Planning Minimony, Family Resisting

Hey folks, I have been met with some resistance from family regarding the “mini wedding now, normal wedding at a later date” idea. I really want to have a less formal minimony with 11 guests in March, and maybe in a year on the same day have a full-blown “normal” wedding.

My family thinks having 2 weddings is very weird and just want the later, larger event to be a party. Personally, FDH’s family is HUGE and mine is pretty small. I wanted to have a party of bridesmaids and groomsmen, have the experience of our close friends being a part of our big day. I want to bring our families together for something beautiful and make everyone feel included, not hurt feelings by NOT having a proper ceremony and just having a party.

How did your family react to the idea of 2 weddings? How can I explain it to them in a way that makes sense?

And yes, my parents want to contribute to the cost, but they haven’t decided what their budget is, so I truly can’t take that into consideration at this time. They haven’t said money is the reason they think it’s weird, but I believe it’s a factor in why they feel this way... They have said to use more money on a honeymoon instead. But they support having a later “party,” which would...cost the same??? As a second ceremony??

((I’m thinking the minimony will cost under $2k for the venue, decorations, food/drink, my dress, etc. We don’t come from money by any means, so this is a lot to me. All the same, I am having a hard time understanding why they’re resistant. I’ll be able to re-use decorations for the “big event,” I’ll wear my dress or my mom’s more formal wedding dress, it won’t be any different than having a big party right?))

Sorry if this is a bit incoherent or doesn’t make sense. I’d love to hear about how others have presented the two weddings idea to their families without being met with resistance. Thank you!