Post # 1

Member
258 posts
Helper bee
Not to sound naive here but…do I need to feed my JP? Other than her marrying my brother 6 months before my wedding, I have no connection to her.
The Justice of the Peace will be done with her part of the show right after the ceremony. If I have to feed her, I’m guessing, she’ll get the full sit down meal at $130 per person, not the discounted DJ & photographer meals. Trying to keep guests/budgets as low as possible, that’s 1 less mouth I’d like to not have pay for since I’m already paying for her fee. What are you thoughts?
Post # 3

Member
199 posts
Blushing bee
- Wedding: September 2009 - Catholic ceremony, reception at local armory
What is a JP? I am clueless.
Post # 4

Member
2765 posts
Sugar bee
@mascara – I think it’s Justice of the Peace?
Post # 5

Member
258 posts
Helper bee
Yes, sorry, Justice of the Peace
Post # 6

Member
199 posts
Blushing bee
- Wedding: September 2009 - Catholic ceremony, reception at local armory
Thanks Mr. Bee!
I’m not sure if the protocol is the same as it would be with a priest, but I’ve never been to a wedding where the officiant wasn’t at the reception.
Post # 7

Member
416 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: June 2008 - Imperia Hotel (modern chic hotel)
I dont think so… I know I wouldnt. But its different for everyone I guess
Post # 8

Member
1246 posts
Bumble bee
My officiant didn’t stay for our reception. Like a Justice of the Peace, she was just somebody we hired to perform the ceremony. We gave her the option but she (graciously) declined. I would just ask the JP’s clerk, maybe, or the Justice of the Peace him/herself.
Post # 9

Member
2765 posts
Sugar bee
Post # 10

Member
118 posts
Blushing bee
I posted on that thread Mr Bee linked too, also, but yeah – it’s always nice to invite your officiant to the reception, but it’s not usually expected AND I don’t usually stay, even if I am invited. If it’s really important to your Justice of the Peace, they’ll put something in the contract about you feeding them – otherwise, it is totally up to you. I’ve had brides tell me they wanted to invite me, but were working with a budget, and just couldn’t afford it – not a huge deal.
Post # 11

Member
75 posts
Worker bee
All the vendors at your wedding will likely want or need to eat, and if the officiant is staying for the reception, I do think s/he will expect a meal.
Post # 12

Member
1148 posts
Bumble bee
At first I thought she was your SIL, but if she’s just a Justice of the Peace, then I guess just ask your brother what he did. If he fed her then it will be expected, if he didn’t then don’t.
Post # 13

Member
234 posts
Helper bee
No you don’t have to pay for them to eat. A lot of them just want to be apart of the ceremony and leave since they won’t know anyone at the reception and they know you’re already paying a steep price for their services and all the other wedding things. It would be nice if you did it but theres a good chance she’ll probably decline.
Post # 14

Member
1897 posts
Buzzing bee
I always thought that it was most appropriate to welcome the Justice of the Peace to the reception as well…sorry!!!! 🙁 Maybe Justice of the Peace won’t be too hungry that night!