Planning A Wedding During Covid: Who To Invite?

Planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging, with ever-changing restrictions and safety concerns. Couples may need to navigate various etiquette dilemmas, such as downsizing the guest list, enforcing safety precautions, and communicating changes to their plans. To invite guests to a wedding during COVID-19, it is essential to consider the venue, the wedding date, and the number of guests. Here are some tips for inviting guests and navigating the challenges of planning a wedding during the pandemic:

- Start with a smaller guest list: Prioritize close friends and family, especially those who are local or can easily travel.

- Consider a micro-wedding or a minimony: A micro-wedding typically includes only a few close family members and friends, while a minimony is a mini ceremony followed by a larger reception at a later date.

- Communicate early: Let your wider group of friends and family know that you plan to keep the event small to manage their expectations and avoid blindsiding them.

- Livestream the ceremony: Include more distant loved ones by livestreaming the wedding and sending them a personal message explaining your decision to keep the event intimate due to the pandemic.

- Enforce safety precautions: Let guests know in advance via the invitation or wedding website if you will be requiring masks and social distancing at the event.

- Provide safety measures: Ensure hand sanitizing stations, spaced-out seating, and proper ventilation at the venue to create a safe environment for your guests.

- Be flexible: Stay updated with local restrictions and be prepared to make changes to your plans if needed.

Pare down your guest list

Planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging, especially when it comes to creating a guest list. Here are some tips to help you pare down your guest list while still considering the feelings of those you won't be inviting:

Overseas and Out-of-Town Guests

Start by considering guests who are travelling from overseas or out of town. Due to travel restrictions or challenges, they may not be able to attend. Count how many guests fall into this category and see if this helps you reach a more manageable number.

Obligatory Invitees

We all have people on our guest lists who we feel we "have to" invite, often due to family pressure or social obligation. These guests may understand your need to pare down if they aren't close to you or your partner.

Likely Declines

There may be guests on your list who you know are unlikely to attend for various reasons. If you are aware of any guests who fall into this category, you can add them to your "no-go" list.

Children

Whether or not to invite children is always a tricky question. If you were planning to include them, this is one area you may want to reconsider. It can be difficult to inform guests of this change, but many couples who have adult-only weddings still allow babies to attend with their parents.

Plus Ones

Plus ones are another tricky topic, especially if the guest is in a relationship with someone you haven't met. It can be hard for a loved one to understand why their date can't attend, but if you have a high number of plus ones, consider reducing this number. Proceed with caution and be mindful of relationships.

Consider a Family-Only Event

If you still need to reduce numbers, consider limiting your guest list to family only. This decision can be difficult as you may have been looking forward to celebrating with friends. However, it is one of the easier ways to explain to others that they are no longer invited.

Create a Guideline

If you need to pare down further, create a guideline for your yes list. For example, agree with your partner that you will only invite guests you both know or those you've known for a certain period.

Remember, it's essential to communicate any changes to your guest list as early as possible, especially if you've already sent out invitations. Be honest and sincere in your messages, and your guests will likely understand the need to downsize due to the pandemic.

Communicate safety precautions

Communicating safety precautions to your wedding guests is essential to ensure everyone's safety and comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some detailed instructions and suggestions to effectively communicate these precautions:

Be Transparent About Precautions:

On your wedding invitations or wedding website, clearly outline the safety precautions you will be enforcing. This includes measures such as mask requirements, social distancing expectations, and any COVID-related FAQs. By giving guests a heads-up in advance, they can make an informed decision about their attendance and comfort level.

Encourage Face Coverings:

While face coverings may not be mandated, it is beneficial to encourage their use among your guests. Include a request for guests to bring a face covering on the invitation, and have ushers remind guests to wear them upon entering the venue. Explain that masks can be removed when seated or during eating and drinking. Consider exempting young children or individuals with medical conditions from this requirement.

Emphasize Social Distancing:

Implement social distancing measures during the wedding ceremony and reception. Space out seating arrangements to ensure households or groups are at least six feet apart. When designing the wedding breakfast table plan, opt for smaller tables and increase the distance between them. Leave empty seats between guests to ensure adequate distancing.

Provide Hand Sanitiser Stations:

Place hand sanitiser dispensers (containing at least 70% alcohol) at various locations throughout the venue, including entrances, exits, and on each table. Encourage guests to sanitise their hands regularly, especially before and after meals. You can even provide personalised hand sanitisers as wedding favours, allowing guests to carry them throughout the event.

Choose a Well-Ventilated Venue:

Opt for an outdoor venue with plenty of open space, as this significantly reduces the risk of virus transmission. If you must choose an indoor venue, select a spacious location with good ventilation to minimise the risk of inhaling droplets.

Limit Guest List Size:

Reducing the number of guests is an effective way to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spread. Consider limiting the guest list to only close family members and friends, or opt for a micro-wedding with a small group of attendees. This will help ensure that your event adheres to social distancing guidelines and creates a safer environment for all.

Request Vaccination or Negative Tests:

To further safeguard your guests, you can request that all attendees be fully vaccinated and show their COVID vaccination pass upon entry. Alternatively, ask guests to take a COVID test the day before the wedding and bring proof of a negative result. Including this information on your invitations will allow unvaccinated guests to make an informed decision and take the necessary steps if they wish to attend.

Display Safety Reminders:

Use signage to gently remind guests of the safety precautions. Place visible signs encouraging handwashing and sanitising, refraining from moving between tables, and maintaining social distance. These signs will help keep safety at the forefront of everyone's minds.

Assign a Safety Coordinator:

Designate a person, such as your venue coordinator or wedding planner, to be responsible for enforcing these restrictions throughout the event. This will ensure that safety measures are consistently upheld without causing additional stress for you on your special day.

Remember, communication is vital. By keeping your guests informed and providing clear safety guidelines, you can create a safer and more comfortable environment for everyone to celebrate your wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Livestream your ceremony

If you're inviting a small group of people in person, you can still include your wider circle by adding a livestream component. This is a great way to record, save, and back up your wedding, and it's becoming increasingly normal.

Choose a streaming platform:

There are many livestreaming platforms to choose from, including Facebook Live, Zoom, Instagram Live, YouTube Live, Google Hangouts, and more. Some platforms, like LoveStream, Simply Eloped, and Wedfuly, offer additional services such as planning, equipment, and officiants for a price.

Create a schedule:

Don't just stream your ceremony. Consider going live for the toasts, first dance, cake cutting, and other events. Create and share a schedule of when you'll be going live so your guests know what to expect.

Designate a person to manage the livestream:

You'll want someone to set up, manage, and run your livestream so you don't have to worry about it on your big day. This person can also be in charge of troubleshooting any issues that may come up during the livestream.

Pick a discreet location for the camera:

You'll want to choose a location that is close to the ceremony to ensure the best video quality. However, you'll also want to pick a discreet location so that the camera and tripod don't end up in all of your wedding photos.

Test your internet connection and livestream:

Make sure to test your internet connection and do a practice livestream to ensure everything is working properly. This will also give you a chance to troubleshoot any issues that may come up.

Go live before the start of the ceremony:

Start your livestream 10 minutes before the ceremony begins to allow your virtual guests to log in and get connected. This will also give your guests a few minutes to troubleshoot any issues.

Engage with your virtual guests:

After the livestream, go back and read through the comments and replies from your virtual guests. This is a great way to make them feel included and appreciated.

Plan an intimate wedding

Planning an intimate wedding during the pandemic can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to help you plan a safe and memorable celebration:

Communicate Early and Often:

Keep your guests informed about your plans and any changes. If you haven't sent out invitations yet, let your wider circle know that you're planning an intimate wedding with only immediate family. This way, they won't be surprised if they don't receive an invitation. Be transparent about your reasons, and express your wishes to celebrate with them in the future.

Trim the Guest List:

Decide on a guideline for your guest list with your partner. Consider limiting it to immediate family and a few close friends. If you need to uninvite guests, reach out to them personally, express your regret, and let them know you look forward to celebrating with them in the future.

Safety First:

Implement safety precautions such as social distancing and mask-wearing. Communicate these expectations to your guests in advance via your invitations or wedding website. On the day, display signage, set up sanitizing stations, and consider providing custom masks that match your wedding colours.

Livestream Your Ceremony:

Include a wider circle of loved ones by livestreaming your ceremony. Use apps like Zoom or Skype, and send your guests the details in advance. This way, even those who can't attend in person can still share in your special day.

Splurge on Special Elements:

With a smaller guest list, you can allocate more of your budget to extra-special touches. Treat your guests to a fancier catered meal or customized favours. If you're opting for an elopement, consider a "destination wedding" at a scenic venue.

Remember, it's your special day, so don't be afraid to make it intimate and personal. Your guests will understand the exceptional circumstances, and you can always celebrate with a larger reception in the future.

Create a wedding website

A wedding website is a great way to keep your guests informed about your wedding plans, especially if you're inviting them digitally due to COVID-19. Here are some tips for creating a wedding website:

Choose a Website Builder and Template

Select a user-friendly website builder that offers step-by-step instructions and a drag-and-drop editor. Wix and Squarespace are popular choices. Choose a template that matches your wedding theme and aesthetic. If you're looking for a soft, whimsical website template, for example, Wix may have what you're looking for. Alternatively, Squarespace offers templates with a variety of styles, including tropical and sci-fi themes.

Personalize the Look of Your Site

Customise the colours and fonts of your website to match your wedding style. If you've already created printed save-the-date cards or invitations, consider using the same fonts and colours on your site for a cohesive look. Remove any unnecessary pages, and add new pages, forms, and sections as needed.

Replace the Images

Use your website to showcase your engagement photos. Add them to a dedicated page or use them as background or header photos. If your engagement photos don't match the theme of your wedding, consider using stock photography, coloured backgrounds, or illustrations. For a destination wedding, include locale-specific photos to set the mood and increase anticipation.

Add Your Wedding Details

Introduce yourselves on the website, especially if some guests may only know one of you. Share the wedding date, start time, dress code, and location information. Include addresses, embed Google Maps, and provide transportation details if a shuttle service is available. For out-of-town guests, provide information on nearby accommodations and the nearest airport.

Answer Your Guests' Questions

Create an FAQ page to provide friendly guidance and answer common questions. Include information on parking availability, whether there will be a shuttle, the wedding venue (indoors or outdoors), what to do in case of inclement weather, the RSVP deadline, plus-one policies, dietary restrictions, and more.

Add an RSVP Form

Collect RSVPs digitally through your website. This makes it easier for guests to respond and helps you keep track of responses. Use the form to collect basic details, contact information, plus-one information, meal preferences, and any additional assistance they may require.

Include Registry Information

Make it easy for guests to find your registry details by including them in multiple areas of your site. Consider linking to your registry from the homepage, the FAQs page, and creating a dedicated page for it.

Pick a Custom Domain Name and Publish

If you want to give your website a unique and memorable name, consider buying a custom domain. Keep it short, simple, and easy to recall. Combine your first names and add ".com" at the end, or use a domain name generator for inspiration.

Share the Website with Your Guests

Decide whether you want your wedding website to be public or private. If it's private, only invited guests or those with a password will be able to view it. Include the URL on your printed invitations or send it via email. You can also share the link on social media if most of your followers are friends or family.

Frequently asked questions