to invite folk to my wedding and not have sit down meal

[doublethetrouble]

I got engaged on Sunday and have decided that I would rather have nice ring but other than that wedding on a shoe string budget. I can justify getting nice ring as its something I'll have forever and be able to pass onto my daughter but I can't justify paying a fortune on anything else and as such haven't told anyone we're engaged (as I can't be bothered getting pressured into something i can't afford. We plan just to get everyone together under false pretences and then get married and have a big party and buffet. Do you think its seems a bit tight not having sit down meal?. We won't be expecting wedding presents as noone will be aware we're gettig married and if we do use our childrens christening as an excuse to get everyone together we are going to stress we don't want presents and ask if folk really insist on giving something just make small donation to charity.

Thoughts and ideas appreciated please.

Doublethetrouble.
For the kids I made them each a gift bag with QUIET age appropriate things to keep them busy eg, colouring books and crayons, small cars, a packet of sweets, etc. They went down really well and kept them all quiet for ages. As we got married at a country house hotel there was lots of land so we took a football (kept the older children happy) and we hired a bouncy castle - with a roof incase of rain. Although the bouncy castle was about £100 it was well worth every penny, it was there all day and we got some great photos of dh and his best man having a whale of a time (looking back we should have got some of us together but I didn't want to spoil my dress)!

DP and I are getting Married this Summer. 12 people are invited to the Wedding (registry office, immediate family). Then in the evening I have hired a local social club hall, having a DJ and a caterer to do a sandwiches and salad type buffet. We are putting an open invite out to all extended family, friends but also work colleagues. Most people won't come for a 4 hour Party so I am estimating 60 but if they do they will have fun (although they might have to buy a bag of crisps if the Buffet runs out). Budget is £3000. My Dress is seperate

We have been together since Uni and engaged for 10 years - a big White Wedding (although a lovely thought) is just not required.

If there are lots of little ones, ask around to see if you can find a local Nanny or Childminder. We are going to pay a Nursery Nurse (from DDs Nursery) to come and Supervise DVDs etc in a seperate room, keep an eye on LOs sleeping in Prams etc. Not exactly a Creche but just a little bit of support iyswim. Her Primary job will be checking DD is OK with the ILs while we are busy. If lots of people bring Children I may get 2 of them to help. Also the Venue has some outside space where they can run around earlier in the evening, she will be on playground Duty as well

CMOVC - I've been to a wedding or two like that before - and it was utterly fab! Unless it is family or close friends, let's be honest and admit that the service is the meaningful bit for the couple / close friends and family, but the boring bit for distant friends etc... what they're looking forward to is seeing you and joining you for a party! The wedding I went to before like that was also done on a small budget, but didn't seem it because it was just a really fab party, and they put sooo much thought into what the party was going to be like (because that was all they had to plan) that actually, it was really rather impressive! They also had a bounsy castle and games for all the children... and it was great!