Welcome Letters For Wedding Guests Etiquette For Separate Wedding And Reception?

Etiquette for separate wedding and reception? - welcome letters for wedding guests

My friend and I always wanted a small wedding on the beach, but then a big party, so as to conserve the best of both worlds, we decided to celebrate the wedding weekend (and only invite family and) close friends, then the taking next weekend (invite all our family and friends). My question is how the word of the invitations? Should I separate invitations for the guests to the wedding and the reception of guests? Should I say a letter or a note explaining why you want a small wedding? All suggestions welcome!