How to tell people about canceling a wedding or changes

Because of Covid, couples are left with having to cancel, postpone or change their wedding.  We’ve had couples who went from having a large wedding to having to trim the guest list.  Here’s some tips on how to tell people about canceling a wedding or making changes to a wedding during covid.

Canceling a wedding

If you need to cancel your wedding, it’s important to let people know right away. Some guests may have had travel arrangements and hotel arrangements that can be canceled within a certain amount of time. Hopefully, your guests can cancel without penalties. 

There’s a few ways to tell your guests

By phone – you can pick up the phone, the old fashioned way, and let your guests know you had to cancel the wedding. Explain that you were really happy they had agreed to attend, but because of Covid, you need to cancel.  

This way might be the best for your guests who aren’t the best with technology or who you feel you need to explain a little more  about what happened with the original wedding plans. Though, most people should be very understanding.   

By text – you can text your guests a brief message about having to cancel your wedding. Here’s some things you can say:

Hi, I wanted to let you know that Jonny and I had to cancel our wedding because of covid.  This decision was not easy for us, but given the situation of how things aren’t really changing with covid, we felt it best to cancel at this time.  We will let you know if the wedding plans change.

If you have a different venue or idea in mind, maybe add that your text.  Here’s an example of what you can add:  It looks like we will probably have a wedding this year, but it is going to be very small. We plan to have a reception next year and share the photos and memories from our small wedding with you then.

By email – you can send the same text message that you would by email to guests.  Email is a great idea if you plan to keep in touch with your guests.  For example, you may want to tell your guests you have a small wedding planned and that you would love to update them on the small wedding plans.

If you decide to email your guests, you may let them know that you’d really like the guests to still feel like they are part of your special day. You may want to add these lines – Just because we canceled, we still want you to feel like you are part of the wedding day. We will be sending wedding updates to you can find out what we have planned.

For update emails, you can send an engagement photo to your guests, pictures of the new location you selected, an email the morning of the wedding with a short video (made from your phone) where you and your fiancé talk to the guests about how you are feeling and what you are excited for, and after the wedding some photos highlighting the day.

By mail – a card that tells guests you canceled the wedding might be easier since you already have your guests address. 

At the bottom of this card is a link to a wedding website. You can create a website through the Knot or ask guests to follow you on your social media page. 

 

Other Ideas

Other idea would be to tell your guests you have canceled, are planning a small wedding, and then send out an announcement letting your friends and family know you tied the knot. Announce that you will do a “Happily Ever After Party” once the world has calmed down. In these given times, guests should understand that things have changed.  

For your small wedding, invite those guests who you couldn’t see celebrating your day without!  For me, that was my immediate family, and two best friends. 

Covid Weddings

If you are planning to have a wedding during Covid, ask the venue where you are getting married what their covid policy is.  If you are planning the wedding, figure out what your policy should be.

Examples might be – asking guests to social distance, keeping chairs clustered by family and then spaced out 6 feet apart, taking guests temperatures, and asking them to wear masks.

Once you find out the rules of your venue and or the rules that you and your fiancé want, then you can let your guests know. I always like adding an ETC. card that list things like that. On your ETC. card, you can add the address for the reception, gift registrations info, or other information that the guests should know and information that doesn’t go on the invitation. 

Why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach

By Natalie Jones • February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.

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