Closest friends can’t attend - any advice to cheer up?

I just want to say I'm sorry...2020 brides (those who postponed and those who forged ahead) have my deepest empathy. I'm not sure what I can say to cheer you up other than marrying the love of your life is the sole reason for having a wedding no matter how big or small. Celebrate your marriage and appreciate those who do show up and understand the life circumstances that are in the way of those who don't. They don't love you any less but are no longer in a position to be physically present. Three years is a long time to ask people to be committed to a date they originally assented to.

View Quoted Comment I thought asking in late 2021 for the new date of early/mid 2023 was a good amount of notice, maybe it was too much… in any case, a yes can change to a no any time. Thank you for the kind words though, I appreciate it 🌷

Your wedding is still seven months away which is really too early for anyone to say whether they can afford for not so still send everyone on your guest list and invitation once the wedding is closer and it might surprise you who is actually able to attend.

Agree with Veronica. It’s too early and you should have not sent invitations or received RSVP’s at this point. Guests don’t know what they are doing 7 months from now. I was surprised by the amount of guests who attended our wedding. Try to stay positive.
It will work out.

Thanks everyone for positive words!!

From my side, like just mine, not any mutuals, I invited 80 people. I had 14 attend. As the Rsvps came back, I was devastated in that moment that so many people who I'd been there for in their biggest happiest moments, weren't going to be there at my wedding. Even people who told me a couple months before that they'd be there and "family is the most important thing". I cried myself to sleep for probably a week. Then when the day of came, there were so many other people there and the day flew by, I'll be honest I didn't even notice they weren't there or miss them. Do I wish they were there, absolutely but it didn't take away from the magical day that it was. And it will all work out for you too.

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Exactly this! We had a much lower turnout than we had expected, and a lot of the "no" responses really hurt. But once the day came, I was so excited to get married, the day was so busy, and I had such a blast with the people that did show up that I didn't even notice. It sucks now, but your day will still be great

Thanks you both for sharing your experiences 🌷really appreciate this supportive community!

We had our wedding June 2020. Partially because of Covid, but mostly because of our budget, we only had 35 people. 35 of our closest friends and family. It was the BEST decision we ever made and I’ve never regretted it for a second!! Small weddings are just a magical as big weddings! Hope you have an amazing day!

View Quoted Comment I’m not opposed to small, it’s just a bummer that my super closest friends are the ones who can’t make it. In any case, I’ll remain positive and thank you for sharing - it’s so great to hear small was wonderful!!

I don't have much advice, but I came to say we went through something similar. Original May 2020, then June 2021, then finally Sept 2022. We had lots of key (like we couldn't imagine our wedding celebration without them) people decline in advance for super valid reasons, and our officiant/Best Man had to back out 4 days prior due to contracting RSV (also a very valid reason). I'll be honest - it got to the point where we thought about throwing in the towel, but it was too late, and we wanted to celebrate with the ones who *could* join us. We still had a wonderful time, and we're hoping to have individual celebrations (really just spending quality time) with those who couldn't make it. So no real advice - just, I guess, to keep your head up, and you WILL have a wonderful time with the people who can make it....and the rest will have a chance to make it up to you afterwards, I hope!

View Quoted Comment Thanks so much for sharing Allie 🌷Glad to hear it was still wonderful and as you said, I still want to celebrate with those who can make it!