Do you need to have guest RSVP if they will only be invited to reception dance?

Cut the guest list. You either cut the guest list or push the date back until you can afford it. You don't only feed some of your guests.

The reception is the thank you to the guests. This includes meals and alcohol provided by the host.

This sounds gift grabby and cheap.

Why would you even bother inviting people you haven't seen in years? Why not just have the WHOLE wedding with who you can afford at the ceremony?? Absolutely it's rude and sounds like you just want money/gifts. Please listen to what we are saying and do NOT do this, just have a party with the ones from the ceremony PERIOD!

I've seen where couples have had destination weddings with a limited amount of attendees, then have a larger reception/party once they return. I've never heard of someone having a wedding and reception for a smaller group then inviting others to the after party in the same night.

To be honest, I would be offended if I received an invitation like this as well. If it's an acceptable practice where you're located, then the best advice I can offer is to ask someone who's successfully done it.

My FH just said "why would anyone go to that?" It's like being invited to a birthday party but you aren't allowed to have cake. It's so rude and I would still feel obligated to give a gift.

No one wants to go to your wedding THAT badly! Trust me!

@Elphaba love that chart!

You do know you asked for opinions... meaning you're going to get ones that aren't the same as yours?? That doesn't make them negative OP just different which is what you asked for! It's silly when people act this way because people disagree with them....

You are inviting 70 people that you are not close with? This is rude. Have a smaller wedding and everyone should be invited to the ceremony and reception.

Why invite people you aren't close too?

and why tell them "hey, you're cool enough to dance and bring me a gift/card/cash but not to see me actually get married"?

I wouldn't come if all I received was an invite to dance. I can do that in any bar/nightclub for less than the cost of a gift.

We are having a private ceremony, just parents and siblings then having a larger reception. Everyone will get a reception only invite, but they are coming for the whole reception including dinner. A reception only invite means they are invited to the reception not just the dance. I suggest thinking again about what your planning.

LOL. I cant even.

A few things, if i get invited to the reception part only, no ceremony or dinner. I prob wont be coming with a gift. after all your basically saying im not close enough to attend the important parts.

2nd if you do decide to do this, wont your venue need to know a headcount for the liquor during the dancing part? How can it be just a flat $2000 fee, what if 500 people show up? Im sure the venue wants to know the headcount before they have an open bar, or is this gonna be a cash bar during the dancing part of your wedding?

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Your option here is to not invite coworkers who you do not spend time with outside of work regularly and do not invite friends you have not seen or spoken to in years. Plan B...have an earlier reply date and send out invites to the 70 as no's come in. Not a fan, but may be a better choice for your situation. Good luck with your guest list.

How in the world are you planning a wedding that big for 5,000$, I genuinely want to know?? We are at 30 people and 5,000$ blew along time ago. I have seen things like this before, in my own family. I also have family that will not be around alcohol, but never seen it at a wedding! To each their own.

My advice is if you must have your wedding this year then cut the guest list. If you can move your date then move the date to save some more money so you can invite everyone you want to. I am really not understanding inviting friends you have not seen or talked with in years. And co - workers? Unless your friends outside your job why worry about inviting them? I am not trying to sound rude, I just do not understand why you must invite all these people if you can not have them for the ceremony and reception. But just to come and dance? I have never heard of such.

I would feel so awkward being one of the "dance only" people...definitely wouldn't show up.

Eek

@Amber, I read the original post and your added comments. Guess what, it's still very rude!!

Hey folks, come dance and drink at my reception. Bring us a gift. Oh and dinner was served before you got here because we don't have the money and you're not that important to us. Eta: you may be saddened by the responses you received but I'm saddened that someone can be a member of this forum and not understand how rude tiered weddings are.

Please do not do this. If you're not really close them, why are you inviting them? It s really rude. Only invite people you can afford to feed