Just a ceremony question ...

I think people would still give you stuff anyway even if there was only a ceremony.
If you’re gonna have a guest book at the ceremony then you could leave the box there. I think it’s ok to have the box still.

I think people will give something but maybe don't have a gift box as that could seem like you were expecting something. Nothing wrong with just having a ceremony and I'm from Florida to so I completely understand and as of right now things are not looking up and it's better to be safe than sorry. To somewhat thank people for their time have you considered maybe even just like to go doing like some cupcakes and maybe like personalized bottled water or tea or something?

Some other ladies on here explained to me that many people will still want to bring a card, even if you specify no gifts 😉

I would absolutely still bring something as a guest, probably a card with money. It's not your fault that there's no opportunity to have a reception and people get that. They will want to support you starting a marriage during this tough time.

At a time like this I think it would be acceptable!

Agree with most of the previous responders, I think a card box would be fine.

I'm having ceremony only with 40 guests and a small reception with direct families and bridal parties after that. We are ordering cupcake packed individually for guests to take home after the ceremony to show gratitude for their time and supports along with our flavors ( already bought months ago).

View Quoted Comment Where are you having the little party after? I want to do something like that just don’t know where. I sent out save the dates back in March and then I sent a text in June saying we’re not sure what’s going on the venues closed. What did you send out or text about just the ceremony ?

View Quoted Comment So the ceremony only followed by small reception will be held in the same venue. Our venue actually has two separate rooms so we will be able to utilize that space.


We went back and forth soooo many times with the wedding plan. Since our guest group is small, around June we started sending out private messages (general greeting and announcement one ) to everyone confirming their attendance and update the safety measures (which we also posted on our wedding website) we will have at the wedding and understand if they are concerned or change their plan of coming. We actually got pretty good replies from most guests confirming they will still attend. Some told us they might leave after the ceremony since they don't feel comfortable having meal in public yet and it is totally understandable.
I think around first week of July, I started getting panick when seeing the number of cases in Dallas increasing daily, we made decision to cut reception and only keep ceremony for the safety of our families and friends ( we don't want to postpone since we have other life plans which might prevent us to plan an actual ceremony like this next year) . This time, instead of sending everyone a long message explaining why we decided to do so, we send our guests a notice "please go to our website for the current updates" with our website link where we explained why and what is the new schedule. I used the sending message function on weddingwire which is very convenient and I strongly recommend if you use their platform for our wedding website. I hope my answer helps.
I know how stressful it is planning a wedding during these times. Good luck to your planning and try to enjoy this experience and not stress out too much since it is definitely a lifetime memory. (Im trying too haha).

View Quoted Comment Thank you, it helps! My wedding is oct 23 so it’s coming to the decision time very soon. I think I may send a text saying it is just a ceremony and say RSVP or text back if you’ll attend. I really don’t have a place for them to eat or drink which I feel bad about. I might do a little gift but I’m not sure. How many people did you invite originally from out of town and how many are actually coming from out of town? I’m in Florida and we are not good here. But same.. I want to get married soon because I want to start having kids soon lol