December wedding - mixed feelings

Could you elope with family in December, small ceremony & reception, then host a bigger ceremony a few months later?

We had our wedding on December 23rd. We invited immediate family and close friends only and had 40 guests attend. We invited everyone we wanted there (about 70 people) knowing that some people wouldn't be able to come and we were okay with that. Not only did it make sense for us to get married during the holidays because we would already be spending time with those people, but I have always loved Christmas weddings. I recommend inviting everyone you want there (and can afford to host) and let them decide if they can come. However, you would not send the invitation out early. Instead, this is when sending save the dates are necessary. Save the dates are used when you have a lot of out of town guests or a wedding near a holiday so it gives your guests time to make travel plans, etc. They go out 6-12 months before your wedding. Your invitation should still go out 8-10 weeks before your wedding.

Previous poster said it all! I am having a December wedding. We didn't do save the dates because everyone we know lives close. I would definitely send save the dates though if I were you. Sometime in the spring would probably be good. And I would pick a date the furthest you can away from actual Christmas day, but that works for your closest family. Expect a few people to not be able to come but like pp said, that's on them and you at least extended the offer.

We are getting married Dec 31 and we sent out Save the dates in Jan. We also sent our invites out at the end of July. We know not everyone will make it but that's with any wedding no matter the date. Good luck and congrats!!