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Futuremrsg
Beginner September 2021

Cutting the Guest List?

Futuremrsg, on July 4, 2020 at 2:36 AM Posted in Washington Planning 0 5

Hi all, Sept. 12 Bride here. I live in Washington State and we are in a phased reopening from the covid lockdowns. We are currently in Phase 2, and in Phase 3, we can only have 87 people at our venue based on the Governor's orders. Fingers crossed we'll be in Phase 4 by September, but who knows! Our venue unfortunately, has also put us in the tough position of not refunding us if WE cancel, but only if we GET canceled by the Governor mandates. Unfortunately, having a lower capacity than anticipated doesn't count to them as "getting canceled". We are not able to postpone because the venue is going out of business due to lack of revenue. We initially invited about 115 people. We would have to cut about 25 people assuming we don't get into Phase 4 in time. Any thoughts on this? I would be so sad and feel awful to have to eliminate some of our friends/family. Like sorry you didn't make our top 80 friends? I don't know if I have the heart to do that! But then again, if we cancel, we lose our money and have to find a new venue and plan a whole new wedding next year? I'm feeling stuck here. Anyone have any advice? Other Washington Brides? Smiley heart

5 Comments

Latest activity by Lynnie, on July 7, 2020 at 1:29 PM
  • D
    June 2021
    Dj Tanner ·
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    I guess it all depends on how much you care about proper etiquette.... I mean technically you could try to eliminate some of the plus ones that you’re not super close to. Maybe kids you can cut out? Its a crap situation either way and I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Does the venue have an outdoor option to possibly fit more people with proper distancing guidelines?
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  • Elmarose
    Expert July 2022
    Elmarose ·
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    Smiley heart Hello! I'm so sorry to hear about your situation, I would feel the same. My advice would be if there are any guest that are considered high risk or feel uncertainty of attending the wedding physically, a virtual live like zoom/youtube could really help bring that 25 guest list down while them not missing your celebration of union. I've seen this happen a lot and it is just as meaningful because by heart you are joined by all your loved ones whether they are present there or virtually. I'm hoping it moves onto phase 4 so you can have all your guest!Smiley cry best wishes!

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  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
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    I like pp suggestion on asking higher risk individuals to sit out for their safety. See if that helps your count.
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  • Futuremrsg
    Beginner September 2021
    Futuremrsg ·
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    Love the virtual streaming option! I thought about asking some of the older guests to sit out, but then when grandparents are still invited, I feel like that’s a tough situation too? I would hope people would understand regardless. As awful as it is, we have a “tentative cut list” 😩 which does include plus ones that we don’t know well or at all. We had originally planned on no kids to help us keep it smaller to begin with, so unfortunately that doesn’t help. But thank you for the idea! We are going to be outside, so the capacity is the highest it can be at the venue.
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  • Lynnie
    WeddingWire Administrator October 2016
    Lynnie ·
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    I'd definitely reach out to the guests who were originally given plus ones and let them know - that's an easy step to take and they should definitely understand!

    I also think the streaming option definitely softens the blow a little bit. ❤️ You can also check out this article which has more tips on cutting your guest list: How Do I Downsize My Guest List if I’ve Postponed My Wedding?

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