Is it in bad taste to invite your guest to only the reception and not to the ceremony?

Even though the capacity of the place the ceremony is taking place has a limit?
Is it in bad taste to invite your guest to only the reception and not to the ceremony?
No, some people have to do that. You can explain on the invitation that seating is limited where you are holding the ceremony and you are only having immediate family members there, but that everyone is welcome to celebrate with you afterwards at the reception. I think a lot of people would rather go to the reception than the ceremony, anyway :)
Reply:That is actually really common, my friend got married in an extremely small facility and had to do that. My advise would be to phrase it as a positive in the invitation, something like: "We can't imagine spending our special day without you! Please join us for drinks, dinner and dancing at yada yada yada" I know kind of corny but you get what I mean, try and phrase it as "we really wanted you to be a part of our day" rather than "sorry, you just didn't make the cut for the ceremony" people are pretty understanding.
Reply:The reception list is usually longer then the wedding list, quite normal in fact.


The closest of the bride/groom go the the wedding, while other friends are invited only to the reception.






Reply:fair enough for the guest, maybe let them know.
Reply:not really if people get married at the justuce of peace (courthouse) and they can only fit one or two friends there and then have a big party with all their friends afterwards
Reply:yes, either invite them or not
Reply:No it's not. You just want a private ceremony that's great. Then they don't have to sit around and be bored and, picture friendly.