Private Ceremony

This is bound to cause a lot of hurt feelings and I would imagine that posting information for the ceremony, that most of your guests aren’t invited to, is just going to cause more hurt feelings and confusion.

I wouldn’t put the ceremony info on there. If you do that, I’d be prepared for others to show up to the ceremony.

I agree with both previous posts.. i wouldn’t put it on there

In no way is 30 people a private ceremony. What are you gonna do when your reception guests show up a little early and see the ceremony they werent good enough to be invited to?

Don't put the ceremony info

I am doing a separate reception from my elopement. I suggest you maybe do two separate invitations with an editable template. Maybe one invitation to include the ceremony and then one just for the reception. Or you could do something I see often that says you were married in a private ceremony but that guests are invited to the reception. Here is an idea: https://www.etsy.com/listing/560345817/tying-the-knot-wedding-suite-printable?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=we%26%2339%3Bre+tying+the+knot&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&organic_search_click=1&pro=1

Might be good to explain the plan to those you are inviting so they know in advance because some could take it as they are not important enough to view the ceremony but come to the reception. Maybe word it small, intimate rather private because that usually connotes eloping just you two.

Honestly, this is a horrible plan. A private ceremony includes the couple, and maybe immediate family only. You will have a lot of hurt and p**sed off people.

May I ask why not have those attending the reception attend the wedding? Especially if at the same venue. Everyone is different but personally I would feel like the wedding is the more important part and that if I were not invited then I am not special enough to see the union but expected to come to a reception and probably provide a gift. I hate to rain on your parade but I do agree with others I feel that this will backfire and cause more stress and hurt feelings. If the goal is that you want a small wedding then maybe do the ceremony one day and the reception another? Ultimately, do what you want because it is your day but just something to think about to cause less headaches and offending others.

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I agree. This might not be what you want to hear, but it's the truth

We are having multiple events that not everyone is invited to (everyone is invited to the wedding and reception, but not to the rehearsal dinner & family brunch).

To the rehearsal & brunch- we ordered separate invitations and will mail out either 1, 2 or 3 cards.

For our website, we are using Minted and it allows you to add events that are hidden to guests that are not invited to that event. We are doing online RSVPs and put our guest listed into Minted and I assigned each guest to which events they can RSVP to. These guests will be able to see the event information for their events but they will also have the printed invitations in person.

I would suggest two different invitations and only the reception info on your website. I see a few people that say it’s a bad idea but it’s YOUR day so do what makes you happy. My son and his wife had a small ceremony with about 20 people then a reception all in the same location and it turned out great. I would leave time between the two so people don’t show up while you are having your ceremony. Yes, some people may be upset but they will get over it!!

View Quoted Comment It's your day until you invite other people. If you dont want to consider your guests' experience, you shouldn't invite guests.

View Quoted Comment To each their own

View Quoted Comment I guess you're right. I didnt realize some people care about their guests and some don't.
To each their own.

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Hallelujah

View Quoted Comment Sorry I was providing a different perspective than you.

Thank you all for your advice! I really appreciate it!!

We are having only family at our ceremony, which I'm sure our guests will understand. I think I will explain the plan and just put the reception info on the website. Thanks guys

View Quoted Comment Totally agree!! We are having a private ceremony with 10 guests, 4 of which are our attendants. Our wedding is this month. In late Spring we are planning a big, black-tie gala for all of our friends and family. I hope you can figure out a way to include everyone. People will definitely have hurt feelings not being invited to your wedding ceremony.

We also had a private ceremony of 35 ppl. Our wedding website, With Joy, allowed us to control who is able to view which event. For example, for the ceremony, only those 35 guests were able to see the details. Reception info, all of our guests were able to view the details as everyone was invited to that. Our reception was the next day after the ceremony because it was at a different venue. We had an evening ceremony and dinner. Reception was the next evening.

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Absolutely right.