Crafting Wedding Invitations In A Covid-Era: Tips And Tricks

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many couples to rethink their wedding plans, with some opting for smaller, more intimate ceremonies and others postponing their weddings altogether. As a result, couples have had to navigate the tricky task of communicating changes of plans to their guests. This may involve uninviting guests, informing guests of new dates, or explaining safety measures in place. This article will explore some of the ways couples can word their COVID wedding invitations to ensure their guests are informed and their special day goes smoothly.

How to uninvite wedding guests due to Covid-19

Uninviting guests to your wedding is never a pleasant task, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many couples to do just that. Here are some steps and templates to help you uninvite wedding guests due to the pandemic:

Steps to Uninviting Guests:

• Determine the Maximum Number of Guests: The first step is to find out the maximum number of guests allowed at your wedding. This will depend on local government restrictions, venue limitations, and social distancing measures in place.
• Review and Rank Your Guest List: Go through your guest list and rank the people you need to have in attendance. Consider creating an "A" and "B" list to cover different scenarios of permitted guest numbers. Removing "plus ones" and work colleagues can be a good place to start.
• Send a Kindly-Worded Message: Craft a message that is honest, sincere, and heartfelt. Let your guests know that you are disappointed and that it was a difficult decision to make. You can also offer to celebrate with them virtually or at a later date.

Templates for Uninviting Guests:

Template 1: Email Template

> Dear all our family and friends,

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> We hope this email finds you well and in good health.

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> It is with very heavy hearts that we have had to cancel our wedding celebrations on [date]. This decision has been incredibly difficult, but we feel it is necessary given the current circumstances, travel restrictions, and uncertainty.

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> We have decided to proceed with a very small micro-ceremony at the same venue. The venue has agreed to refund any rooms booked, and they can be contacted at [contact information].

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> Please reach out to us if you have any questions or if there is anything we can help with. While we are disappointed, these challenging times have taught us to be grateful for all that we have, including all of you.

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> We hope to celebrate with each of you when it is safe to do so, and we cannot wait for that day to arrive. We are so sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment caused, and our thoughts are with those affected by these difficult times.

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> Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

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> With love and best wishes,

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> [Your names]

Template 2: Letter or Card Template

> Dear [Name of guest(s)],

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> Due to the State Government's coronavirus restrictions, we are compelled to change our wedding plans. With your safety and the current protocols in mind, we have decided to limit our guest list to an intimate number. Please accept our sincere apologies for not having you with us on our special day. We plan to host a reception at a later date and look forward to celebrating with you then!

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> Kind regards,

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> [Your names]

Template 3: Email or Letter Template

> We hope you are keeping safe in these difficult times. The past few weeks and months have been challenging for everyone, and we have had to make some very difficult decisions regarding our wedding plans.

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> Due to the restrictions brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, we have no choice but to reduce the number of guests on our list.

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> This breaks our hearts, but unfortunately, we must cancel your invitation to our wedding. We hope that you can understand the difficulty of our position at this time. We would love to have everyone attend, but it is just not possible.

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> Once this pandemic passes, we hope to have a larger reception to celebrate properly. We don't know when this will be, but we will let you know when we have more information.

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> This experience has made us even more appreciative of the love and support of our friends and family. On [date], we will be having a tiny wedding ceremony with only immediate family. Please think of us on that day, and we greatly appreciate your kind thoughts and good wishes.

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> Please stay safe and look after your loved ones.

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> With warmest wishes,

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> [Your names]

Remember to personalize your message and communicate directly with your guests whenever possible. They may be disappointed, but they will likely understand the challenges you are facing due to the pandemic.

How to invite guests to a micro wedding

Planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging due to the uncertainty and ever-changing restrictions. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to invite guests to a micro wedding:

• Reduce the guest list: Start by counting your guests who are travelling from overseas and out-of-town guests. Consider whether they would be able to attend given the travel restrictions and their comfort level. Also, include in your list only those guests whom you and your partner know well or have known for a certain period.
• Communicate changes to the guest list: If you haven't sent out invitations yet, you won't need to send out change-of-plans notices. However, it is a good idea to have a standby explanation for those who were expecting to be invited based on your earlier plans. If you have already sent out invitations and need to reduce the guest list, it is important to communicate this change as soon as possible. Be honest and compassionate in your message, expressing your regret and appreciation for their understanding.
• Consider a virtual option: If you are inviting a small group in person, you can include a wider circle of guests by adding a live stream option via Zoom or similar platforms. This allows guests from all over the world to witness your ceremony, making your special day feel larger while still maintaining safety precautions.
• Use online invitations: Opt for online wedding invitations, which provide flexibility and ease of communication. You can follow up with guests, send new information, and make last-minute changes efficiently. This is especially useful given the dynamic nature of COVID-19 guidelines.
• Emphasize safety measures: In your invitations, be sure to communicate the safety measures you will be implementing, such as quarantine and testing requirements, social distancing, and mask-wearing. Let guests know what you are comfortable with, such as no hugs. You can also suggest that guests wear masks that coordinate with your wedding colours.
• Provide practical considerations: If you are hosting a backyard wedding, ensure that bathrooms are clean and easily accessible. Consider providing a full basket of hand towels or opting for paper towels to avoid sharing.
• Reiterate that attendance is optional: Include a statement in your invitation such as, "No need to explain if you are not comfortable! We love you and will celebrate with you sometime in the future." This takes the pressure off your guests and emphasizes your understanding of their potential concerns.
• Follow up with guests: After sending out invitations, it is a good idea to follow up with guests, especially those who don't know the couple well. This can be done through a phone call, email, or text to show your disappointment that they may not be able to attend and to clarify any questions they may have.

Remember, it is essential to be flexible and adaptable when planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic. By following these suggestions, you can navigate the challenges and create a safe and memorable micro wedding.

How to invite people to watch virtually via a livestream wedding

When it comes to wedding invitations, the three areas you need to know are the venue, the wedding date, and the number of guests you are inviting. If you are planning a virtual wedding, you can invite anyone you want, from family members and close friends to colleagues and industry professionals. Here are some tips on how to invite people to watch your wedding virtually via a livestream:

Use First-Hand Communication

If it's a family-oriented event, first-hand communication is the way to go. Reaching out to your family members individually to extend the invitation guarantees a much higher attendance rate and a happier family!

Use Social Media

For other kinds of events, such as business meetings or commercial occasions, you can use social media to share the message or send out somewhat personalized emails directly from your contact list.

Word of Mouth

Don't forget about word of mouth! Having friends, family, or even colleagues spread the word about your event is one of the most effective ways to get people interested.

Use Your Event as a Marketing Opportunity

To grow your event even further, think beyond your local area and start making connections elsewhere. Reach out to past clients and connect with people who have expressed an interest in the topic of your event.

Craft the Perfect Invitation

You want your guests to feel welcomed and excited about attending the event, but you also need to make sure they know how to join the livestream. Here are some ideas on how to make the digital invitation pop:

• Include a thoughtful message or greeting that expresses why you are hosting the event.
• Provide clear instructions on how to join the livestream, such as providing a video link or step-by-step guide.
• Add visuals such as images or videos to add personality to your invitations.
• Incorporate elements of design like shapes, lines, and patterns for a catchy look.
• Use a streaming platform that allows them to activate notifications or RSVP. This will allow guests to confirm their attendance quickly and easily.
• Offer suggestions on what attendees can do while watching the event, such as signing a virtual guest book or interacting with other attendees via chat.

Sample Invitation Template to a Virtual Wedding

This is the first impression your guests will have of your special day, so it's important to make it engaging and memorable. With some thought and consideration, you can craft an invitation that will make your guests feel welcome and excited to attend. Here is an example of a virtual wedding invitation:

> You are cordially invited to the virtual wedding of [Bride] and [Groom], which will be held on [Wedding Date]. We will be streaming the ceremony live online, for those who cannot be there with us.

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> We understand that a virtual wedding is not the same as an in-person event, but it would mean the world to us if you could join us to be there with us. We have planned some exciting events for the wedding and we cannot wait to share them with you.

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> To join the ceremony, simply click on the following livestream link: [virtual wedding link]

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> We will also have a digital guest book where you can leave your well wishes and messages for the happy couple.

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> When uploading anything to social media, please use the hashtag #____ so we can review all the fun moments after the wedding day.

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> If you miss the opportunity to attend the ceremony online, you can tune in and watch the replay later at the same link.

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> We hope you can join us in celebrating this special day!

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> Best regards, [Your Name]

How to let guests know you got married

There are a few key things to consider when letting guests know about your wedding, especially during the time of COVID-19. Here are some instructive paragraphs to guide you:

• The Invitation Wording: The wording of your invitation is crucial and should be chosen carefully. A simple and direct approach is often best. Something like, "We request the pleasure of your company at our wedding" or "We invite you to celebrate with us" is clear and polite. You can also add a line about COVID-19 precautions, such as "We will be following COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of our guests."
• Guest Safety and Comfort: It is important to make your guests feel safe and comfortable, especially during a pandemic. Include a line about COVID-19 testing and any other safety measures you plan to implement. For example, "For the safety and comfort of all our guests, we kindly request that all attendees take a COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before the event."
• Date, Time, and Venue: Provide clear information about the date, time, and venue of your wedding. This information should be easy to find on the invitation. For example, "We invite you to join us on [date] at [time] at [venue name and address]." If the reception is at a different location, be sure to include those details as well.
• RSVP and Response Cards: Include an RSVP card with a clear deadline for responses, typically three to four weeks before the wedding. This will help you finalize numbers for catering and seating arrangements. You can also include a separate response card for guests to indicate any dietary restrictions or other needs.
• Dress Code and Website: While not mandatory, including a dress code on the invitation is helpful for guests. If you have a wedding website, include the URL on a separate card or as part of the invitation suite. This is also a great place to direct guests for any additional information, such as accommodation suggestions or travel details.
• Special Considerations: If your wedding has any unique elements or requirements, be sure to communicate them clearly. For example, if you are having an adults-only wedding, spread the word through family, wedding party members, and your wedding website. You can also include accommodation suggestions or travel information, especially if your wedding is a destination event.

Remember, the key to successful wedding invitations during COVID-19 is clear and concise communication, with a focus on the comfort and safety of your guests.

How to save the date for the following year

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many elements to consider, from the request to attend, to the names of the couple, reception information, and more. Here are some tips and suggestions for how to word your wedding invitations, specifically focusing on "save the date" for the following year:

Host Line:

The host line typically includes the names of those hosting the wedding, which is traditionally the bride's parents. However, it is also common and gracious to include the names of both sets of parents, especially if both are contributing financially. If the couple is hosting, you can omit the host line or start with a warm introduction such as "Together with full hearts" or "With hearts full of love and joy".

Request Line:

This is where you extend the invitation to your guests and can set the tone for your celebration. Some examples of request lines include:

• "Request the honour of your presence" (traditionally used for religious services; "honour" is the British spelling)
• "Request the pleasure of your company" (or variations) for non-religious ceremonies
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"

Action Line:

This line specifies what you are inviting guests to share in. Here are some options:

• "At the marriage of their daughter" (if the bride's parents are hosting)
• "At the marriage of their children" (if both sets of parents are hosting)
• "At the celebration of their union" (if the couple is hosting)
• "As they say 'I do'!"
• "In celebration of their marriage"

Couple's Names:

The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text and sometimes in a fancy typeface. For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically comes first, followed by the groom. Same-sex couples can choose to list names alphabetically or based on what looks best with the invitation design. It is common to include middle names for very formal weddings.

Date and Time:

For a formal invitation, the date and time should be spelled out in full. For example: "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-four, at half after four in the afternoon." The time of day is also spelled out, such as "four o'clock" or "half after four o'clock." Afternoon is from noon to four o'clock, and evening begins at five o'clock. For a more casual invitation, numerals are acceptable.

Venue and Address:

List the ceremony venue and city, state, and country if necessary. The street address is usually omitted unless it is a private residence or leaving it out would cause confusion. If the reception is at the same location, you can simply say, "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow." If the reception is elsewhere, include the location on a separate line or a reception card.

Dress Code:

Including the dress code is optional but can be helpful for guests. If you're having a black-tie event, it's essential to include this on the invitation. Otherwise, the formality of the invitation itself will indicate the expected attire.

RSVP and Website:

Most couples include a separate response card for guests to accept or decline the invitation. You can also provide the option to RSVP via your wedding website. The deadline for responses is typically three to four weeks before the wedding.

COVID-19 Considerations:

If your wedding is taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may need to include certain safety measures and requests on your invitations. Here are some examples:

• "Due to recent government mandates, our venue will be requiring all eligible guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We respect everyone's beliefs, but we hope you understand this is necessary for our special day."
• "We are excited our wedding can go ahead, but we can only host guests who confirm they are fully vaccinated."
• "Please ensure you keep up to date with COVID-19 restrictions and requirements via our wedding website."

Frequently asked questions