Guests Not Coming

We had more declines than we expected! We invited 235 and only had 175 rsvp as coming. We were absolutely expecting 200 to say yes. I think a lot of the people not close to the family (parent coworkers, people who would have to travel, parents friends) said no because why would they come to a big event and risk covid if they aren't close with the couple.
We also required vaccine, BUT less than 10 people didn't come because of that rule, so I definitely know that isn't the real reason.

I also thing that with SO MANY 2022 weddings people are being more picky about which ones they go to.

We invited 203 (including plus ones and children), but only 110 RSVP’ed yes for our ceremony and 98 for our reception. We were expecting closer to 150 originally, as we assumed many of our single guests would decline to bring a plus one (which was true), some parents may decline to bring their children and treat our wedding as a date night (we only had 13 children out of a possible 35 attend), and some out-of-state guests may not want to travel yet (also true). We were, however, surprised that our final numbers were even lower than anticipated, as we had about 10 guests change their RSVP the week of the wedding. We also had several no shows. RSVPs were definitely the hardest part of wedding planning, especially as many (over 60!) didn’t submit their RSVP until after our deadline.

I think this is even tougher now that couples have already gotten married during the pandemic. Now that restrictions are lifted, you're married still. I think people just don't prioritize that as highly, unfortunately.

In addition, although restrictions are lifted, there still is Covid in the community, and people are rightly still nervous.

I'm sorry this is happening to you.

View Quoted Comment Agree with this. Have a vow renewal or anniversary party down the road. Guests will be more likely to attend and celebrate with you in that case.

View Quoted Comment Our attrition rate is probably between the two brides above, so we still have a decent number of guests, just not near what we hoped. I have never experienced people being as willing to travel for a party as a wedding, and we have had it planned for months.

View Quoted Comment I agree with this completely. I have had two family members and one friend decide to marry privately during the height of Covid, and postpone their big celebrations. Unfortunately, all of them experienced this same thing- guests just didn’t prioritize their celebration because it wasn’t a “wedding” and “they’re already married”. Unfortunately, I think once a couple is married a lot of people don’t see the point in having (or attending) the big celebration afterwards.

We haven't sent out RSVP's yet, but we kept our guest list on the smaller side and only included people we are truly close with. We'll be sending out 100 invites and have 75 guaranteed to attend, a few toss ups, and a few who might not bring a plus 1. I think COVID has changed a lot in what people are willing to participate in. I think the attitude around the massive weddings with every extended family member and parent's friend and that girl you knew in middle school but havent talked to in 20 years or that one friend from college who you still follow on facebook has just changed.

I'm sorry that are having that problem if some were there 2020 it's a possibility that they just cant make it. But to have that many saying no I can see why you are feeling bummed out. I hope that they will change their minds and come stay hopeful and you have a good turn out.