I’ve always heard people say they want the opposite, but my fiance and I would like all the friends and family to attend the ceremony and only have a few people for a small gathering afterwards. Is it unheard of to invite guests to a ceremony, but not a reception?

Maria

Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc

What you are asking for, although not unheard of, is rare but it can be done as long as you offer some sort of refreshments to your ceremony guests immediately following the ceremony. It is not considered polite to invite guests to an event and not offer them something, even simply puinch and cookies or champagne and cake. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, just enough to thank them for witnessing the marriage. This is especially true if you have people traveling any sort of a distance.