Weddings are special occasions that many of us dream about our entire lives. However, there is a universal truth that everyone who has ever tied the knot knows all too well: weddings can be expensive. We need to be careful, as costs can quickly spiral out of control. For some, this means limiting the number of guests, but that’s not always an easy task. Let me share a story that perfectly illustrates this challenge.

It all began in 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when large gatherings were discouraged. The bride had carefully planned every detail of her wedding, from the date to the venue. However, due to the circumstances, she faced the difficult decision of keeping the guest list limited.

It wasn’t just about the cost; it was primarily driven by concerns about everyone’s safety. The bride had to prioritize the health and well-being of her loved ones. And so, after much consideration, she made the tough decision of informing her uncle that he couldn’t attend the wedding, given his susceptibility to illness. To her relief, he understood and accepted the situation.

Then there was Aunt Edith. Healthy on the outside, but perhaps with some issues on the inside. Upon receiving her invitation, Aunt Edith noticed that her longtime boyfriend, Danny, was not included. Instead of simply responding yes or no, she took it upon herself to cover the invitation in notes expressing her disappointment and hurt.

She complained that the invitation shouldn’t have been sent in the first place. Not stopping there, she audaciously added Uncle Danny’s name to the RSVP and sent it back. Needless to say, this caused a lot of upset among the family, and many people had suggestions on how to handle the situation, with few having anything nice to say about Aunt Edith.

A wedding is a special celebration, but it also involves making tough decisions. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to please everyone all of the time. And as this story shows, even the best-laid plans can hit unexpected roadblocks. In the end, it’s important to prioritize the health and well-being of our loved ones and remember that the true value of a wedding lies in the love and commitment being celebrated, not the number of guests in attendance.