HOW TO DOWNSIZE YOUR GUEST LIST DUE TO COVID-19
Covid-19 has thrown up all kinds and sets of questions we never thought we'd have to answer. One of the most popular ones we had to deal with was how a couple can downsize their wedding guest list due to restrictions and health measures. Downsizing or adjusting your wedding plans means looking at your guest list in a new way. So today, we're sharing our tips for how to make your guest list smaller, where to start with downsizing, and who should still be invited.
If you’re dealing with wedding drama as a result of COVID-19, you’re not alone in your struggle to create your special day. Couples getting married in 2021 are faced with a wide array of guidelines and never-heard-before regulations. Many countries including Greece have a vague idea of how the summer is going to evolve wedding-wise. Depending on when your wedding is, it's worth making lists for several different scenarios. For example, a mandatory-person guest list, a 25-person guest list, a 50-person guest list, and a 100-person guest list.
IDENTIFYING YOUR NON-NEGOTIABLE GUESTS
The most important question to ask yourselves is "Who can we not get married without?". These are the people that you most certainly want to have at your wedding, no matter how small of a guest list you’re working with. These are the friends and family members who, if you were getting married in the morning, you'd call first. For example, close family and friends, such as your parents, siblings, and your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Reach out to these individuals first to confirm that they’re available on the date you intend to get married. Then, once you have those numbers, you can figure out how many additional guests you can still invite. Once you start with those people, every additional guest will feel like a bonus!
Anyone who was late to be added to your guest list in the first place will likely be the first to go. Then, you have people who you'd love to party with but are not vitally important to your experience of the day. These may include guests like work colleagues, friends of your parents, extended cousins, friends' children, or old school friends, particularly any 'obligatory' invites. Consider eliminating those guests as they are not a high priority to your wedding day.
CONSIDERING THE VULNERABLE AND ELDERLY GUESTS
The safety of the vulnerable should always go first. We know it seems extremely harsh cutting your grandparents or favorite aunties off the guest list. But even as restrictions lift and vaccines are rolled out, protecting the most vulnerable in our society should be our number one priority. If you have unvaccinated vulnerable guests among your non-negotiables (like parents or siblings), it might be worth keeping your guest list small to protect them. Keep in mind that any elderly and vulnerable guests you can no longer invite will understand the situation, and may even be relieved that they aren't expected to attend thus risking their health status. Even if you decide not to invite someone you're close to (like a grandparent or close relative) for this reason, think about visiting them before your wedding, sending them a welcome gift or some flowers on the day of the wedding and of course a wedding favor!
UNINVITING GUESTS TO YOUR WEDDING
Downsizing your wedding can be a difficult task as you identify which of your loved ones, unfortunately, can’t be included. Of course, you may need to uninvite guests to your wedding if restrictions and health measures dictate so. It is currently a necessity and those guests will understand that it was your only option. Understandably, it can be disappointing if you can't have all the people you wanted by your side on the day of your wedding. Try not to be disheartened and remember that you can always have a bigger celebration in the future. Keep perspective, and remind yourself that you're getting married to your other half, and the most important people will still be there. The thought of offending guests by 'uninviting' them to your wedding should not trouble you as everyone knows and understands the situation. Being clear and upfront is a good rule of thumb. There is no solid etiquette for this unprecedented time, but sending a personalized message rather than a blank email is always the most polite thing to do. Recalibrating your guest list could be in the form of a phone call, a text, an email, or a personalized card in the post. Many graphic designers or calligraphers will help you make the most of a rather uncomfortable situation by creating a beautiful card to let your guests know they are still valued.
If you had yet to send invitations or save the dates, you don't need to do any formal uninviting, though there may be some would-be guests you want to reach out to individuals to explain your change of plans. To soften the blow, you can always come up with ways to include your friends and family from afar by sending them flowers, so they know they're missed on the wedding day or let them know that you look forward to celebrating with them in another way once it's safe to do so. You can always consider live-streaming your nuptials for those unable to attend. Don’t forget, this smaller wedding does not have to be the end of your wedding celebrations! You can always throw a bigger reception and party at a later date when restrictions are lifted, known as a sequel wedding. We're all about throwing a big first-anniversary party!
CONSIDERING THE PROS
Keep in mind that there are pros to a smaller wedding guest list. With a limited guest list, you can also spend more time with the guests who are there. Also, a smaller guest list will probably make your guests feel more comfortable about attending during this time that is stressful to everyone. Try not to worry so much about the guests left uninvited due to covid restrictions. Everyone understands how challenging it is to get married amidst a pandemic! Soon we will be able to celebrate with all our friends once again and you could always have a second wedding party! There is no right or wrong to a scenario we never had to deal with before. Focus on the fact that you’re marrying your better half and everything else will fall into place!
Konstantina Lafara
Owner & Creative Director
Soo Events
