covid restriction?

I’m having a little internal conflict. I know that Covid is a very touchy topic for most people now. Especially with the delta hit. I live in South Carolina and it’s running through my hometown hard. We’ve loss so many people and it’s very upsetting. Today marks 3 months until the wedding (November 13). Our guest list is around 220-240 people. I’m wondering if I should be proactive and start to cut back. Luckily we’re getting married on a Farm so the ceremony is completely outside and the reception is in an open Barn so it’s essentially completely outside. We are planning to provide mask and hand sanitizer for each guest.


I had a close friend who got married last year who went through so many hoops with Covid restrictions and I saw how stressful it was. They postponed, cut out kids, lessen their guest list and a month before had to change venues (as well as decor, catering, reception area, DJ and EVERYTHING). Planning a wedding is hard enough (as y’all all know). My biggest issue is the guest list. I’m contemplating cutting it short or keep it as is. However I’m so worried that if I go through with our bigger guest list then a restriction will be put in place later on and I’ll have to uninvite people. Then I’m also worried if I cut my guest list now and the big day comes and there’s no restriction then I did it for nothing. I feel like either choice people’s feelings will get hurt.
I’m lost and confused not knowing what to do. Unfortunately my fiancé is a go with the flow guy so he “stands with whichever decision I choose”. Which on any other occasion is awesome but I need help here. We are sending out our save the dates this week and I need to figure it out but I don’t know what the best option is. Any tips or comments are welcome but please be respectful. I don’t want this to be a debate on whether or not mask/ vaccine are helpful etc.
Also to put in perspective; both my dad and I work in the hospital. He is an CVT and I’m a RT. Fiancé is a machinist. My sister and MIL are teachers. My FIL owns a small engine repair store. South Carolina does not have a mask requirement currently and I highly doubt one will be in place by the time of the wedding. Both mine and my fiancé close family is fully vaccinated and so is part of the bridal party.