Separate invitations to wedding and reception?

Mahti

Is it okay if I have a very small and intimate ceremony and invite extended family and friends to the reception? We want to do something tiny, at city hall or my parent's house, followed by a large picnic for everyone.

Srasotasunshine

General rule of thumb is you invite everyone to both...It would be very awkward to be invited to a wedding and only be there for the reception.

I see this happen when there is a destination wedding and the couple comes back to throw a party only. But the same day and some people that were at the ceremony would be very off-putting.

snwilson0416

I think it is considered okay as long as the ceremony truly is tiny. Like, immediately family only.

Mahti

That's what we were thinking; our siblings and parents.

DramaGeek

Generally the E board says that if it is trule immediate family only - bride and groom, parents, siblings/SOs, and possibly grandparents - then yes, it's fine.  If you're inviting 40 to the ceremony and then an additional 40 to the reception, that won't work.

Mrs.B6302007

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_separate-invitations-wedding-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:d308a483-cc49-4a57-839d-94230470a116Post:02b6b776-a58a-42c1-8e17-0a6bcf08f012">Re: Separate invitations to wedding and reception?</a>:
[QUOTE]That's what we were thinking; our siblings and parents.
Posted by Mahti[/QUOTE]

You should be okay then, increasing the guest list for a picnic reception.  Sounds like you're keeping it simple.  GOod for you!  A picnic reception sounds very fun and inviting.  GL!

Brandiewine11

Yes, as PP said, as long as the ceremony is really only your very immediate family you should be fine. 

specialk84

If you get married at your parents' house, will the picnic be there as well?  I ask because FI's cousin had a similar plan, but several guests crashed the ceremony.

Mahti

I am not sure; I think a separate location as to avoid confusion and have bigger space. I just want things to be simple and not annoying   Thanks all for you answers; I think I feel more comfortable with the idea. If my not-immediate family and friends don't like it they can always skip it. I accomodate all of them on their days. So it will have to be fine