I am getting married in a small chapel with only enough seats for the immediate family. I am having a large reception immediately after the ceremony. How do I word the invitation so that people people won't be offended if they are not invited to the ceremony?

Simply invite them to the reception, with no mention of the preceding ceremony. If anyone asks, just tell them what you've told us here, that there is insufficient seating space for everyone at the ceremony.

I'm sorry, but people will be offended at not being invited to the ceremony... there is no wording that will suffice. I just got married in June and I've done my research here... not inviting them to the ceremony will leave the impression that you are only inviting them to a reception for the gifts. I know that's not what you intend, but be prepared for some of your guests who will get this impression.

That being said, if you insist upon doing it this way you should print separate invitations for those not welcome at the ceremony. They should be simple and not mention the ceremony. Just say: "Please join us in a celebration of our wedded vows"... or something similar.

I think you should say on the invite that you are having a private or small ceremony but would love to invite the guest to share your special day by attending the reception

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Originally Posted by s_cianci

Simply invite them to the reception, with no mention of the preceding ceremony. If anyone asks, just tell them what you've told us here, that there is insufficient seating space for everyone at the ceremony.

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Top answer!

I'd be chuffed to bits that someone had just thought to invite me to the reception! If people don't like the perfectly sound explanation you've just given us, then retract your invitation to the reception, they'll soon think again! No point letting bitter people spoil one of the best days of your life!

Good Luck for your wedding and the future!

I agree... do not mention it on the invite to the people who are not invited.

This site may help some... http://occasions.southworth.com/index.php?id=41

I'm going through this Same thing right now. I'm getting married in April also at a small chapel. I made up a separate invite and put this on it:

Together with our parents
We invite you to share in our happiness
As we celebrate our marriage at a reception to be held on
Saturday, the fifth of April
Two thousand and eight
Five o'clock in the evening

Place



I've seen in quite a few different places where people say do not do this as the guests will be "offended". Well if they are going to be "offended" then I don't want them there. If they can't be understanding as to why I could not invite them to the ceremony, as I did not have enough seating, then I don't want them there to help celebrate at all. With every wedding that I've ever been invited to, I've been honored to even be invited - EVEN IF IT WAS JUST FOR THE RECEPTION!

Hope this helps