Small ceremony, then bigger reception

My aunt and uncle did!


They invited immediate family to the ceremony and then invited friends and extended family to the reception.
You might have to get two separate invitations. One that states ceremony start time with reception to follow and then a separate for the people you are just inviting to the reception with the start time of the reception.

I am planning my wedding this way as well. I have always wanted a more private intimate ceremony.

My FH’s brother did this. It was immediate family only. They told the people who were invited to the ceremony and then sent invitations for the reception. There were 12 people at the ceremony and around 100 at the reception.

My son did this. It was a very small ceremony then larger reception and it worked out fine.

Not on the same day but yes. 15 guests at our destination wedding, then a local reception for 50 guests three months later.

My sister is going to do this! Details are still being decided but the ceremony will be only immediate family while the reception is everyone.

View Quoted Comment That’s exactly what I want to do

It's definitely been done.

Two years ago we had six weddings but three of those six weddings were actually just parties/celebrations and not the ceremony itself. In all three, the wedding ceremony itself was much smaller with just family and held on a separate date.

This is our plan. About 21 at the ceremony and over 100 will be at the reception this summer.

I would just make it clear on the invitations - one stating ceremony info and reception. and the other one making it clear its just a reception