Sadly, we have decided to call off the wedding. We sent out the Save The Dates a while ago, and we're going to each notify our own "sides" of the guest list. I can call my friends, but what do I do to notify the distant relatives and parents' friends? I know I need to send something soon because the wedding date is only 3 months away. In this state of mind, I can't think of what to say. Any thoughts?
First: I'm so very sorry. This is one of those situations where simplicity goes a long way — you don't need to get into details with extended family. A phone call definitely works a bit better than a mailed card, which can get lost in the shuffle.
If you're close with your parents and can ask them to call the distant relatives and family friends, that's the best bet. It's likely that they've got the contact information anyway, and they've got the relationships with these people and can field the possibly-intrusive questions that guests may have.
If you don't feel comfortable asking your parents, you can make the calls yourself. Be gracious but don't get into details: "I just wanted to let you know that we've decided not to move forward with the wedding. I hope I've caught you before you've made any travel plans." If they ask why the wedding's been called off, simply say, "It was a mutual decision that we put a lot of thought into." No need to go any further.
Canceling a wedding is a deeply painful process — but less painful than a divorce a few years down the line. Best of luck, and lots of love.
Comments on "How to notify guests about a canceled wedding"
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Lani
December 30th, 2008 · 6:04 AM · #
I am a flute player and I often get hired to play at weddings. I was hired to play at a wedding over the winter holidays one year for a summer wedding. About three months before the wedding her father called and told me that the wedding was called off. I think that having a parent call is best. I just responded with, "I'm sorry to hear that. Take care." And that was that. I felt bad for the poor girl – but it is better to figure it out before a big, expensive shin dig.
amanda wu
December 30th, 2008 · 6:04 AM · #
Something similar happened to Diane Farr, an actress on Numb3rs.
She sent out 300 engaged announcements and then sent back out 300 unengaged announcements that read:
Single.” “Picked the wrong guy. Gave him the wrong finger. Thanks for your support.”
chiznit
December 30th, 2008 · 9:08 AM · #
My boyfriend and I recently went to a wedding that wasn't. Apparently everyone had been notified and somehow we hadn't, so there we were, all dressed up, knocking on the door of an empty house with no cars in the parking lot. Awkward. Whatever you do, just make sure EVERYBODY knows.
Kelly
December 30th, 2008 · 10:42 AM · #
This sounds like a goooood opportunity to lean on your MOH or best-friend. I know personally my parents would NOT help make those phone calls, but my best friend absolutely would and she wouldn't rest until everyone had been contacted. She'd also punch anyone who gave her attitude about it.
Kelly
December 30th, 2008 · 10:43 AM · #
Also, good luck to you. I'm so sorry for the canceled wedding but that is a VERY tough decision to make and also a very responsible one. Good for you.
Josie
December 30th, 2008 · 11:58 AM · #
Seems to me that a lot of people these days might be canceling weddings due to finances/layoffs, or military deployments. Maybe a few words should be said about that as well?
Sounds like solid advice to me, and I sincerely hope the questioner has a good network of friends and family to help her out. That would be hard.
Jenifer
December 30th, 2008 · 3:30 PM · #
If you're mailing/emailing notes to people, I think it would be helpful to include a line or two as to the why – many of your would-have-been guests will probably be quite concerned or alarmed by the sudden change of plans. Even just a few words to let them know whether the relationship has ended, or if you're still together but have just decided for whatever reason not to get married.
Katie
January 3rd, 2009 · 8:25 PM · #
I was engaged about 8 years ago and the day before the bridal shower and the official invitation send day I decided to break it off. Unfortunately in the mess of it all I forgot to tell my MoH. Doh! She was a trooper though and got the word out to people that were expecting invitations while my mom called family members so I didn't have to re-live the break-up moment 100 times over while trying to explain.
Enlist your friends and family, it is the best way.
And best of luck to you! If I hadn't followed my instincts back then I would never have travelled the world, gone to college and met "my" mister right. Things happen for a reason.
Canceling The Wedding : TIE THE KNOT
February 25th, 2009 · 1:34 PM · #
[...] returning the ring, I hope no one has to deal with this situation, from Offbeat Bride: Sadly, we have decided to call off the wedding. We sent out the Save The Dates a while ago, and [...]
ava
March 11th, 2009 · 3:34 PM · #
I am to get married this July, and my Fiance decided he dont want a wedding, he want to go to the Justice of Piece and then have a reception. So the wedding is OFF!!! I am numb to the situation. I dont see the difference, if he wants a reception then what's the problem with the wedding? I just dont know. I am going to let him know he needs to move out. I am worthy of a Beautiful Wedding Ceremony apose to a little room and a Pastor whom niether of us know. Now I have to send cancellation cards out. Am I wrong
Sarah
July 5th, 2009 · 12:32 AM · #
Hello Ava, firstly, I am sorry to hear about your situation, this must be a very difficult time for you. You are not wrong to feel the way you do, we all have expectations as to what our wedding day will be like and you naturally are disappointed that you partner does not have the same expectations. My suggestion would be to discuss the situation in depth with your partner, explain how important it is to you.
perhaps make a compromise? if he is worried about or put off by the idea of a large wedding could you maybe compromise and promise to keep the wedding low key, at least in terms of the amount of guests? all i can suggest is keeping the lines of communication open.
I hope this advice has helped, remember a beautiful wedding does not have to mean a massive ceremony and many couples are married by people they do not know. I believe that your feelings can never be wrong and that you must make sure you are happy with whatever decision you make. What I have had to constantly remind myself is that it is not all about the day but it is about the marriage that folllows it.
I send you the fondest of wishes. x