Pivoting to small wedding?

This is exactly what we're doing-we're still getting married on our original date with bridal party and immediate family-it will end up being around 25 people.

We first sent out a change of plans announcement (via paperless post) to guests that won't be coming this year basically explaining we still want to get married on the day that we've set, but due to restrictions, it will just be immediate family and bridal party, and that we will do a reception next year close to our first anniversary, invitation to follow next year. We're hoping to livestream the ceremony so people still feel they're at least somewhat a part of the real deal. I have heard nothing but positive feedback about this-no one butt-hurt about not getting to come this year-but maybe they're just being smart and not complaining to me about it

Then we sent normal invitations to people still coming-we're going to have the highest RSVP rate ever-haha! I haven't thought too much about what wording we'll use on invites next year, but probably something similar to that of a second reception one might throw if the wedding was far from one person's hometown.

Sorry that you're having to go through this! It sucks, but seems like you're making the best of it.

If we have to do this, which seems likely: 8/8 in MA, we sent save the dates to 160 people, I think we'll send change-the-dates to everyone. Instead of saying save/change the date, they'll say, "let's try again next year," or something like that, so they already know what's happening and hopefully it provides a moment of levity.
People who are invited to the real ceremony will also get an invitation (and probably a phone call or text letting them know they made the very short list so they don't tell people who didn't). People who are not invited this year will get a short explanatory note.

There are a few different ways you could word this, so mix/match/omit as you see fit:
Dear [NAME],In light of the current situation...ORDue to COVID-19...ORIn the interest of public health...
...we've decided to postpone our wedding reception.
We will be getting married in a private ceremony on our original date, but...ORWhile we will be getting married on our original date...
...we don't want to do anything that could jeopardize the health or safety of our friends and family members.
We hope you'll be able to join us to celebrate next year when it's safer to gather in person.
*If you're inviting people to a virtual ceremony:If you would like to experience our ceremony from a safe distance, please use this meeting code and password to join us on Zoom at [time] on [date, including year].
Until then, stay safe!OR Until then, stay safe, stay home, and wash your hands!
Love,[NAMES]
I think I might hand write the note and scan it and have that printed so it looks more personal and it won't look as awkward when we write in their names at the beginning and ours at the end.

Hi Samantha,

I am loving the feedback above! I think this is a great idea.

By doing a small ceremony now, you can have a larger reception later. Then, you can share photos from your ceremony at your reception next year. I think your guests will LOVE this!

Sending you so much love your way!