I always have loved weddings and events and I love planning those events even more! Though times have been challenging, I continue to love working with my clients to create a wedding that they love (even if it is not what they expected would happen in 2020). These last few months have forced us to get even more creative when planning a wedding. One of the challenges that couples are facing right now is the need to revisit their guest list. Some couples are making the difficult choice to postpone their wedding into 2021 while other couples are making a even tougher choice of cutting their guest list in order to fit in state COVID guidelines. I have complied some great tips to follow when informing your wedding guests that you’re postponing your wedding.
There isn’t a history of something ever happening like this before, so there is no standard or etiquette that couples could follow. This can makes things difficult when talking with your guests. Luckily, your guests are aware that something is happening in the world that is outside of your control so they will be understanding of your decision. Just make sure to be upfront and clear when talking with them so there are no misunderstandings! Once you have the decision to postpone your wedding, then you will need to decide how you are sending out this information. You can do it through the following ways: digital card, email, your wedding website, printed Change the Date card sent through the mail. I personally recommend talking with your guest via the phone, virtually (Facetime, Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc.), or through social media to get the word out. Once your new date is set, then send out a fun Change the Date card through the mail. Don’t forget to update your wedding website with the new date!
Wondering about should be included in your Change the Date cards? First, before sending out those beautiful or funny Change the Date cards, make sure to update your wedding website to include the new information such as the new date, any new travel information (including room blocks), and your new RSVP dates. Your Change the Dates will need to include your new wedding date, the new RSVP dates, location and your wedding website.
If you are having to make the tough decision to cut back on your wedding guest list, then make sure to sit down with your significant other so you can make the decision together. Sit down together with a glass of wine and determine what will be the new cut off. How many people can attend while fitting in your state’s guidelines? How many people are able to travel during this crazy time? Once you have figured out how many guests can attend, think about those you want to be there on your special day. If you are having to cut down your wedding guest list, then you can limit it so that only your close family and friends are invited. However, this is not to say that other guests can’t share your special day with you! You can have a web camera setup so they can view your ceremony through Zoom, Google Hangout, etc. If you are planning on doing this, make sure to put someone in charge of this on the day of. If you have a tech-savvy cousin, nephew, niece or bestie, then have them setup everything for your guest to view.
Hopefully, this blog helps you make those difficult decisions. My biggest piece of advice is sit down and think it through. Don’t make a snap decision that you will regret later. If you have any questions or need advice, then email me at hello@birraweddingsandevents.com. I am happy to answer any questions you have or help you work through your thought process!