Church wedding—restaurant reception???

The reception is your thank you for guests coming to the ceremony, so anyone invited to the ceremony should be invited to the reception. If you want to do a small cake and punch reception for everyone at the church before taking a smaller group the the restaurant, that may be an option.

Hannah is correct. It is more acceptable to have a small ceremony for private, venue size, etc... reasons and a larger reception. I would look into doing an earlier time in between lunch and dinner if you can and I would at least at the church if possible do cake and punch or do some party trays like fruit and cheese, veggies and dip and maybe some chicken tenders. What time are you planning for the ceremony?

View Quoted Comment We were thinking of doing 3pm reception. Not sure yet. So much to think of. 😞

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Yes wedding planning can be exciting and annoying all at the same time. Sounds to me like your ceremony could be earlier after lunch. See what others thing but maybe do some light bites for your guests and do "after party for close family and friends" at a restaurant or your house? Party trays are a cheap way to feed your guests. How many guests will you have? If you are doing light bites then definitely state that in the invitation such as please join us for a reception after the ceremony. Light bites or appetizers to be served or join us for a cake and punch reception. This way they know not to come hungry. I went to one sorority sister's wedding and I get it her ex and she did not have a lot of money but I wish I had known in advance for an evening wedding that it was light (and I mean) light bites. Basically most of us left afterwards and went out to a restaurant. Had I known I would have eaten prior.

Yeah I would try to host something after especially because a ceremony is usually so short

It would be incredibly rude. Guests should be invited to both the ceremony and reception. The reception is how you thank your guests for attending your wedding. I would have your ceremony at non-meal time if you don't want to serve a full meal. What time are you thinking of starting the ceremony if your reception would be at 3 pm? Most ceremonies take about 30 minutes then your guests would have to travel from the church to the reception location and if you have cocktail hour that would mean your ceremony should start at approximately 1:00-1:15 pm. Your guests might be expecting a late lunch/early dinner if your reception starts at 3 pm.

Most churches have some sort of gathering area- basement, back of church, etc. where you could have Finger sandwiches, punch and dessert. If you wanted to invite to ceremony you could note to Please join us immediately following the ceremony for appetizers and dessert. A sit down dinner wouldn’t be mentioned formally as part of that. For those people just invite them to dinner later.

View Quoted Comment Perfect time to only host a cake & punch reception afterwards in the church hall.

Ceremony only or reception only invites are seen as rude because it gives the impression that they're not good enough to participate in your entire day. Decide who you want in attendance and invite them to both events.