Possible to not upset people over getting married without any family

[narnia2025]

We are planning to get married next year. We want to do a no thrills statutory wedding . Can only have two witnesses. Not even able to have dc there due to restrictions. So to not upset people we are thinking of having non family there so a co worker of dp and a friend of mine. We have even considered having random people from local fb page etc.

although I very much want to do it this way. I’m slightly worried that it is gonna cause fall out and upset especially dp family. Has anyone got married and not had family there? Was there fall out? Was everyone ok with it?

We can’t afford the 400 more. Plus if we were to invite 20 people they would expect something after like a party or a meal and we just can’t afford it.

the option we have chosen due to both needs and wants does not allow children. I was sad but honestly again. I doubt my older kids are gonna give a rats about me signing a paper in a room.

Not everyone can just drop hundreds of pounds on a day.

As long as you're strictly fair in how you treat people, they may be upset, but you will have done nothing wrong, so will be justified in expecting them to get over it, because you and your partners wishes for your wedding trump theirs.
I think choosing work colleagues as witnesses is tricky, as if I were your mum, I'd be upset that Jane from sales saw my daughter marry rather than me. Total strangers off the street might be a better bet (and fun...?)
Otherwise, the two mums? They are the highest risk for upset typically.

I’m a mum of adult kids and also a MIL. Mine are all married now, but if one of them had wanted to do as you are choosing, I would’ve been a bit upset (you can’t help your feelings) but I’d get over it and understand it’s your personal choice. As I hate surprises, I would’ve coped better if they’d have started dropping massive hints, that they were considering getting married for financial and practical reasons, but if they were to go through with it, they would only be prepared to do a no-frills basic ceremony without any guests. That way I would be prepared so when it did happen, it wasn’t a surprise, but obviously this is a very personal take.