We are eloping with close friends and family (only about 20 of us or less). After the ceremony at 11 am we want to go to a restaurant for lunch or a dinner afterwards with our friends and family to eat and celebrate. We don't plan on it being a reception (we won't have a cake or wear our clothing we got married in), just everyone getting together to celebrate. It will be something low key and I don't see it being more than $20-$25 per person. With that being said, it is not in our budget and my fiance does not believe we should pick up the check. I feel like I'm ethically torn.
Is it right to make your guest pay for there meals in this situation?
And how do you word that we are going to a restaurant to celebrate later that day and the guests are expected to pay for themselves on a invitation?
Please help me! We are getting hitched in NEXT MONTH!
Update: I posted this below, but just so it is read I will post it here, as well.
Sorry! Elope is not the correct word. We invited very close friends and family to a beach town a few hours away from where we live. Obviously, this is very informal, because our first initial invite was through word of mouth. I have order invitations and can always order reception card and have them rush We are planning on having a casual reception with everyone, invited and not, a few weekends after we get home. If that makes any difference.
My fiance does not like the though of paying $400 - $500 at a restaurant. I understand that, but I feel like it would be quite rude to invite someone somewhere and then turn around and have them pay. I would like to celebrate that evening or afternoon (very low-key and informal, a restaurant or a bar). What is the best way of going about that? OR is that even acceptable?