Open ceremony but private reception!?!?!?

We had a receiving line coming from out of our ceremony (just my DH and I) it's the done thing here so is expected. It does take time, we have 140-150 guests ( can't quite remember) definitely took 20-30 minutes, so just be aware of the time if you decide to do one. We didn't get to personally talk to all of our guests during the reception no matter how we tried, so I was glad we at least said hello to them at that point.s

Ok so I open it up to both churches then I can do what I plan? Ultimately we are having two reception with food. One is just longer and more detailed. It's fh mother church not mine. I don't know half of these people lol. We are fine with our list if guests because it includes all if who we want including a few if our parents friends. Our whole church is invited to the ceremony only and that will not change. I do have maybe 6 from our church invited to both.

No, you still can't. The only way you can have a church reception like you plan is to invite YOUR church congregation. Otherwise, this plan is horribly rude. Just say no to your FH's mother. She doesn't get to dictate your guest list.

Okay, now it's problematic and it sounds like a tiered wedding.

You can invite the entire congregations, but you can't invite 50 specific people.

With this much drama, I'd not invite any congregations, any friends. Do your wedding with your guest list and call it a day

We are having a two part reception because of church family too (I work in the church we are getting married at). We will have a small reception at the church after the ceremony, for a few hours, and then dinner for family and out of town guests. Everyone I invited to the church reception thinks its a great idea and a nice way to include them.

It's so hard to explain this to her. I do appreciate the advice and it has me thinking. But I might have to bend on this and any members from each church will be invited to the ceremony only and refreshments. I just know I have to keep some peace with her because if we do get a bigger venue I'll have to argue with her about food and paying for it. And her list may just grow And I'm not about to have extra drama. So in a way we both win.

@Richard can you tell her lol.

Hi Shayna I am having a very similar situation now and my wedding is December 28, 2019 can you tell me what you did as a result and how it worked out?