Adjusting Wedding Invitations In The Wake Of Covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on weddings, with many couples facing the difficult decision of postponing or downsizing their celebrations. As restrictions ease, some guests may still feel anxious about attending weddings, so it's essential to address their concerns sensitively and provide reassurance. When it comes to wedding invitations, it's advisable to include a brief mention of the pandemic, such as expressing gratitude for guests' support during these challenging times. Couples can also assure guests that they understand if they don't feel comfortable attending and provide details about safety measures, such as social distancing and mask requirements. A wedding website is a useful tool to centralise COVID-19 FAQs, venue information, and updates on any last-minute changes. Ultimately, the goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment for guests while navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic.

Permission not to attend

If you are a guest who wants to politely decline a wedding invitation, it is best to do so with grace and sincerity. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft your response:

Responding Through a Wedding Website:

If the couple has provided a wedding website for RSVPs, you can usually find a note section where you can explain your absence. It is considerate to include a brief note expressing your thoughts and best wishes. Here is an example:

> Dear [Couple's Names],

>

> We are delighted to hear about your upcoming wedding and are grateful to be included in your celebration. Unfortunately, we will be unable to attend due to a prior commitment that weekend. We will be thinking of you on your special day and look forward to catching up when we see you next!

Declining a Family Member's Invitation:

When declining a family member's invitation, it is essential to express your well-wishes and offer an alternative way to celebrate. For example:

>

> [To-be-wed's Name], I would have loved to attend your wedding, but unfortunately, I won't be able to make it. I've tried adjusting my schedule, but I have unavoidable work commitments at that time. I still want to celebrate with you! Are you free to grab dinner and drinks [day and time]? It'll be my treat!

Declining a Close Friend's Invitation:

When declining the invitation of a close friend, be sure to express your disappointment and offer to participate in any pre-wedding events. Here's an example:

>

> It breaks my heart to say this, but I can't be there on your wedding day. I am already committed as the best man for [Your Friend's Name], and attending another celebration would be too much for me. I truly appreciate your invitation, though! Please let me know if there are any pre-wedding events I can be a part of.

Declining a Coworker's Invitation:

When declining a colleague's invitation, it is essential to maintain professionalism while expressing your regrets. Here's an example:

>

> Thank you, [Soon-to-be wed's Name], for thinking of me. I'm sad to say that I won't be able to attend your wedding due to budget constraints. Nonetheless, I am thrilled for you and [Their Partner's Name]! Perhaps we can go for a champagne toast after work sometime soon?

Through Email or Text:

While email or text may be convenient, they should not be the only way you inform the couple of your absence. Always remember to RSVP "no" on the wedding website or response card first, and then follow up with an email or text. Here is an example:

>

> Hi [Couple's Names]! Your wedding invitation is gorgeous, and I was thrilled to receive it. Unfortunately, I can't make it to your wedding due to a personal health emergency. Thank you again for including me. Please accept my warmest congratulations.

Remember, it is essential to respond promptly and sincerely when declining a wedding invitation. Be considerate of the couple's feelings and offer alternative ways to celebrate or send them your well-wishes.

Mention Covid-19 on the invitation

It is important to mention Covid-19 on your wedding invitation, even though you may not want to devote precious space to it. A small, carefully worded reference to the pandemic can go a long way in making your guests feel more secure. It is also an opportunity to give your guests peace of mind and set guidelines to ensure your event runs smoothly.

• "We are so grateful for your love and support in these strange times."
• "Making our wedding a safe space to celebrate is really important to us - we'll be making every effort to follow Covid-19 protocol on the day."
• "We are so grateful to be able to celebrate with you in person. We will be following all Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of our guests."
• "We are committed to creating a safe environment for everyone to celebrate. We will be taking the following precautions to ensure your safety: [list precautions]."
• "We will be providing hand sanitiser stations and masks for your convenience and comfort."
• "We ask that you please take a Covid-19 test before attending and refrain from attending if you feel unwell."
• "We are so excited to celebrate with you and want to ensure that everyone feels safe and comfortable. We will be following all Covid-19 guidelines and taking the following precautions: [list precautions]."

Provide a wedding timeline

When it comes to providing a wedding timeline, there are a few key steps to consider, especially when navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a detailed and instructive plan to help you create a timeline for your special day:

6-12 Months Before the Wedding:

• Communicate with your partner: Start by discussing your priorities and establishing a clear vision for your wedding. Ask yourselves what is most important to you, such as the date, venue, guest list, or specific vendors.
• Create a health and safety plan: Develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the health and safety of your guests, taking into account the latest guidelines and recommendations from health organizations. This may include measures such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand sanitizing stations.
• Select your wedding party: Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of your wedding party. This will allow you to involve your loved ones in the planning process and provide support.
• Set a budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on the wedding and allocate funds accordingly. This will guide your decision-making process when selecting vendors and other expenses.

4-6 Months Before the Wedding:

• Send out save-the-dates: Let your guests know the date and location of your wedding. This will help them plan their schedules and make any necessary arrangements, especially if they need to travel.
• Research and book vendors: Start looking for vendors that align with your vision and budget. This includes caterers, photographers, musicians, florists, and any other professionals you want to include. Book them in advance to ensure availability.
• Plan the details: Decide on the specific details of your wedding, such as the theme, colour palette, and décor. This will guide your choices for invitations, attire, and other elements.

2-3 Months Before the Wedding:

• Send out invitations: Finalize your guest list and send out formal invitations. This is also a good time to mention any COVID-related guidelines or requests, such as encouraging masks or providing a link to your health and safety plan.
• Finalize the details: Confirm all the arrangements with your vendors and create a timeline for the wedding day. This includes finalizing the menu, music selections, photography locations, and any other special touches.
• Attend fittings: Schedule fittings for your wedding attire and those of your wedding party. This will ensure that any alterations or adjustments can be made in time for the big day.

1 Month Before the Wedding:

• Confirm with vendors: Touch base with all your vendors to confirm their services and arrival times on the wedding day. Provide them with a copy of the timeline and any specific instructions.
• Create a seating chart: Plan the seating arrangement for the reception, taking into account the comfort and safety of your guests. This may involve creating a floor plan that allows for social distancing, if necessary.
• Prepare guest accommodations: If you have guests travelling from out of town, arrange accommodations or provide recommendations. You can also include this information on your wedding website to make it easily accessible.

1 Week Before the Wedding:

• Review the timeline: Go over the timeline for the wedding day with your partner and wedding party. Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
• Pick up attire: Collect your wedding attire and accessories, including dresses, suits, shoes, and jewellery. This will give you peace of mind and allow for any last-minute adjustments.
• Finalize payments: Confirm that all payments to vendors and other service providers are made or scheduled for payment. This will help avoid any financial stress on your wedding day.

On the Wedding Day:

• Set up COVID-safety measures: Ensure that all the necessary safety measures are in place, such as hand sanitizing stations, masks, and social distancing markers.
• Enjoy your special day: Remember to relax and savour every moment of your wedding day. Focus on the love and support of your partner and guests as you celebrate this new chapter of your lives together.

Permission to attend some parts of the day

When it comes to granting permission to attend only certain parts of the wedding day, there are a few ways to approach this. Here are some suggestions:

Option 1: Be Direct and Clear

You could directly state that attendance is restricted to specific parts of the day. For example:

> "Due to COVID-19 concerns, we kindly ask that you only attend the ceremony or the reception. Please indicate on the enclosed RSVP card which part of the day you plan to join us for."

Option 2: Provide Options for Guests to Choose From

Another approach is to provide guests with options and allow them to choose which parts of the day they feel comfortable attending. For instance:

> "We understand that COVID-19 is still a concern for many. We want to ensure that everyone feels safe and comfortable during our special day. Please select the part(s) of the day you plan to attend:

> - Ceremony

> - Reception

> - Both"

Option 3: Explain Your COVID-19 Precautions

If you have specific COVID-19 precautions in place, you could explain these in the invitation and allow guests to make an informed decision about their attendance. Here's an example:

> "We are committed to creating a safe environment for our wedding celebration. We will be implementing the following COVID-19 precautions: [list your precautions here]. If you feel comfortable joining us, we would be delighted to have you for the entire day. However, we understand if you prefer to attend only certain parts. Please let us know on the enclosed RSVP card which option works best for you."

Option 4: Prioritize Guest Safety and Comfort

You could also frame the request around prioritizing the safety and comfort of your guests, like this:

> "Your health and safety are our top priorities. We understand that COVID-19 is still a concern for many. To accommodate different comfort levels, we invite you to join us for either the ceremony or the reception, or both if you feel comfortable. Please indicate your preference on the enclosed RSVP card."

Option 5: Express Your Understanding and Provide Alternatives

It's important to acknowledge that some guests may not feel comfortable attending in-person at all. You could express your understanding of this and provide alternatives for them to celebrate with you from a distance:

> "We understand that not everyone may feel comfortable gathering in person due to COVID-19 concerns. If you would prefer to join us virtually, we will be live-streaming the ceremony. Alternatively, you are welcome to attend just the reception, or both the ceremony and reception if you feel comfortable. Please let us know your preference on the enclosed RSVP card."

Make a plan for children and unvaccinated guests

If you are inviting children or unvaccinated guests to your wedding, you should consider the following:

Firstly, it is important to decide whether you are comfortable with unvaccinated guests attending your wedding. If you are, you may still want to encourage vaccination by including a polite message on your wedding website or invitation. For example, you could say something like "Thank you for making our big, beautiful party safe and carefree for everyone by being fully vaccinated." This message can be accompanied by a request for guests to reach out to you directly if they are unvaccinated.

If you are not comfortable with unvaccinated guests attending, you should clearly communicate this on your wedding website or invitation. You could say something like "We will be requiring proof of vaccination to attend our wedding, and we kindly ask that unvaccinated guests do not attend."

In addition, it is important to consider the well-being of children who may be too young to be vaccinated. If you are inviting children, ensure that the venue and activities are child-friendly and that there will be enough children for them to interact with. If you are not inviting children, make sure this is clearly stated on your invitation or wedding website to avoid any confusion.

Furthermore, consider any guests who may be unable to be vaccinated due to health reasons. It is important to accommodate these guests and make them feel included. You could reach out to them directly to discuss their needs and how you can make them comfortable. For example, you could offer to provide them with a separate seating area or accommodate their dietary restrictions.

Finally, be prepared for guests who may decline your invitation due to your COVID-related requests. Respect their decision and do not try to pressure them into attending. Offer them a judgement-free way to decline, such as an "I am not attending" option on your RSVP form.

Frequently asked questions