Limited Seating

No it's not. Why would you invite more people to the ceremony than seating allowed? It makes no sense. And it's sort of rude in my opinion.

If you are a poor planner and don't give a shit about your guests then yes.

A little strange, but I have heard of small intimate ceremonies where the guests stood. I wonder how limited 'limited' means. If I arrived and there was only enough seats for immediate family and there's 60 extra guests standing around, yeah that's weird and kinda rude.

My cousin had her ceremony in a park and had only a few seats, one for our grandmother maybe a few more.

it worked out fine because the ceremony was short. but for the most part it is rude

I don't think its common but not unheard of. I think its rude but not everyone goes to the ceremony. If its outside they may only be allowed to have a certain number of chairs set up. I have been to ceremonies where people stand in the back, annoying but it was short and sweet so no big deal. If its not at the same place as the reception and you aren't that close just skip it and allow seating to family and close friends.

BYO hay bale ?

It's outside, behind the reception site. I've been to the venue, but not to the spot where they do the cermonies. Last I knew, the guest list was 50 people. Not sure how much that's changed though.

No, it's not normal. They should rent more chairs or something!

It might be rude but at least you are warned and could prepare for it.

I went to a wedding that was in the family's back yard. Everyone stood except the elderly. The ceremony was relatively short so it really wasn't a big deal. It didn't even occur to me to be offended I didn't have a seat for 20 minutes...

I don't think it has to do with renting more chairs, I think it has to do with the space itself. I don't know. I found it odd. I'm not offended or anything, and I'll be glad to stand for 15 minutes (longer, and I'm going inside!). Just thought it was weird.

My venue has limited ceremony seating. I am getting married at a bookstore (It's a semi-popular venue). For my 80+ guests there will only be seats for 30. We are going to pre-designate seats to avoid confusion. Our ceremony has to be short (15 mins max) and the standing area is beautiful.

Don't worry about the limited seating, Trust that the venue is prepared and the couple has thought through this in their planning.

Show us the pic! Let us critique it!

NelsonGirl...I LOVE that you're getting married at a bookstore! Is there a back story? Care to share?

I am getting married at Housing Works Bookstore in SoHo. A portion of my venue rental goes to support homelessness and HIV/AIDS Advocacy. I am so excited. The bookstore looks like an old ivy league bookstore with two spiral staircases and dark wood.

I figure my guests will be so surprised they're in a bookstore, they won't mind standing for 15 minutes :-)

NelsonsGirl that place looks awesome !

@Surfergirl86 - Doesn't it! I am so excited! I think it'll be so memorable. Thanks!

I don't think it's rude if it's a short ceremony. I definitely agree I would stand for 15-20 minutes isn't bad but past that point I'm out.

@TinaBoBina - LOL! BYO hay bale.

@NelsonGirl Looks great! I love it. I'm happy to hear that a portion goes to HIV/ AIDS Advocacy.

Attaching pics that I pulled from the web.