I debated if I should post this because I feel like this could be sort of sensitive. Anyways, because most of our friends and family live many states away and we initially wanted to elope, we kept our wedding small (under 22 people) with just immediate family. Our international family confirmed they couldn't make it due to COVID-19 two months ago, which brought us down to a total of 15 people. Now, another 5 may not make it. We are live-streaming for friends and family now.
If those 5 confirm they aren't coming, would it be rude just to ask our few friends who live in the same city if they want to attend? Our table seats 22 people and we are budgeted for that (we don't HAVE to have that many, but we have the funds set aside for it). I hesitate to extend the invite because: 1. No one except family was initially invited - would it feel like we are just trying to fill seats? 2. Would it be wrong to have them, when our very close friends from across the country aren't invited?
I'm trying to stay mindful of feelings of everyone. If we do not invite anyone, would it be rude to see if the local friends (there are only four of them) would want to meet up for drinks after the family dinner? Should we just keep it as originally planned, just now with only 8 guests?
