Mention private ceremony?

BBsWoman

Hi there! 

I already know it's against all kinds of etiquette rules but for many reasons, my fiance and I are having a small, private ceremony with just our grandparents, parents and siblings one hour before our reception with 250 guests. 

Our invites say "request the pleasure of your company at the celebration of our wedding" and we'll have a reception card reiterating that the reception starts at the same time as what is stated on the invite.

Do I need to mention on the reception enclosure card that we'll be having a private ceremony? I mentioned it on our wedding website. Or do I just let it slide and hope our friends and family get it without it being explicitly stated? Most of them know the situation already. 

Thanks for your help!

LiLe422

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_mention-private-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:a548fb78-d765-40a1-9207-f89bae8e40f0Post:b1a144b1-5f25-4ab1-8aa1-b1b6d395a78d">Mention private ceremony?</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi there! <strong> I already know it's against all kinds of etiquette rules but for many reasons, my fiance and I are having a small, private ceremony with just our grandparents, parents and siblings one hour before our reception with 250 guests.</strong>  Our invites say "request the pleasure of your company at the celebration of our wedding" and we'll have a reception card reiterating that the reception starts at the same time as what is stated on the invite. <strong>Do I need to mention on the reception enclosure card that we'll be having a private ceremony?</strong> I mentioned it on our wedding website. <strong>Or do I just let it slide and hope our friends and family get it without it being explicitly stated?</strong> Most of them know the situation already.  Thanks for your help!
Posted by BBsWoman[/QUOTE]

Not against etiquette whatsoever.  Your private ceremony is truly that so you are fine.

I would have made it clear on the invitation that you are having a private ceremony.  My invitation says LiLe & FI will exchange vows in a private ceremony (blah, blah, blah) please join them in celebration of their marriage (blah, blah, blah.)  Honestly, if most of your guests know its a private ceremony I would not reiterate it on the reception card.

libby2483

PPs are right - it actually isn't against etiquette at all.  As long as your ceremony is truly private, as in parents, siblings, and grandparents, you are in the clear.  It sounds as though this is the case with you, so it is fine.  I think that LiLe's suggestion is great.

banana468

Ditto CMGr.   Your invitation will invite the guests to the reception and then you'll include an enclosure card for those who are welcome to the ceremony.

dayro11

A close friend of mine had a private ceremony on the beach and then a huge party 2 weeks later at her parents home. I was not invited to the ceremony and I was NOT offended at all. The ceremony is for the bride and groom. The reception is for your family and friends. I say do it the way you feel comfortable. I know I will for my wedding next year!