Virtual wedding?
I'm looking for input regarding a recent wedding invitation I received. Some friends of mine who I've known for about six years are Jehovah's witnesses (I'm not) and the daughter who is about 23 is getting married in a few weeks. I had lunch with her and she's a lovely person. I gave her a card with money at the lunch and then she's also invited me to her wedding shower this weekend. I sent a gift already and I will attend with a card.
Here's my question, I got the wedding invitation a couple days ago and the actual wedding is on Zoom. I was a little gob smacked. The wedding invitation has a meeting password/ID. I was surprised as I had presumed mistakenly that I would attend her actual wedding. I am guessing it's possible that only JW members of their church can attend in person. She never mentioned it or brought it up so I'm not sure.
They are having an in-person afternoon reception for 4 hours following the wedding with hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
This is a new one for me! I would like to be there to support her, but my husband can't come. And suddenly I'm wondering what kind of event this will be. It doesn't sound like any wedding I've ever been to. I may send a gift with my regrets because I will get to see her tomorrow at the shower.
I hope this post doesn't sound critical. I'm more accustomed to weddings where you fill the church or ceremony venue, and then throw a rager with open bar until one am.
Is this the new normal?