i don’t want to offend anyone

It would be rude to invite guests to just the ceremony and not the reception; especially if they're in the same place.

And if anyone ask why they weren't invited? Be honest, you'd be surprised how many people are understanding when it comes to budgetary reasons.

Unfortunately, it is pretty rude to invite some people to your ceremony and not your reception. There will be hurt feelings. I dont know if its just me, but I'm not that interested in wedding ceremonies. They're fine, but definitely not worth attending with no dinner/reception/hang out afterwards.

I think especially in the same location, if you invite them to the ceremony, then they also need to be invited to the reception. My fiance had friends who married in October who both worked for their church, so they felt like they needed to invite a lot of people. They did the ceremony + a donuts & coffee reception at the church, and then had a smaller friends & family reception lunch in a different location after the first reception was done.

View Quoted Comment Thanks! I think it would be rude to do so as well. My fiancé is not of the same school of thought. He thinks it perfectly fine and says people should understand.

I was invited to a wedding but not a reception once. At first I thought it was a little strange but then I realized that I really didn't know them that well. It was a couple from the church that I had joined and they were part of the singles ministry. So maybe it was like supposed to be encouraging or something lol

But seriously, I'm sure if you are able to explain why people will understand. Unfortunately, it's also likely that you will offend or hurt others. Can't please everyone

View Quoted Comment Right! And if they have to travel and give a gift the least we could do is give them a meal and some drinks :-)

View Quoted Comment No, your fiance is definitely wrong on that one Haha. I would be so offended and hurt not to be invited to the reception. That's the part of the event that I look forward to as the guest. Maybe you could live stream the ceremony for everyone who couldn't be there because of your budget? People will be more understanding that they couldn't come because you have so many other very important people in your lives and not enough in the bank to cover everyone.

View Quoted Comment Mmhm! Although, everyone has different circumstances. As some posters have mentioned, people sometimes have open church weddings with some refreshments. Even if people get offended by not being invited, they will get over it.

View Quoted Comment I have been hearing you can’t please every one. I go to a pretty large church as does my husband and it would be impossible to invite everyone from both churches

View Quoted Comment I love the streaming live idea. I can make it real special by sending invitations to watch live. Some may like the idea of being able to enjoy the wedding without have to leave the comfort of their home

my husband to be really likes this idea a lot too!

View Quoted Comment This is true and I believe that if people are truly happy for me they will be understanding

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I think this is a great idea. Especially since there are a lot of church folks involved and we church folks love to "fellowship" after services lol

Maybe you could have a small like meet and greet where the 2 congregations could give you their best wishes and you could have something simple like the coffee and donuts.

Hey! It would be rude, but if you are open and let people know ahead of time what the situation is, I'm sure they will be understanding.

Good luck!

My feelings would be hurt if I was invited to the ceremony but not the reception. I would be wondering why I didn't make the cut to be invited to the reception

Yes it is rude to invite people to the ceremony to watch you get married, and not let them celebrate with you after. Just invite who you can afford to have at both.

View Quoted Comment Lol. The fellowship over a Sunday coffee is important!

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Girl yes! lol We need our coffee and our Jesus

View Quoted Comment This is a great idea and very inexpensive. I am pretty sure I can find donuts at a whole sale and coffee with all the fixings is not expensive either

View Quoted Comment Elaine I agree! Anyone who has ever planned or been in a wedding will know how expensive it could be

View Quoted Comment Cher,
I would think the same thing!