Destination Las Vegas

You don't. Elope if you can't afford to host people that are attending your wedding.

It's very rude to ask people to attend your wedding (let alone travel and pay for lodging in the case of a DW) and then not host them afterwards.

It's considered impolite to not host your guests. Even if you do a cake and punch reception or something, you should be covering something as a thank you for your guests for coming all that way. Any wedding invitation is technically up to the guest to decide if they want to spend the money to come, destination or otherwise.

Agreeing with the two PP's. You can't pay for some people at the reception, and not others. The reception is to thank those who have traveled to witness your ceremony.

There's no good way to put that on the invitations. It's tacky to invite people to a destination wedding but not pay for dinner. Do you have any other alternatives?

I would just list the ceremony on the invitations, since that is the only true event. I'm assuming it's a small wedding, so maybe just discuss in person that nothing is hosted.

Thank you furtherMrsD. I like that.

View Quoted Comment I could do a cake reception. Thanks

I would go with an off mealtime ceremony and maybe just do cake and punch or cake and appetizers if you can’t afford a full meal for all your guests.

Word of mouth! You cannot send out a formal invitation, but if you casually mention we are going to elope and then meet together at "insert restaurant here", it's more acceptable to not buy dinner. An invitation of any sort = hosted meal. My brother did a courthouse wedding and we ate at a buffet after. It was $40 per person and included drinks, appetizers, dinner, and dessert. You really can't beat that. It's also easy for a group because there are no surprises. You pay upfront, tip included, so there is no way any thirsty guests can rack up your tab. Vegas is ridiculously fun and you can find places downtown that offer Lobster dinners on off meal times for $9.99. One thing to remember is although it is often thought as required to provide a meal, it's not required to provide alcohol which usually is the most expensive part of the bill.

*Super silly, but I went to a sports bar at Binion's that offered a $5 beer and hotdog bar. The bar was incredible and they had dozens of toppings. It was SO fun! Nothing fancy, but at least all of your guests will be fed and your wallet will be happy.

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Tessa makes a lot of great points!

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Absolutely all of this.

Elope to Vegas then host a simple "cake & punch" reception when you're back if you'd like to celebrate with friends & family.