Figuring out how to trim down your wedding guest list without causing drama can be challenging. It is totally understandable to want to keep your catering and seating costs in check. However, you also do not want to end up in a disagreement with your family and future in-laws. Plus, between you and your fiancé, there is likely a much longer list of people you know than you first thought.
So, who should you invite to your wedding without breaking the bank? The good news is that some pretty straightforward strategies can help you do it quickly and without any fuss. To get you started, we shared some tips and pointed out some guests you can easily remove from your wedding guest checklist.
How To Create Your Wedding Guest List
Establish a Realistic Budget
When planning your wedding, the number of guests will greatly affect your budget. Everything from how much food you will need to how many tables and centrepieces to order will rely on your guest count. Plus, your wedding guest list size can even limit the venues you consider.
Many wedding planners share a smart tip: cutting down your guest list can help you save money. So, it is essential to understand how much you are willing to spend on the big day and related events before you start making your list.
Start with a budget, then figure out your own golden ratio: how many guests at a wedding? Only invite the number of people you can afford to host. Namely, your guest list, budget, and venue choices should all be worked out together. Since the guest count is such a big factor in your overall costs, it is crucial to communicate with anyone helping with the budget before finalising your list.
Also, remember that others contributing might have opinions about who gets invited. If family or friends are helping out financially, it is a good idea to have a chat early on about expectations for the guest list.
Make Your Close People a Priority
When planning your wedding guest list, your closest loved ones and immediate family come first. Start by identifying your VIPS – those who absolutely need to be there, like your parents, siblings, or best friends. Once you have that core group, you can think about adding others.
Consider who you really want to celebrate with. Keep in mind that if you go for a larger guest list, you might not get to chat with everyone. So, ask yourself: do you want to spend your special day making small talk with many people, or would you prefer to celebrate with a close-knit group?
Many people choose smaller and more intimate weddings just because of this. They want to truly feel and savour their big day, so they exclude distant friends and relatives from their wedding guest list.
Set Some Limits
One simple way to keep your wedding guest list manageable is by controlling the number of plus-ones. We suggest offering them only to those in serious relationships and whose partners you know.
When it comes to kids, if you have a big family, it helps to limit how many children your guests can bring. This might not be the most comfortable situation, but it is your day after all. It is you who should enjoy the most, and your relatives and friends will understand you!
Be Careful with Your B-List
As you round up your wedding guest checklist, having a B-list can be useful, but it is important to handle it thoughtfully. A good tip to remember is to send out those B-list invitations at least four months in advance. This gives you enough time to include them without rushing.
Also, keep in mind the dynamics of any groups on that list. For instance, if you have a close-knit group of coworkers on the B-list, ensure there is enough space for all of them instead of just inviting one person. It can get tricky deciding who to ask from a small group!
Make Cuts Where Appropriate
If there are relatives you have not spoken to in ages, do not feel like you have to include them in your wedding guest list. Remember, it is your special day with your loved one, not a family reunion. You really do not owe invites to everyone in your extended family!
Moreover, if you are thinking about inviting people you have lost touch with, just remember that your wedding day will be super busy. It is not really the best time to try to revive old friendships. Focus on enjoying the moment with your spouse and other guests instead!
Lastly, just because you share an office or grab lunch with someone occasionally does not mean they need to make the guest list. This is especially important if you are keeping things small. Instead, you could organise a casual work happy hour to celebrate together later.
Do Not Rush The Process
Putting together the ideal wedding guest list is no small feat, and it definitely should not be something you rush through. This list plays a crucial role in shaping various aspects of your big day, from the venue size to the catering needs. So, it is really important to take your time with it.
Consider who to invite to your wedding genuinely. It is all about finding that perfect balance between close friends, family, and maybe even a few colleagues. A thoughtful guest list can set the tone for the entire celebration, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Creating the perfect wedding guest list is not easy, and it takes some serious thinking. You may need to sacrifice some attendees, but that is the hard part of the planning process. Just remember it is your day, and you get to decide how to celebrate it!
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