How does the wording for this invite sound??

Question

My fiance and I are getting married in a smaller ceremony on a Friday night and then afterwards taking all of our friends and family out to a nice dinner we'll consider the "reception." (We consider these events to take the place of the rehearsal and dinner that traditionally take place.) The next day we're doing a backyard barbecue at his parents house for all of the friends/extended family that his parent's want there. We're doing this as a compromise because my fiance and I want a small ceremony and reception and his parents want a large one.

So for the open house/barbeque, how does this sound?

On August XX, 200X

We slipped a ring on each

other's finger

And made a promise for life...

Join us as we celebrate

now that we're husband and

wife!

You are invited to a

backyard barbecue to congratulate

the newly married

Jane and John Doe

At the Doe Residence

1122 South Any Street

OurTown, XX

on Saturday, August XX XXXX

from 4:00 p.m. - ?

Should I use the term backyard barbecue or should it just be an open house???

Answer 1

I LOVE it!! Too cute! And, I actually think the "backyard BBQ" is the best part!

Nice wording!

Answer 2

It sounds great.  You should indicate "casual dress" whether you decide to go with barbecue or open house.  Good luck and God Bless.

Answer 3

I like backyard BBQ, it is summer after all! Open house sounds more formal, so if you would rather it be more formal, then say that. Congratulations!

Answer 4

I think that sounds perfect. Since this isn't a formal occasion, it's fine to say "backyard barbeque" - after all, that's really what it is. And that alerts your guests to the fact that a meal will be served.

If you don't have a set end time, you can eliminate the question mark by saying "on Saturday, August 9, 2008, beginning at 4 PM." It looks a little more elegant.

Answer 5

I love it, It is cute has personality. I like bbq open house seems stuffy not fun.  

Answer 6

I think that's cute.  I am usually more of a traditionalist, but in this case, I think the wording and everything is perfect.

I would keep the "backyard barbecue" wording.  Am I right in saying, it would be a casual party?  Not a real dress-up occasion?  "Open House" might convey a more formal event, "backyard barbecue" a more casual party.  

Answer 7

If you want people to show up at a certain time call it a backyard barbecue (it sounds much more casual if you keep "backyard" in there). If you want people to feel comfortable dropping in whenever for just a little while then make it an open house.

If you're calling it an open house then have an end time so people know when they can drop in and expect there to be food. I would recommend at least 4 hours for the length.

Answer 8

That's perfect.  Saying that it's a backyard barbecue lets your guests know what to wear and to expect to be outside.  It also sets an expectation of the menu so there are no surprises, no family members complaining because they thought it was a "real" wedding reception.

It sounds like you and your fiance have found a brilliant solution to keep everyone happy.  Have a beautiful wedding weekend and a blessed marriage!

Answer 9

Sounds really good.  I would just say barbeque instead of "backyard".

Answer 10

oh i love it and what a great idea that is, it sounds great to and i would add bbq, congrats wishing you all the best!

Answer 11

i like it! i would just add in a line to rhyme with "finger." this way you have 4 lines and equal parts. i like backyard bbq. open house just sounds like people can drop in whenever and there wont be a meal.

good luck!

Answer 12

Only one thing I would change:

"At JAMES Doe's Residence"

You are the new Mr and Mrs Doe.  Although the address is there, putting "The Doe Residence" may be misleading and people could assume it is at YOUR house.  Just put your FIL's (or both in laws) first name to clarify. :-)

Answer 13

I think it's cute, I like it! But I would just say barbeque and nix the backyard. The backyard makes it sound so...redneck-ish. Congrats!!  

Answer 14

I agree... backyard can be nixed because it's slightly awkward and unnecessary.  And when you have the time... since you don't have an ending time, just write "At 4:00 PM".  Your guests will understand, and it won't look tacky.  Most wedding reception invites do not have an ending time either.

Answer 15

I like "backyard barbecue" because it indicates the formality (without actually having to say what it is).  Cute.  

Answer 16

Sounds cute!  I like calling it a backyard barbeque because it sounds more like a party, describes what it is, and an open house reminds me of school or like you are showing them your new home.  congratualtions!

Answer 17

I love the wording, it sets a great tone - fun and celebratory.  You should say backyard bbq so people don't show up too dressed up.  BBQ sauce on your best silk blouse is a drag!

Answer 18

I think this is really cute.  I wouldn't use the term "backyard barbeque" though; consider something like "casual reception".

Answer 19

That sounds like a great compromise (the small vs large celebration I mean). Then everyone is happy.

As to the invite, I love the wording, but I would avoid the backyard in there as well as open house (too business like). Maybe even just 'invited to celebrate with us (or them) and to congratulate etc etc etc' The address part already says 'at the Doe residence' - so it's understood that it's not at a banquet hall or restaurant somewhere. It may be a casual party, but it's still a wedding celebration- backyard does not convey that sentiment to me, even if it's going to be in the backyard and intimate. The intimacy of the affair will be conveyed again, using the 'At the Doe residence' - if You put the barbecue in there somewhere then people will get the gist of what to wear- although I've been to some more 'upscale' barbecue celebrations where there was still room for dressing up. The key to not slopping barbecue sauce all over Auntie's blouse will more be in the presentation of the food, not in asking her to come dressed casual. I.e. make saucy foods bite sized and easy to eat.

Good luck and congrats on your wedding!