Invite to reception only?

beckyh77

Is it tacky to invite people to the reception only? Our church only holds about 170 and our guest list is 200.

theponz512

Isn't it acceptable to have an intimate ceremony (immeadiately family and WP) and then a larger reception? I've heard of that happening, and i am not sure if that is against ettiquette or not. 

If it isn't, that might always be an option.

loca4pook

What time is your ceremony vesus reception? If you have a LARGE gap in time, you are probably safe in assuming not all will come to both.

IF the are back to back and nearby, chances are your numbers will be higher in attending both

You can't disclude just 30 people, though

tmwishful

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_invite-to-reception-only?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:f09cc3b1-2786-4404-ae5b-b233ca45174bPost:82ad51ea-f751-4a0b-83ae-4ad8117e3a47">Re: Invite to reception only?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Invite to reception only? : Gaps are extremely rude. 
Posted by ILoveMilkDuds[/QUOTE]

<div>I've always thought so.</div>

kmmssg

Listen to these ladies.  These are the boards that told me to plan for 100% attendance.  I'm a 3 time MOB.  My oldest DD had 96% of her guest list attend her wedding in the middle of a sucky Winter.  ootmother2's DD had (I believe) 200 guests invited and only 2 didn't attend.  Is this the across the board norm?  No.  Does it happen?  Absolutely, and you need to have a venue that will COMFORTABLY hold your guest list.  if 170 is the max, that isn't comfortable, that is probably a bit squished.

beckyh77

In Response to Re:Invite to reception only?:[QUOTE]Clearly you are not listening to us.....Posted by mkrupar[/QUOTE]

....I am asking for honest opinions well in advance, and appreciate the input. Clearly, you need to take a chill pill.

Summer2011Bride

Just don't make assumptions about your guests at all and you'll be fine. Don't assume some will not come. Don't assume some won't bring their (invited) kids. You need to plan for the guest list you have. If that is 200 people and includes kids, you need to plan to host 200 people with kids.

HNothum55

Personnally yes some people might be a little upset, but I would be more upset if I got completely cut and wasn't invited. I would rather find out that you ran out of room but still wanted others to be a part of your celebration so you invited them to just the reception. You are always going to deal with someone being unhappy with your wedding, or people giving you grief about a post, but it's YOUR wedding. They should still be happy that you wanted them involved. I hope you get it all sorted out and everyone can be involved, ceremony or reception!