honest opinion please on this wording

[Dottydot]

OK, so I'm nervous about sending out our 'wedding' invites, and it's partly because we're asking people to pay for their lunch at Pizza Express afterwards - because we can't afford to pay for everyone... So, we're including some details in with the invite which includes maps and stuff, and saying there's the civil ceremony in the morning, then lunch, then the evening do at my Mum's. What do you think of this wording:

"No presents please, but we are asking people to pay for their lunch at Pizza Express. Wine will be provided, so costs should be between £10 - £20 per person and the waiters would be very grateful if you could bring cash!"

Bearing in mind we're only inviting close friends and immediate family, do you think this is OK? There's another bit about there being food and drink provided in the evening aswell.

I'm sooooooooooooo worried about this!!! Dp thinks I'm barking mad but I suppose I just really (really) wish we could just pay for it. But we can't, so this is what we came up with.

What would you think?

I will hide outside Pizza Express with my mobile phone and take photos of you all on the way in shall I?

You will have a fab time DD, now stop that crying.

We went there on Saturday and they didn't bat an eyelid at dd2 throwing crayons on the floor and bellowing 'BABBBLOOOOOOOON' (balloon) at the top of her voice, she was in a foul mood.

Sounds fine to me and I am sure everyone will be just happy to be able to share your big day with you.

I hoep you have a great day. Is it soon?

I've spent more than 20 pounds on every wedding present that I've ever bought and it's mostly been a cash bar, and so with your system I would be better off. I think it's great and it's not like you are asking them to pay for The Ivy.

That sounds really sweet actually. Far better than my wedding, where our nearest and dearest had to fork out for a long haul flight to India.....

I really love weddings, what kind of outfit are you thinking of wearing, there are quite a few mners who'd help you hunt down your dream outfit within your budget I'm sure.

Awww - just found this thread - had thought it died!! Thanks all - I really am very heartened and feeling much better - Mumsnet is a real godsend sometimes!

The do's on July 22nd, so not long now! Still got tons to sort out - music for the ceremony, outfits, rings and all the other stuff I haven't even thought of yet! I'd quite like to carry some flowers - small bunch of roses, and there's always flowers in the register office so I don't think we'll get any more.

I'd definitely like to wear a dress - probably long and a bit floaty, but not too bride-y! Dp's got a white linen suit which will look lovely and we've got to negotiate ds1 out of wearing his Buzz Lightyear costume!

You spoil-sport; let him go with the buzz lightyear costume, it would be an absolute hoot and you can use the photos to bribe/embarrass him later in life