Reading at a Wedding

[Coatgate]

Is it not odd to invite someone to read at a wedding, but not invite them to the reception....................

Or is it just me?

Yes. That's a bit strange.

Are they definitely having a reception or will it be one of those 'parties' where four members of the immediate families share a potted meant sandwich between them?

Not sure. Just dropped DD off - church is opposite a 'naice' pub/brasserie and the bride seemed to be staying in one of their rooms so presume the reception is there. It will be a bit odd if DD just slopes off after the service. Well actually she won't slope, she will totter on her high heels.

That does seem really rude, and strange. Normally the people invited to read at weddings count as part of the 'wedding party' ie it's usually very close friends or family members who would automatically be invited to the reception unless they really aren't having one.

Or is it the case that your DD is particularly skilled at public speaking, or a bit famous, or something, in which case they have asked her to read and are treating her as a performing artist (who like nearly all artists, is expected to wet herself with gratitude at being given this 'exposure' ie asked to work for free...)

Weird

What relation is DD to couple, and is she a teen or adult?

Perish the thought! I would not have said she is particularly gifted in that area - I used to sometimes do a reading at Mass and I always picked up the reading before hand. Pesky bible readings can trip up the hardiest of public speakers. She is only 16 and self-conscious. I can imagine her and her mate (who was also reading) hanging around outside the church not knowing whether to stay or go.

She is no relation. She is a volunteer at a group that the bride runs.

why havent they asked the bride???

That's a bit mean.
I've seen worse though. My Mum was asked to play piano for a friends wedding service, which involved a three hour rehearsal.
She was not invited and was asked to "help out" with the reception afterwards.
I'd have said no.

Asking the bride would be the obvious answer - but they are teenagers.
Well she hasn't phoned yet so it would seem she has wormed her way into the reception.

I did wonder if it was a kind of pub reception where it'd be a bit weird having under 18s there.
Or if it is at the place across the road, maybe she was always invited but they weren't formally inviting anyone to the reception, just expecting those at the ceremony would join them if they wanted.

Can't say I've ever come across that before

I think you've nailed it Chase. Drinks afterwards in the pub but a pay bar and no food just a cake. So actually the perfect antithesis to a bridezilla wedding.

Sounds fun :)