Part of the joy of wedding planning is knowing that your loved ones will be there to celebrate you on your big day. Unfortunately, you may still run into some scheduling or accessibility conflicts out of your control, and it's a possibility that a few friends and family members won’t be in attendance. Thankfully, we rounded up some experts to weigh in on how you can still make sure the guests who can’t physically attend your wedding feel included all the same.
Photo: Megan Simpson Photography
"Bringing home a sentimental memento for those who couldn't attend your destination wedding is a nice gesture (for example, a small bag of local coffee, tequila, etc., or an artisanal trinket." —Jen Avey, Destination Weddings Travel Group
"If you have a very important guest who is not able to attend, consider scheduling a little time before or after the ceremony for a quick visit if they are close by. We have all seen videos of couples visiting a loved one in a hospital, nursing home, or private home, and it always pulls on the heartstrings to witness how much that special moment means to everyone involved. Don't hesitate to adjust the wedding day schedule as needed to allow yourself to have that time with your loved one." —Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
"Save a wedding favor and mail to your absent guests after the wedding with a little note letting them know that you missed them but didn't want them to miss out on all of the wedding goodies!" —Meaghan Cody, Sweet Pea Events
"Create a 3D virtual wedding recap. Admittedly, this is a unique and creative idea, but it’s something that is starting to gain traction with VR/AR being so accessible now. Take things to the next level by using 3D cameras to capture your wedding (Which are actually more affordable than you might think). After the event, create an immersive virtual experience that lets your remote guests explore the ceremony and reception as if they were really there. There are apps that make doing this incredibly easy and fun! It’s a futuristic way to make guests feel like they are actually there." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography & Videography
"Still plan to include them in your other events leading up to the wedding — bachelor/bachelorette, bridal shower, etc. Even sending an invitation is a nice touch as so many people still love to see and appreciate the invite and keep it on the fridge. Consider including a video message link or feature with the RSVPs, allowing guests to record heartfelt audio or video well wishes for the couple to enjoy. Hearing the excitement in intonation in your loved one's voice, even if they can't make it, is something to cherish." —Kristen Gosselin, KG Events & Design
"Give them a call on the day. FaceTime them in as you're getting ready, give them a quick phone call between the ceremony and the cocktail hour, or leave them a voice note from the after-party. Hearing your voice and how excited you are is a great way to create a memory of the wedding, even if they weren’t there in person." —Jaime Coast, Cotton and Bow
"When I think of guests who can’t attend, I always go right to the grandparents because that's been my experience over the years. If you can create a mini wedding celebration with your grandparents so they feel as though they got to celebrate with you, that's very special. This is something you can also do after the wedding and have photos and videos to share from a hired content creator." —Michelle Fernie-Oley, Michelle Elaine Weddings
"After your wedding day is done and you receive your photos back, create a lookbook to share with your loved ones who could not attend the day. Consider writing a personal note about what you loved most about the day and a few highlights that expand on the shared photos. This can be delivered to the guests virtually through email and a digital storybook or even via snail mail with printed images and a handwritten note. Sharing your first-hand experience of the day with them will allow them to share in the continued celebration of your marriage even after the festivities are done." —Casey Cannon, EBJ & Company
"Invite friends and family to watch the wedding film together. It can be a meaningful way to include the guests in the celebration, even if they couldn't be there in person. Open a bottle of wine or champagne and have a watch party of the wedding video together. It's a nice way to give your family members who missed the wedding to relive the memories and make them feel included." —Mary Angelini, Key Moment Films
As disappointing as it may be to miss a few familiar faces on your wedding day, having tech on your side is a major plus to keep everyone feeling included. Doing something handmade and heartfelt for those who are absent is the best way to make them feel special, and you won’t have to miss out on sharing these moments with them!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
