Ceremony only wedding????

You should definitely have the bagels and such for after the ceremony. Maybe phrase the invitation that light refreshments will follow the ceremony? Technically it's still a reception but by phrasing it as light refreshments I think it will convey the idea of low key, no dances or anything or like that. As far as the burger place goes you can let people know you will be going there by word of mouth.

I phrased my reception as "cocktail" style because were only serving hor de vors (pretty heavy).

If you are having brunch, there isn’t much point in going out for lunch. I think this sounds like s nice idea. What are your thoughts on the timing? Perhaps an 11am ceremony followed by a brunch buffet? Bagels and cold cuts isn’t light refreshments so I wouldn’t say that on an inviting. Perhaps, join us in celebrating the marriage of .......... ceremony at 11am. Followed by brunch.

View Quoted Comment Exactly this!!! And you never invite someone to have lunch with you and then tell them they have to pay for it... you invite, you properly host and pay or don’t put it on an invite.

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Thanks!!!
So we booked a photographer when we were having a "wedding" but since we aren't, we have her for a 2 hour "just married" session after we marry. We fly out at 5pm so we need to be back at our house by 3.

SO i was thinking....

9-10:30am ceremony/cocktail type hour

we do photos from 10:30 to 12:30 then we are going to go to lunch with us/our family.

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That sounds lovely but, if you invite your family to lunch then you need to pay for it.

I'd word your invitation as "followed by a light breakfast". If you are serving cake you could also say join us for cake and punch following the ceremony (you can still serve your other breakfast food too).

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I agree with all the above posters - you invite people anywhere, you pay for it. Have you thought of upping the food after the wedding so it is more filling then no need to go to lunch?

First of all, you are having a reception. A reception is a time to receive your guests and offer them refreshment. As long as you are offering your guests something to eat and drink without expecting them to pay for anything, you are golden

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Are you going to another location and doing photos alone? Don't you want pictures of the ceremony and of your family and friends that are attending? Might I suggest that you push the ceremony to 9:30am and do a breakfast from 9:45 - 11:30am, with the photographer taking pictures at the ceremony and "breakfast reception" from 9:30 - 11am. The photographer can then get some portraits of just the 2 of you from 11 - 11:30 while your guests continue to enjoy breakfast and mingle. You can still go to lunch with your family at 12:30/12:45. However, you shouldn't invite anyone to join you for lunch unless you or someone else is paying for them. I don't think you need cocktails that early in the morning unless you want mimosas and bloody marys. I'd skip cold cuts at that hour and you can have a bagel bar with butter, cream cheeses (different types), tuna salad, chicken salad, lox (if your guests are into that), and perhaps some breakfast pastries like Danish, croissants and muffins. I'd also be sure to have coffee and hot water for tea.

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This was very helpful!! thanks!!

I would plan on some time after the cocktail hour if you'll be taking pictures during it. People will want to talk to you, take pictures with you on their phones, congratulate you, etc. I think that's totally fine! I'd just word it as "We invite you to our reception & light cocktail hour" then maybe spread the lunch by word of mouth since it's only 25 people?

Your idea is very similar to what we are doing. We have a 9:30 a ceremony. Breakfast tacos, donuts, and drinks for guests prior to ceremony 8:45-9:15, then ceremony from 9:30 to 10:00 at latest. 10:00-11:15 for mingling with guests/pics. Followed by 30 min drive to restaurant for lunch reception at noon with our guests, but we are paying. We will have about 80 people including ourselves. Lunch over by 3:30 p.m.