Couples have begun to get creative and work with Ontario wedding planners on how to make their day special or unique while still adhering to the restrictions. We asked a couple of questions of Toronto wedding planners; Lynzie of Love by Lynzie and Jasmine of All That Jaz Weddings, on how their teams are dealing with the zoning restrictions and how they are assisting their couples throughout this process:

Any advice for couples and their ever changing guest lists?

Lynzie: “If you are getting married in 2021, the ideal situation is to reduce your guest count to 50 or less. The safest bet right now is to plan for tight restrictions- our team is planning weddings for this spring, summer and fall with guest lists of 50 or less and are optimistic to be in the Orange zone for these events. If we're in a zone higher, magical, but for now we're remaining pragmatic and listening to the government forecasts regarding vaccines and numbers. If you are dead set on larger, the answer is to postpone. I don't think it's worth the potential loss of money or the disappointment to be planning for over 50 people.”

Jasmine: “Create your A-E list based on the restrictions we saw last year. 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100. By taking the time to complete the list now, it will save you a lot of stress if you have to make a quick decision.”

Things to think about when deciding on who to invite to your wedding?

Lynzie: “There are a couple important questions that I think you should be asking yourself when you are deciding who your core 50 people are- are they directly related to me? If it was my last week on earth, would I want to dedicate a 60 min conversation to this person? Will I be thinking about them all day if they are not present at the wedding? If the person doesn't answer yes to one of these questions, then maybe it's worth putting them on your virtual attendee list. Virtual attendees can still share in your ceremony by getting dressed up and toasting to your vows from a far. We've even been creating custom gift boxes for couples that are delivered to virtual attendees on the morning of the wedding. You can still make these guests feel special.”

Jasmine: “There are many factors to consider when deciding who goes in what category. Start with your immediate family and talk to them about their comfort level with the wedding and guest count.”

Now for the awkward Q, How to deal with un-inviting some of your guests..

Lynzie: “By now, everyone is used to uncertainty and knows that there are limitations around events and weddings. My suggestion is to maintain an open line of communication with your guests, no matter how informal. Whether it's a BCC email to your entire guest list or formally mailed cards, your guests will appreciate knowing your approach. Explaining to them that your guest list has to be reduced due to COVID-19 and that you are keeping it to immediate family or close family and friends, they will understand.

You could also section off your guest list and share messages in groups like "If the restrictions are still 50 people or less, we'll be asking you to attend virtually" or "if we're able to have 50 people, we'd like you to be there in person. As the numbers are limited, please notify us well in advance if you won't attend". And if they don't understand, well truth be told they don't deserve to be on your guest list in the first place. It's hard enough for couples to be reducing their guest lists and forfeiting the wedding they dreamed about, then to have Negative Nancy making it about her.”

Jasmine: “Be honest and upfront as soon as possible. Give your guests time to cancel any accommodation/reservations they have potentially made, and invite them to join virtually. By now, most people understand that there is a chance they won't be able to attend a wedding this year. This isn't news to anyone and most guests have been very understanding of the situation.”