Inviting clients to my actual wedding and not reception?

Question

As a small business owner I am quite close with some of my very very lovely clients and I adore them.

Would it be bad form to invite some of them to my actual wedding at the church and not the reception?

I thought we could have a few drinks and nibbles at the church after the i-do's, and i could mingle with them after the wedding, and then I would move on to the photos, they would go home, and i woud end up at the reception.

Is that poor form??? I would love to have them there, i just cant afford it!

Answer 1

i think you should try your best to invite them because in the future their will probably help make you more money then if you didn't! but if your not relay concerned about that then don't even worry about inviting them! I'm not trying to sound like its all about money or anything but if its not then don't worry about it because its not like its your friends or family

Answer 2

Find a way to cut costs so you CAN invite them to the reception or don't invite them to the ceremony.  It is rude to do otherwise and they WILL know the difference.

Answer 3

You need to invite them to both.  It would be very rude not to include them at the reception.  

Drinks and nibbles at the church?  Never heard of that... usually after the ceremony, people leave for the reception while you get your pictures taken.  It would be rude then also to make your other guests wait that much longer until you arrive at the reception.  

Either invite them to the wedding and reception or not, but do send out an announcement the moment your wedding has taken place if they have not been invited.  (Have your maid of honor put them in the mail.)  

Either change a few wedding plans and include them if you feel that close to them, but you do have to remember these are business people, your clients.  They are not your personal friends.

Answer 4

Totoally unacceptable.  You can not invite people to the reason for a party but not the party.  Its an all or nothing situation.

Answer 5

I think its a lovely idea, but i dont think its appropiarte to hand out an invite with church only. When your are speaking with people and they ask about your wedding casually mention the church and that they are more than welcome to have a look. I think if you do up an invite its a formal invitation and people may feel they have to buy you a gift... How bad would you feel! best of luck on your big day

Answer 6

that is a bit rude.

Just don't invite them at all. If they ask, you can tell them where the ceremony will be held, and say they are welcome to attend the ceremony. Just remember, these are work people, and their politeness with you is not personal, it's business. Will you still know them in 2, 5 or 10 years time?