Civil Wedding Vows

Should we tell guests that the civil ceremony is not going to be same day as the wedding celebration?

My fiance and I are planning to have a civil ceremony and don't plan to invite anyone. This is because we have a destination wedding and there are complications with getting a marriage license at the destination. I plan on telling my immediate family that we are having the civil ceremony beforehand but we want everyone to feel that the real wedding is the one that we will celebrate with our family and friends. Should be open about it or tell people only if they ask?

Public Comments

1. if it was me i wouldn't tell in less they ask .
2. I would tell immediate family you feel comfy with and the others can mind their biz. Basically don't ask don't tell as far as I am concerned. Truly it is your day so as long as you and your wife to be are in agreement the others will fall in line!
3. I'm confused, are the guests going to be witnessing a ceremony, or is it only a reception they will be attending? If you will still be having a ceremony they will be watching, I don't think you have to say anything (altho remember in a few years that people will wish you a happy anniverisary on the day they think you got married) If you're not having any sort of ceremony that guests will be seeing on the day of the celelbration, then I would tell them. The invite would say something like "We got married on such and such a date in such and such location and we'd like you to celebrate with us on this date and place"
4. Lots of people have a secret civil ceremony before (or after) a destination wedding. They won't ask, so don't tell. The question isn't likely to come up, "Hey, was that wedding for real or were you just pretending to get married?"