Not sure where to start when cutting your guest list due to COVID-restrictions? Look no further!
So you have to comply with COVID-restrictions and un-invite some of your wedding guests... Let's start by understanding how much you need to cut your list down. First check out the MDH website to understand what the most up to date restrictions are for weddings and events.
After reading about the restrictions, reach out to your venue contact to make sure you are on the same page in regards to how many people you can invite with said current restrictions. Once you know that number, go through your guest list and highlight your "must have" guests... Whoever that is for you - your parents, siblings, wedding party, whoever is a non-negotiable for your day. Total the number of people on the list up and compare that total to the number you need to be at to comply with restrictions, and adjust accordingly from there. (Note: Keep in mind that restrictions can change at any time. You may want to consider postponing if you cannot narrow it down to fit the current restrictions!)
Once you have finalized your decisions, take those who are not on your new priority invite list, and decide how you want to communicate the changes to your big day... Whether it is mailing an un-save the date, calling guests, sending an email/Facebook message, or having family help communicate. Then divide and conquer! While no one wants to do this, the majority of your guests should be understanding that the decision to limit guests was out of your control.
In case you go the un-save the date route, we've come up with some templates to help you "un-invite" guests from your wedding.
"Dear ___,
It is with heavy hearts that we share that we have had to reduce our guest list to comply with the restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We hope you can understand how difficult this was for us and we hope you can join us for the live stream of our wedding ceremony here ___.
With Love,
____&____"
"Dear ____,
Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 we have made the difficult decision to alter our wedding plans. As much as we would love to celebrate with you, we have decided it poses too much of a risk to everyone's health to gather in the capacity we had hoped.
We still plan to move forward with a small, intimate ceremony on XX date. Your presence will be missed and we hope to be able to celebrate with you in the future. We are so grateful for your love and support as we enter our marriage.
Love,
____&____"
"Change of Plans!
Our love is contagious but so is COVID-19.
Due to the pandemic we have had to make the difficult decision to reduce our guest list to comply with the latest state restrictions. We value your safety and well-being and hope to be able to celebrate with you in the future sometime soon!
We still plan to wed on our original date of XX with our closest friends and family.
Sending our love,
____&____"
"_____,
We have come to the difficult decision to reduce our guest list for our wedding on XX date. We have poured our time and energy into planning a beautiful celebration of our marriage for the past year. However, during such uncertain times the safety and well-being of our friends and family is of utmost importance.
We hope you will be able to join us for the live stream of our marriage here ___ and join us at a celebration sometime in the future when we are able to safely gather.
Love Always,
____&____"
" An unfortunate update to our wedding plans
Due to COVID-19 and the state restrictions surrounding gatherings we have been required to reduce our guest list. We are only able to extend an in-person invitation to our closest family and bridal party members. We hope you will celebrate from afar with us and watch the live stream of our marriage here ____.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may pose and hope we will be able to celebrate with you in the future.
With Love,
____&____"
" Love may be patient but we are not
We have made the decision to move forward with our wedding plans but, due to our venue capacity restrictions, we have had to reduce the size of our wedding. As much as we had hoped to be able to celebrate our marriage with all of our loved ones, the pandemic will not allow that to be a possibility at this time.
We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you know that this decision was not made lightly. We are grateful for your continued love and support and hope you will be able to join us for our live stream of our wedding ceremony. Details on how to join the live stream will be available on our wedding website XXX.
With all our love,
____&____
We hope one of these templates will work for your situation, or at least give you somewhere to start! Our hearts go out to all of the couples impacted but we know you will still have the best day marrying your best friend even if it doesn't look like you thought it would.
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