to sing the song the Prayer for me during our ceremony.  I definitely need someone to play the piano. My Maid of Honor's mom usually provides the musical accompaniment but may not be able to for my wedding.  This is why I may need to contact the lady from my church.

Do I invite the lady from church to the reception?  Of course I will pay her for playing, but I do not feel I need to invite her to the reception. 

My venue will only hold 152 guests.  If I have more than 152 guests I will not be able to hold the wedding there ( the venue would know if I have more than 152 guests because I have to provide a guest list since we are getting married on a military base).  I want my  friends and family at the reception not someone who is just an acquaintance.

My Mom thinks if the acquaintance from church plays for me that I need to invite her to the reception.  I believe that I do not have to invite her to the reception. 

Who is correct?

mparwulski

I don't think you need to invite her.  You will already be paying her.  And if you look at it from the point of view of your venue size, you can't.  The decision has been made for you.  Use that as an excuse if you need you.

On a side note, a friend of mine is also an opera singer (funny, I didn't think there were that many of them and I know 2) will be singing during our ceremony too. She considered recorded accompaniment.  But I asked her and she is just going to sing acapella.

sarahebrown

I agree with Maria above. The lady is not a guest, per say, she is a vendor. You are paying her just as you are paying your photographer, etc. I assume your ceremony site and reception site are not in the same place, so it makes sense that she wouldn't be coming to the reception. I see your Mom's side too, if your Mom considers this woman a friend. But, ultimately, it's your wedding, not your Mom's, so I suggest you polietely remind both ladies that your guest list is mighty full and you already have lots of mouths to feed. They should understand that.