Wedding guest vs reception guests...

Unless your ceremony guest list is immediate family only (parents, siblings, grandparents) then this is considered a tiered wedding and is extremely rude. If you are planning to only have immediate family, I would probably just send out reception invitations and tell your family about the ceremony via word of mouth. I suppose you could do separate invitations, but it seems like a hassle for 15 or so guests.

Are the guests invited to the ceremony also invited to the reception? If so, what are they supposed to do from 4:30 to 7:00 after the ceremony? I would have them back to back if possible.

The wedding itself is just close family.

As I sat here I did rethink a bit ... first look at 430-530, wedding at 6, reception at 7. then the question of food comes in.

This depends on where you live. Inviting people in "tiers" is something that is very common in Europe, but considered very rude in the US. If you really want a small intimate ceremony, you could always elope on a different day with just those people, and then make your reception a "celebration of marriage" with the larger party you described, that way there will be fewer feelings hurt.

I would be pretty offended to be invited to a reception and not a ceremony, so I'd consider eloping earlier in the year then hosting a larger reception months later.

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I like that idea! I'm always the black sheep on WW, and I am always shocked by what people consider rude or offensive. I just never see it that way. Anyways, I think that timing works out quite well. The ceremony never is long, considering it's rather nondenominational, so assuming it'll be done within 30-45 minutes, that is perfect. And then quick little move over to reception, where people will probably already be would be perfect! You could make a grand entrance shortly thereafter, allowing for people who are running late and boom Done I think it's a rockin' idea.

I would just send out invitations to the reception and let the group of people invited to the ceremony separately as to not offend anyone.

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I relate to this so much. I don't consider only inviting the people I'm close with to the ceremony rude. And if it is rude or people are offended it's just something they'll have to get over It's our day and we (hopefully) only get married once. Do it however you want!!

I went to a wedding that most guest were only invited to reception. They had a small intimate ceremony. It was odd not going to lie because my favorite part of weddings is the ceremony and most guest felt like they were attending a party rather than a wedding but is possible.
I think 4 is a little too early. If your ceremony is 1 hour I’ll do 5 to 6 and cocktail hour 6 to 7 and then reception at 7. Some friends have being guest to early weddings and have a 3+ hour gap so they go home refresh, change outfits and then head to reception after with a small cocktail hour. That’s possible too. Not my favorite but is an option.

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Completely! Weddings have grown to something outrageous for most people, inviting 100-200 people to the ceremony just doesn't make sense. I mean, obviously to each their own. But often times, whether someone will admit it or not, you aren't actually that close to that many people. The ceremony is the most intimate part. But I understand wanting to celebrate with everyone, so have a big reception. Regardless, no reason to be upset with the bride and groom over those decisions.

I would just word it as something like

"Please help celebrate the marriage of Allison to FH at Place & Time. Be prepared to dance, eat, and ring in the New Year with the New Couple!"

I wouldn't take offense to this in anyway. I've gone to weddings where guests didn't even show up to the actual ceremony, but made it to the reception. Its your wedding and if this what you guys would like to do, its your day. Your second post with the timeline sounds great. I'd go with that. PP said it perfectly regarding what to say in your invitations to the reception. Your theme sounds amazing for NYE. Enjoy and congratulations!