Can You Invite Guests to a Reception Without Inviting Them to the Wedding?

As weddings become smaller, the question of whom to invite is a pressing one for brides. Wedding website TheKnot.com's etiquette experts say it's permissible to invite a guest to the reception but not to the ceremony, for a variety of reasons.

Space

A small wedding venue, like a courthouse or the top of a lighthouse, simply can't accommodate a lot of people. It's perfectly acceptable not to invite people for space reasons.

Religion

Certain denominations, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, do not allow people of different faiths into the wedding ceremony. They must wait outside the temple during the "sealing ceremony."

Intimacy

Some choose to have a small ceremony with only family members. This eliminates the need to choose who can attend and who can't.

Destination Wedding

At some destination weddings, the ceremony takes place elsewhere, while the party with friends and family is the main focus of the event.

Solutions

Some ways to include people in the event even if they weren't at the ceremony is to wear the same clothes to the reception, exchange rings at the reception (especially if, like at Mormon weddings, ring exchange is not part of the ceremony) or have special vows or speeches made during the reception.

Warning

It is considered inappropriate to invite a guest to the ceremony, but not the reception. If a reception is taking place, they must be invited. If they are not invited to either, simply send a wedding announcement.

References

• The Knot Q&A
• Mormon Weddings