Coronabride Problems: Narrowing Down Guest List

I am sorry you’re in this position! We are still trying to hold out on the postponement of our wedding, but being weeks before you in Detroit, I think it is inevitable 😕


If I were you, I would just say you are only able to have an intimate ceremony and reception. I think given the current situation, people will understand ☺️ Is there anyway you can livestream the ceremony or have a backyard Bbq at a later date to include those that missed out? If not, don’t stress, it isn’t about them, it’s about YOU TWO!
I’m sure someone else will have a better answer from experience, but I thought I’d given an option.

Sorry that COVID is affecting your wedding! ☹️ Hoping that things change over the next month in Michigan.


My wedding is at the end of July, also in Michigan, so we're in the same boat as you in trying to figure out if we should narrow down our guest list. We're trying to hold off on deciding whether to postpone until mid June, though I found a website that had a good template for having to put together a smaller guest list (and also other templates for postponing, still continuing with restrictions, etc.): https://theeverylastdetail.com/coronavirus-wedding-postponement-email-templates-to-send-to-guests/

I'm sorry. You're not alone.

A number of couples on here have been coming up with a variety of ways, but mostly they boil down to this:

Expressing concern for health and safety

Regret

Gratitude

Hopes for the future

I agree with what Rebecca said - that's a good general "formula". I'm sure people will be really accepting right now and understand that it wasn't your first choice.

We are in the same boat! 10/10/20 in MI.
We've already sent save the dates to around 150 people, but have made alternate lists for 25 or less people, and then 50 or less, and then 100 or less. We think that we will send invites to immediate family at the end of July. And then sending additional invites to more people about 8 weeks out. We also think that if we start in inviting more people, we will put a little slip in there saying something like "Due to the everchanging restrictions with COVID-19, please keep an eye on our wedding website for any announcements or changes. In addition, we will be recording our ceremony live at ____(website) for any that would like to still participate but do not feel safe attending in-person". That's just a rough draft, but something simple to add in the envelope. Or if you're not sending the invites, you could send a written letter with the "formulas" mentioned above and maybe consider live streaming your ceremony as well. Just depends on what you and your future spouse are comfortable with!

This is all so helpful! Thanks everyone. I think it really just comes down to figuring out the right words to say but you’re all right-this is such a bizarre situation where everyone must be somewhat understanding of the changes. Would just announcing it on our website be appropriate do you think? Or individually reaching out?

View Quoted Comment Ahh just saw this!! This is a great idea. You are on it! Thank you!!

View Quoted Comment Of course! Not the most fun situation to be in but we have to make the best out of what we're working with. Good luck!!

So we just got married this past weekend! We made a Facebook page and invited everyone that’s on Facebook who was initially invited and then actually told the people who we picked that they were still invited. No one really questioned since we put on the page numbers had to be cut drastically.



Hope this helps. My plans changed literally 10x so I really hope that doesn’t have to happen for you!!

Hi Victoria,

I'm so sorry you are going through this! I am loving the tips above. I also found an article that I think can help you. Check it out below!

How Do I Downsize My Guest List if I’ve Postponed My Wedding?

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Sending lots of love your way!