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Savannah
Just Said Yes September 2020

Guests not informing after changing mind to come?

Savannah, on August 21, 2020 at 12:18 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 13
Please no negativity ❤️ We have already postponed once, we live in Georgia so restrictions are not as tight, and it’s all outdoors. We’re getting married September 5! It was originally May 16. I just got a wedding gift in the mail from my cousin and his wife, who already RSVP’d YES to the new date, with a note saying “they were sad they won’t be celebrating with us, but are thinking about us”. So it’s a little confusing... and we just turned in the final headcount to the venue last week. Any advice on how to address this or if I should kindly ask them if they are coming or not?

13 Comments

Latest activity by Emily, on September 6, 2020 at 11:31 AM
  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
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    There will be people that will change their minds after they rsvp :/ I know I for sure had no shows or change of mind RSVPs . So you could send a thank you note for sure. If you’re unsure of their attendance or not then it’s ok to ask to confirm
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  • Hanna
    VIP June 2019
    Hanna ·
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    I would just reach out to them directly and ask them to confirm.

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  • Sexypoodle
    Master October 2021
    Sexypoodle ·
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    Based on their note, it’s pretty crystal clear to me that they’re not attending. So, I don’t really think there’s much to address. But, declines after RSVP’ing has always happened with weddings, even pre-covid. Most just don’t show up. So, at least your cousin did still inform you, even if late. With us couples planning weddings during a pandemic, there are certain things that we have to expect and be flexible about. But regardless, you’re wedding will be great!

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  • Margaret
    Master October 2020
    Margaret ·
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    Sadly whether it's a wedding or any other event that requires an RSVP; there's usually a 10% decline rate and then another 10-20% no show rate. The fact that your family sent you a gift and kindly told you (in advance) that they weren't coming is pretty kind. It's just sad that it wasn't a week or two earlier.

    Also, I'm not sure if I understood your question; were you going to reach back out to your cousin or other guests to reconfirm? Because your cousin clearly said they won't be attending.

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  • Meghan
    Master October 2019
    Meghan ·
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    I think based on their note, they have decided not to come. I have read several Covid brides on the forum state that they had several no shows. Unfortunately, this might happen again, as many people are still a little nervous to attend indoor events. I would try not to let it bother you and just enjoy your wedding.

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  • Molly
    VIP September 2020
    Molly ·
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    I do not think they are coming. I'm glad they let you know.

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  • VIP August 2020
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    I agree with everyone else that they're almost certainly not coming, but that's an incredibly weird way to say, "oh, by the way, we're not coming even though we said we were," so I'd still reach out to them to confirm that they won't be there. It will allow you to address the uncertainty and hopefully make it obvious to them that that's not a good way to respond to wedding invitations in the future.

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  • S
    Savvy September 2020
    Sophia ·
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    Same thing is happening to me (we have the same date on September 5th). Honestly you would think in these times when numbers are even more crucial and important people would be more cognizant of RSVPing in a timely manner. Definitely reach out to confirm their status, and let them know you have them down as currently attending.
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  • Lisa
    Savvy April 2021
    Lisa ·
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    This will be issue no matter what. People will RSVP and probably not show at all without notice. I know it is frustrating but no need stress yourself trying to address it will keep happening.
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  • Mrs. Spring
    Master April 2021
    Mrs. Spring ·
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    You should reach out to them to get clarification.
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  • Emily
    Expert September 2020
    Emily ·
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    Maybe clarify in your thank you note like "thank you, and we understand while you won't be there on our wedding day we'll be thinking of you" or something. If you're close with them, you could just reach out informally/ directly.

    Ours is 9/12, and we had 83 "yes" at the headcount cut-off but down to 65 at this point with people reaching out with a change. Like PPs said, I'm actually appreciative that they are letting us know directly vs. having no-shows and empty tables. It also helps me feel a little less of the covid-bride guilt - that everyone knows that we absolutely understand if they aren't able/ don't feel comfortable attending. Before I was feeling like I was holding people hostage where they felt obligated but unsafe. I'm sure there will be a number of no-shows as well, but really hoping it's a small #.

    Sending good vibes for your wedding - hope everything is happy and everyone is healthy.

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  • Katie
    VIP August 2020
    Katie ·
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    If it helps, I had many guests unsure if we were following regulations, if our venue was “looking the other way”, etc. I spoke with many of our guests to let them know we respect any decision they make with no hard feelings, but explained all regulations will be followed and our venue is also upholding all restrictions (ex: outdoor ceremony and reception, masks will be provided if any guest would like to wear or forgot one, hand sanitizer available, we were well under the 250 limit including staff, tables 6 ft apart, wristbands were made for social distance reminders, etc.). Some guests may not understand the wedding will be different and rules are being obeyed and it will not be a free for all. I suggest giving them a phone call to confirm, answer any questions, and certainly if they are unable to make it, that you understand. Guests don’t want to hurt our feelings, but they may not realize us Covid brides handle a lot of bad news with grace 😉
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  • Emily
    Expert September 2020
    Emily ·
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    Remembering back to this one, hope your wedding day went well!

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