I cant attend the ceremony! Can I go to the reception?

I think it's fine, but I'd give your friend a heads-up.

I think you can only do what you can do. The couple should understand. And depending on the size of the wedding, they may not notice that you were missing from the ceremony.

I think it's fine if you let her know in advance. Most costs go towards the reception so it's not like she's paying extra for you to be at the Ceremony.

I think it's fine. Like the ladies said, just let her know ahead of time so she doesn't think you just wanted to show up for the party.

I don't think it matters AND I don't think you'd have to give her a heads up unless you're an extremely close friend. Most people won't notice that you made it to one and not the other. Just make sure to RSVP and I think you'll be fine.

As a bride, I would appreciate the courtesy of being told by a guest that he or she is unable to attend the ceremony. In my opinion, it is incredibly rude to come enjoy a party that is being held in honor of a ceremony that was never attended, unless the bride and groom are notified in advance.

Personally, I would have no problem with a guest attending just the reception, so long as I was given an explanation beforehand.

I agree with Miriam-- you don't want her to think you're just coming for the party.

I concur. I would just want to know these things..

Agree. I understand grandma's trump a lot of things, except maybe great grandma's, but I'd be fine with it as long as you told me.

I wouldn't care, that's common where i'm from. People just show up to party.. If someone called to tell me they were skipping the ceremony and coming to reception only, I would say I don't care, whatever they have to do! Besides, you're planning, like you don't have enough going on already to worry about 1 person not coming to the ceremony!

Did you already RSVP to the wedding ceremony and reception?

if yes I think you should go to both. but if you really think you should attend the birthday party, then explain the situation to the bride either way and let her know that you are available to attend the reception but no the ceremony.

if you are friends I imagine she knows you well enough to know that you wouldn't 'just come for the party'.

I say just speak to the bride about it. people have different opinions on what they consider proper on this. I know many people that had weddings and receptions & guests attended the reception but not the wedding.

in many cases some people were invited to the reception and not the wedding.

that was the case with a boss of mine. she invited many people that she knew from different stores to the reception but not everyone was invited to the actual wedding.

I don't think it's wrong for you to just attend the reception, but I would explain it to the bride.