I am just starting to plan for our wedding. It is overwhelming. We don't have a TON of close friends, but a lot of distant relatives and a lot of work friends (<50). Each of our parents was remarried, so that's 8 people that make up our parent group. I have a best friend for a MoH and he has his BM. Two sets of parents will be traveling. So, that all being said, I am a modest person and do not want a large ceremony inviting all of my distant siblings and their families, etc to see us exchange vows. I know it is pretty common nowadays to do a small elopement, minimony, etc. then do a reception-only invite for everyone else and have all of the reception traditions at that time so more guests can take part in the celebration, speeches, cake serving, etc.
My current thought is to have a weekend at the coast (2 hours away from home) in a large airbnb with the 4 parent groups, MoH, BM, and us. We can enjoy the first evening and have a "rehearsal dinner," in the morning have a light breakfast of croissants and fruit and yogurt or something, get ready, have a private ceremony on the beach around 10am, then they can go back to the airbnb and change or rest etc. while we take photos, then we can all go to the local aquarium for some more photos and fun. But for the aquarium, we would have that be an open invitation if our friends wanted to join as well. Then after the aquarium we would travel back home (2 hours) for a cocktail reception at a rooftop venue with our family and friends all in attendance.
This sounds like it would be a fun way to celebrate and have fun with everyone without being too much the center of attention and keeping true to our ocean-loving personalities. I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts or experiences if they've participated in something similar.
Note, I have never attended a wedding before, so I have ZERO personal experience and have just been reading a TON of stuff online and trying to come up with a simple, love-filled day.
PS, we are not worried about anyone of our relations or acquaintances being offended by this inclusion/exclusion from various steps of the day. They are all good, understanding people.