How to Update Guests About Changes to Your Wedding

When wedding circumstances change, it can feel devastating. You’re left balancing the emotional impact with logistical obligations—and that includes talking to your guests. If your wedding is postponed, canceled, or otherwise altered, it’s best to inform your guests as soon as possible.

Deep breath: They will understand. Whether you have updated details like a new date or all you know right now is that things are changing, that’s OK. You simply need to share a brief note to let them know. (Quick reminder: Wedding changes happen more often than you think—you are not the first and won’t be the last couple to go through this. You’re not alone.)

How To Update Your Wedding Guests

OK, so what’s the best way to keep everyone informed? That depends on a few factors:

• How much time do you have? If your wedding was supposed to happen in the next few weeks, you’ll probably need to send a mass text or email in addition to putting an addendum on your website/app.
• How tech-savvy are your guests? Most of your guests will see your website or app update. However, be mindful of those who won’t and call any loved ones who aren’t as used to regular checking digital communication.

Now, here are a few ways to keep guests up to date when your wedding plans change. Plus, what exactly to say.

Send a physical note.

We realize sending something via snail mail probably doesn’t seem like the immediate option you were looking for but hear us out! There are a few reasons to send physical change the date or other update cards.

• If you have time before your originally scheduled wedding date (a month at the least), you can send out a wedding addendum via mail to your guests’ home addresses.
• Send an update card after the fact once you have more new details in place. (i.e. a few weeks after you send the mass email and update your wedding website)

This is a great option for formal affairs and also for those couples who would like to avoid sending completely new invitations. More on how to word these cards below.

Send a text.

If your wedding was set to take place in the next few weeks or even days, you don’t have time to send anything in the mail or guarantee that everyone will check their email in time, so you may want to text everyone ASAP.

We recommend enlisting the help of your wedding party, friends, and family here. If you don’t have everyone’s number, try to ask around for help.

Divide up the guest list into your parent’s friends and close relatives and give these to your parents to reach out to. (Some relatives who don’t text may require a phone call instead.) Split your friends and the rest of your guests between you and your wedding party.

Send an email.

An email blast is another option that allows you to reach out to everyone at once. The pros of sending an email are that it’s free and efficient; everyone will receive it instantly. (Although you run the risk of it landing in spam for some.) It may also take some time to gather everyone’s personal emails.

If you are sending an update via email, make sure you use a clear subject line, such as “Important Update About the Smith Wedding,” or “The Davis Wedding Has Been Postponed/Canceled.”

Update your wedding website and/or app.

You can also easily bulk notify your guests about changes via your Zola App and/or Wedding Website.

To do this via the Zola app:

• Open your app and navigate to Guest List
• Select the envelope icon on the top right
• Choose how you’d like to send your message

To do this via your Zola wedding website:

• Open Guest List on a desktop
• Check ‘Select All’ (the box next to the headers for your Guest List)
• Select ‘Bulk Actions’ and then ‘Send Message’

You can always reach out to Zola customer support with any questions, too. We’re here to support you during this challenging time. We are also happy to update your wedding website for you, if necessary.

What do I say?

Well, first of all, this can vary depending on the reason for any changes to your wedding. Second of all, you don’t need to share any information you don’t feel comfortable sharing right now. If the reason is personal, keep it that way. You may, of course, need to field some curious outreach from loved ones after the fact, but for now, just share an update.

For General Updates

If your wedding is postponed:

Dear Friends and Family:

We have made the difficult decision to postpone our wedding. We will keep you updated regarding our wedding details. We are looking forward to celebrating together.

Love, [Couple Names]

If your wedding is canceled:

Dear Friends and Family:

We regret to inform you that our upcoming wedding has been canceled. We will miss the opportunity to get together with you all. Thank you for your understanding during this time.

Sincerely, [Couples Names]

For Specific Updates

If someone passed away:

Dear Friends and Family:

In light of the recent passing of [loved one’s name], we have made the difficult decision to postpone our wedding. We will keep you updated regarding our wedding details. We are looking forward to celebrating together and appreciate your understanding during this time.

Love, [Couple Names]

If something newsworthy is occurring:

Dear Friends and Family:

As you know the situation with [relevant event] is still unfolding. As such, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our wedding. We will keep you updated regarding our wedding details. We are looking forward to this passing and wishing you all health and safety.

Love, [Couple Names]

If other logistical changes (venue, time, location, etc.) occurred:

Dear Friends and Family:

We can’t wait to celebrate with you on our wedding day. We wanted to send a quick update about some changes. Instead of taking place at [originally set detail], our wedding will now [newly set detail]. We hope these changes don’t disrupt too much of your planning. Feel free to reach out with any specific questions. See you soon!

Love, [Couple Names]

There are a number of ways to approach updating your guests about changes to your wedding, but the most important thing is that you do—and pretty soon. Again, they will understand and support you however is necessary through this transition.