Inviting photo/pastor to reception

JZSMC121208

I have heard that you should invite your photographer and pastor to the reception, but do you have to? My FI and I are paying for it ourselves and can't afford to invite a ton of people. I know it would only be adding another 4 people but that is another $200+ that we will have to add on to our budget. I'm just wondering what you think and what most people are doing. Thanks.

mica178

Traditionally, the pastor (and spouse if married) is invited to the reception.  If you have no relationship with the pastor other than as a vendor, you could consider not inviting him/her, but that's between you and your FI.

Wouldn't your photographer be working (ie taking pictures) during the reception?  If so, that person would not be a guest at the reception.  I'd consider making a vendor meal available for your photographer, but you don't need to send an invitation or extend a +1.

jessicabessica

It's generally nice to invite your officiant and her/his spouse (if applicable) to the reception, although from what I've read here, they usually decline if they don't know you that well.  We are inviting our cantor and his wife, but I know they are not attending unless their other plans change. 

As for the photographer, won't s/he be there anyway, taking pictures?  If you're paying the photographer to take photos at the reception, you don't need to send a separate invitation or have a place for them, but you probably need to provide some kind of meal (ask them and/or check your contract to see what you need to provide). 

Good luck!

pantherRN

Ditto Mica.

[Deleted User]

Ditto Mica.

You need to provide a meal for your photographer since he will be taking pics at the reception. However, we did not send ours a formal invite, we simply asked him which meal selection he wanted.

We did send our priest and the deacon & his wife a formal invite.

AbbeyS2011

I will be inviting the pastor and his mom and dad (he is not married) to the reception.  Whether or not they decide to come is up to them. 

JZSMC121208

I wasn't planning on sending an invite (at least to the Photographer), I meant that as providing them food. Yes they will be taking pictures during dinner. At least that's what I am planning.  

My FI is really close with the pastor so I know we will probably invite them. 

I just want to thank you all for responding, I'm new to this and have no idea about things.