DEAR ABBY: My fiance and I are being married next month in a private ceremony. We're having a small family/closest friends barbecue reception the following weekend. We do not want any uninvited guests, but we also don't want to come across as rude. What's your suggestion for polite wording on invitations asking that there be no "extra" guests brought to our reception? Our budget is very tight. -- NOT A BRIDEZILLA
DEAR NOT A BRIDEZILLA: Put nothing like that in writing. There is a rule of etiquette that only guests whose names are on the invitations should attend the event. If you feel your prospective guests are ignorant of the social graces, call them and explain: "We would love you to celebrate with us, but because our budget is limited, we are unable to entertain uninvited guests. We hope you understand."