I know under normal circumstances it's tacky to not invite someone to the wedding if they're invited to the shower/bachelorette party. But because I am a budget bride and we are paying for the wedding ourselves we can't afford to invite to all of our friends to the wedding because we both have divorced parents and such large families.
Also now because of COVID our venue has told us we can have no more than 100 guests (original invite list was 130) and we have to make cuts with the extended family.
I've talked to my Matron of Honor and one other friend (who isn't invited to the wedding) and they said it's totally understandable. Has anyone else found themselves in a similar situation? I'm wondering what is the best/politest way of telling someone they aren't invited to the actual wedding (because of COVID limitations) but I still love them and want them to be able to come to the bridal brunch/shower..