How to Word Invitations for a Delayed Reception After a Small Wedding

We here at Zola get it. You’re comparing your guest list to your budget and decide to throw in the towel and head to Las Vegas to elope. Or maybe the opposite is true, and you're springing for a small but lavish bash in Cabo with close friends and family members.

No matter your reason for wanting a small wedding—near or far—you’re not alone. Zola’s First Look Report surveyed over 6000 couples who want their wedding to feel intimate, and 14% of those couples are inviting less than 75 guests.

Although big weddings aren’t going anywhere (with 86% of our couples opting for 75 or more wedding guests), many couples crave an intimate ceremony followed by a reception. These delayed events often require reception-only invitations where specific points of wedding etiquette need to be considered.

After all, post-elopement reception invitations may require a marriage announcement. Or you may have to be sensitive to Aunt Susie's disappointment that she wasn’t invited to your microwedding. Hint: It'll be ok.

Here’s all you need to know about delayed reception wording.

Types of Post-Ceremony Celebrations

Just because you already had your wedding ceremony doesn’t mean you should only host a reception (but you can, of course!). Feel free to get creative and plan the event of your dreams.

Reception-only Events

A typical wedding day includes a ceremony followed by a reception. Sure, there may be a cocktail hour or other type of break in between, so the couple can take photos, but both the nuptials and celebration happen on the same day. A reception-only event is similar, but the events occur on different days. Hosting only a reception looks the same as a typical wedding-day celebration, minus the “I dos.”

Vow Renewal with Reception

Consider renewing your vows if you want to add a small nuptial element to the day. You don’t have to go through all the pomp and circumstance of having attendants and walking down the aisle (although you could). However consider reciting your wedding day commitment to each other in front of family and friends before moving to the celebratory part.

Anniversary Celebration

If time has gotten away from you or you and your spouse simply want to wait until your first (or second or third, depending on your circumstances) anniversary to hold a reception, feel free to do so. Instead of celebrating your wedding, you can celebrate an anniversary milestone with loved ones. What a fun way to cheer on the time you’ve been married and welcome even more years to come.

Second Wedding Celebration

Having a second wedding is ideal for those who got married on a short timeline or had circumstances, say a move or military obligations, that prevented a larger affair in the first place. In this case, you can have a “do-over” to host the wedding of your dreams. You may already be legally married, but friends and family will still enjoy seeing you declare your love and celebrate afterward.

Timing Considerations for a Reception After a Small Wedding

The question of time can be a tricky one, especially if you feel it’s too soon or too late to host a celebration. Here’s what you need to know:

• When should I host a reception-only event? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone’s circumstances and reasoning vary. However, consider when it is suitable for your guests while also giving yourself time to relax if you traveled for your big day.
• Is there a good season to host a delayed reception? For the benefit of your guests (and your sanity), try to stay away from major holidays and possible harsh weather, such as hurricane season or snow. However, events are often less expensive in the off-season, which is a plus.
• Do I need to do a weekend reception? Guests with a strict work schedule may appreciate the ease of a Saturday or Sunday celebration. If budget is a concern, a weekday reception may come with an incentivized discount.
• When to send reception-only invitations? Just like a wedding, you want folks to be able to attend. It’s perfectly appropriate to send save-the-dates 6-8 months before the event, followed by a printed invitation 6-8 weeks prior.

Delayed Reception Wording Examples

Wondering what to say on your post-elopement reception invitations? Here are some of Zola’s favorite reception announcement templates:

For Receptions That Were Private or Intimate

• We got married! Please come celebrate with us at our wedding reception.
• Our wedding was tiny, but our love is larger than life! We’d love for you to come and celebrate at our reception.
• We are happy to have said our vows in a private ceremony, and we’re excited to finally celebrate surrounded by our closest family and friends.
• After a small wedding, we are ready to celebrate big! Join us for our post-wedding bash.
• We request the honor of your presence at our post-wedding celebration.

For Elopements

• We eloped! Although we said, “I do,” in private, we’d love to have you come and celebrate our love.
• Surprise, we eloped, so come and celebrate! You’re invited to party the night away at our post-elopement bash.
• A while ago COVID caused a delay, so we eloped to have our wedding day! We hope you can join us now that we finally planned our celebratory reception.
• Come and celebrate our elopement with us!
• Please come and celebrate our union at our post-elopement affair.

For Timely Events

• A year ago, we wed, so come celebrate our first anniversary instead!
• A few weeks ago, we decided to have a private ceremony, and we’d love your presence at our wedding reception.
• Five years have passed, since we said, “I do,” so we’re planning a celebration, and we want—YOU!
• We’ve already wed, but we’re ready to declare our love again. Please join us for our 6-month anniversary vow renewal celebration.

What to Include on Reception-Only Invitations

Wondering what exactly to put on your stationery suite? These suggestions are similar to a wedding invitation but go a step further:

• Add a clear understanding of the events. Did you elope or have a private ceremony? Guests will want to know. Also, let them know that this is a reception after a small wedding, or if you’re having another type of post-ceremony celebration (as noted above), clue in your guests.
• Be specific about gifts. Are you celebrating your three-year anniversary? People will want to know if gifts are appropriate, so guide them. Whether you have a wedding registry, want gift cards, or don’t want gifts, be clear on your reception invite.
• Clearly state your dress code. If you don’t add a dress code, you’ll be fielding a lot of questions. Add information about what type of attire is appropriate.
• Put hotel block information (if applicable). Travel can be expensive, so suggest accommodations, or reserve a hotel room block for attendees—just let them know.
• Tell your story. In addition to stating whether you eloped or had a microwedding, tell invitees a bit about yourself and the events that led you to that day. Try to be brief, as you can divulge the details on your wedding website.

Digital Reception-Only Invitation Solutions

From keeping track of separate guest lists to coordinating with your big day, Zola has digital invitations and wedding websites to meet your needs. Here’s what you need to know:

• Communicate information on your wedding website. Your Zola wedding website is the perfect place to do so many things, such as showcase your wedding story, upload photos, and communicate relevant information to your reception after a small wedding. Just make sure that your website coordinates with your reception design.
• Keep track of guest needs with RSVP and guest list options. Don’t forget that you can also keep track of RSVPs, dietary restrictions, and accommodation options using your website. A big perk with Zola is that you can keep track of separate guest lists if you’re having an intimate ceremony followed by a reception with more attendees.

Design Considerations for Delayed Wedding Receptions

From minimalistic to luxe, you have a lot of design freedom, so make full use of it. Here are a few recommendations from Zola’s team:

• Include photos from your nuptials. Photo invitations are popular. After all, everyone wants to see your partner. Instead of engagement pictures, you can use your wedding pictures, if you choose.
• Have fun with the color scheme. If you had a microwedding, feel free to transfer the theme to your reception—or not! The choice is yours. However, make sure that everything is cohesive with your post-wedding celebration as a solo event.
• Consider both digital and paper options. Since you’re already married, you may opt for digital wedding invitations, which is ok. Or choose the keepsake element of a full stationery suite, complete with printed invitations, menus, and place cards, which is also perfectly ok.

FAQ About Delayed Reception Wording

Do we need a new wedding website?

Whether or not you need a new wedding website, depends on what you’re trying to convey. You can keep your Zola URL and simply edit information as you see fit. Just remember, if you’re having a private ceremony with a larger, delayed reception, make sure not to cause offense or confusion by having ceremony information available to uninvited guests.

Should we have a wedding gift registry?

Adding a gift registry depends on your needs as a couple. If you need practical things for your kitchen or bath, a traditional gift list is ideal. However, you could also consider a cash registry or registering for your honeymoon if you haven’t taken one yet. Opting out of a registry and asking for no gifts is also an option if you’re already established or have been married a while.

How do we handle guests who feel excluded from the ceremony and will people feel offended if they’re only invited to the reception?

The first thing to remember if someone has their feathers ruffled is to keep calm. Coming from a point of compassion will go a long way. Don’t over-apologize, but let them know their role in your life and that you understand their point of view. You could also have a point person—say, your mom can deal with that disgruntled Aunt Susie—to come to your aid. Also, take the time to emphasize the positive. They are invited to the wedding reception and will have a chance to celebrate with you then.

What’s the appropriate attire for the couple?

The type of event dictates your attire. If you’re having a five-year anniversary post-COVID event, you may want to hold off on wearing a wedding gown and tux. However, if that situation is perfectly “you,” go for it! What you wear will depend on the formality of the event and whether or not you’re dancing the night away or are having a formal meal with a quartet and vows.

Should we do another ceremony or say vows at our delayed reception?

Whether or not you say your vows is up to you. We here at Zola think it’s more appropriate to recite vows if it’s an actual renewal, but this is your event. If you eloped and your grandparents have their hearts set on hearing your vows, don’t bat an eye at saying them again.

Can I send a wedding announcement and post-elopement reception invitations?

Love stationery? Zola does, too! If you crave a paper keepsake, feel absolutely free to send out a “we eloped” annoucement card. Follow it up a few weeks (or even days!) later with your reception invites.

How do I handle RSVPs for two separate events?

Two (or more) guest lists? Zola has the solution! Use our handy guest list management and RSVP tools to keep track of guest lists and reminders for separate events. Voila!

Zola Has You Covered for All Your Wedding Events

No matter when they happen, why, and who’s invited, Zola has what you need to seamlessly implement your big day. Whether you’re wedding reception was delayed due to timing, finances, elopement, or COVID (we know there are those that haven’t planned a post-microwedding bash yet!), Zola can help you with your wedding planning. Ideas for announcements, floral arrangements, bar styles, and song lists that get everyone on the dance floor are all at your fingertips. So stick around for a while!