Is it weird to be invited to the reception only, not the ceremony?

Is the ceremony limited to immediate family only? If not, this is incredibly rude and considered a tiered wedding. It would rub me the wrong way, that's for sure!

It seems odd for sure, but I've heard of eloping followed by a larger reception. I am sure your friend knows who is attending his ceremony?

I dont think its weird. I was invited to two receptions this year without being invited to the ceremony and I wasnt offended. I understand sometimes you cant invite everyone you want because of limited space in the venue/church. Just remember it's not about you. It's their day. They might already be stressing about not being able to invite everyone to the ceremony and people complaining is just going to stress them out more. I'm going through the same thing.. our church is not big enough to invite everyone we are inviting to the reception and I hope that people will be respectful and understand

I agree with the pee pee in that maybe there is a reason why not everyone is allowed to come to the ceremony itself. Now I understand your post correctly you would still be going to a different destination just to attend the reception or is the ceremony in the different destination but the reception will be back home?

I’m with you, it’s strange. And if that was all obvious up front, I’d think carefully about going at all. That’s a lot of money to spend just to party...

I didn't ask if the ceremony was limited. I didn't want his fiancee to feel bad. I just clarified the start time of the event. She said 6:30PM for the reception.

I don't know where the ceremony is either, didn't ask. But the reception is in the destination city as well. So yes, we would be flying for the reception.

I mean I've heard of being invited to the reception only, but those are usually when the event is local. For a destination (4+ hr flight for most of us), shouldn't we be invited to the entire event?

Thanks for the replies y'all!

Is it possible that they are getting married by JOP, and having a reception afterwards?

I find it odd. Usually for a destination wedding there is a lot of things to go to. A welcome dinner, ceremony, reception and even a goodbye breakfast. Usually you get invited to all the fun stuff!

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I know you do not want to be rude but I would not fly there and spend upwards of $1000 just for a reception unless it was close family or friends or unless you can make a vacation out of it. Since you are saving for your wedding let that be the reason. You know what you could use that $1000 for your own ceremony. That's just me.

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I was hoping there was more to do too!! Just some recommendations to restaurants but no other events aside from the reception

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This such a smart comment! Thank you! It's true, FI and I have been working hard to save (no Christmas gifts/celebrations, minimal eating out, etc.) That would make it the perfect reason.

I'll continue to think about going, but at least there is a legitimate reason if I can't.

View Quoted Comment My guess is that she isn't looking at it as a destination wedding. More like a private ceremony and the fun reception after which is common. The only difference is...everyone has to travel so I feel like they dropped the ball on this one!

View Quoted Comment Anytime. I mean it's logical. You're cutting back in other places so maybe send a gift out of respect but if it's a lot, I wouldn't.

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Thats true. Only her family lives there, even she doesn't anymore lol.

But its her wedding and maybe this location was easiest for her side.

I'll probably send a nice gift and celebrate with them back home.

Honestly lots of people skip ceremonies. Maybe she figures the party is more important? When we were considering a venue on beach and 4 hours later a reception we were going to not invite all to ceremony. What does written invite say-not website.

Yup, that's super rude. I wouldn't go.