No reception?

Are you planning on providing a short cocktail hour or a cake and punch reception for all those attending the ceremony? Typically, some sort of reception (doesn't need to be a full meal if it's not during a meal time) should be provided as a thank you to guests for attending your ceremony. Otherwise, I would only invite those to the ceremony who will be also going out to dinner after.

If you are inviting guests, you must have a reception. It doesn't have to be a full blown dinner and dance but you can serve cake and coffee or tea sandwiches at minimum for a couple hours.

The dinner you are providing for select guests is an entirely separate event. Treat all your guests equally or don't invite them.

I agree with the others above. Definitely have some sort of small reception afterwards for your other guests so they don't feel left out! Cake and coffee or a mini cocktail hour are good ideas because it's not too heavy to where your family will be full before dinner, but just enough for your other guests to feel included.

If you are inviting people to your ceremony, some type of reception is necessary. It can be a small cake and punch reception or a dinner at a restaurant. But not hosting anything for your guests is rude.

I wouldn't plan on inviting people unless you have some kind of reception. It would be especially unfair to out of town guests to have them travel all that way only to have to leave right after the ceremony. Have you considered even just a cake and punch reception?

Yikes. As others have said, If you only want to treat your family to dinner then they should be the only ones invited to the ceremony.


If you want to invite others then consider a non mealtime wedding (2 pm) and on the invite put “followed by a cake & punch reception.” You do need to host at least light refreshments. Putting that on the invite will let out-of-town guest know.

I can't think of any way for the other guests not to feel left out since you are leaving them out. Better to just be up front about your plans now, so they can decide whether or not the travel expense and effort are worth it to them.

This is horrifically rude. Don't do this.

Since plans have changed, your invitees should be made aware of those changes up front. It is best to give all the information necessary so that your guests can make an informed decision on attending or not.

Only invite those you are inviting to the reception.