SERIOUSLY?!!!! I hate freeloaders!!!! 9 days and this!!!!

That's insanely rude. I would be pissed at them too. are you sure they're not working until noon or something? that's the only way I would be ok with that.

Wow - come to the ceremony or don't come at all. Just my personal thought. I have a feeling we will have stragglers, but to tell me up front you are not even going to make an effort?! I wouldn't invite them either. FH can tell them himself since it was his last minute idea. hehe

None of them work on Saturdays, hell 4 of them are unemployed!!!! And I told Fh to tell them or they would not like me anymore if I have to tell them. I seriously thought the point of the reception was to thank guests for coming to the ceremony. If you didn't come to the ceremony why am I thanking you?!

I think that's beyond rude, it's more like pathetic. Honestly I'd be hurt if someone didn't feel that our ceremony was worth showing up for. But free food and alcohol was. I would say something to the effect that 'This is a really special day for FH and I and because the reception will be a wonderful celebration, it's really important to us that we celebrate with those who are there to support our marriage. We are requesting that only those in attendance of the ceremony attend the reception'. I dunno, it may be hard to say something w/o coming off as B*tchy but I personally, would NOT let some one just freeload at the reception who couldn't make it to the ceremony. Sorry and good luck! Just remember, either way it will be wonderful day!!!

I have heard of people attending the ceremony but not the reception budgetary reasons but not the other way around.

I agree with you and the other posters. If they cannot turn up for the ceremony which is only one hour prior to the reception, then no way, Jose. They do NOT get to attend the reception, and bugger 'em if they get snotty about it. Stand your ground with FH, and tell him that unless his friends attend the ceremony as well, they cannot come to the reception. Hey, you can suggest they are welcome if they pay the equivalent cost LOL.

Just put it to them that you already have your final headcount in and there's not enough food or drinks for them. Hopefully if they do show they'll at least bring you a gift. I can't stand rude people.