Hey all! I've enjoyed reading tips and opinions, so thought I could broach a subject that's been on my mind lately. My SO hasn't proposed yet, but I sense its coming so wanted to plan a little bit in my head of what I think I want. We will also have a shorter engagement as I will be attending medical school next summer, beginning late July.
Forewarning, my family cannot afford to pay for a full meal for 300+ guests, which is about how many will probably end up being invited, even if all don't come. To remedy this, I'm thinking about a morning ceremony around 10 am with a brunch afterwards, immediate family and close friends only. Hopefully around 100-125 total guests for the morning, that way we can pay for a nicer brunch meal since there will be fewer guests and I LOVE breakfast food!
However, with the little bit we have talked hypothetically about it, SO and I really want a dance included in the event, so I was thinking of having an evening reception around 7-7:30 pm that same day that would be more casual. We would invite everyone, including more than the immediate family and close friends that were invited to the morning ceremony for heavy appetizers and dancing.
With that being said, what can/can't I do at the reception if the same guests were not also invited to the morning ceremony? Can I have the cake cutting, speeches, first dance, etc at the reception even though it is not immediately following the ceremony and there will be a vast difference in the number of guests attending both events?
Thanks! 
