Who's in and Who's Out: Navigating the Guest List Process for your Big Day

One of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding is deciding who you want to celebrate with. However, creating a guest list can also be challenging and sometimes stressful. In this blog post, we'll provide some tips on how to select your wedding guest list in a way that is considerate of your loved ones while also staying true to your vision and budget.

Start with a rough estimate of your ideal guest count

Before you start adding names to your list, you should have a rough idea of how many people you'd like to invite to your wedding. This will help you set a realistic budget and find a venue that can accommodate your guest count. Keep in mind that the number of guests you invite will also affect the cost of other wedding expenses like catering, bar, flowers, and rentals.

Determine who must be invited

There are certain people who must be invited to your wedding, such as immediate family members and close friends. You should also consider inviting any relatives who have played a significant role in your life, like your favorite aunt or cousin. If you or your partner have a large family, you may need to make some tough decisions about who to include.

Consider your venue's capacity

The size of your venue will impact the number of guests you can invite. It's important to choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guest count, including space for tables, chairs, and a dance floor. If you're having a destination wedding, keep in mind that some guests may not be able to travel, so you may need to adjust your guest count accordingly.

Consider your budget

Your wedding budget will play a significant role in determining your guest count. The more guests you invite, the more you'll have to spend on catering, decor, and other expenses. Keep in mind that a smaller guest count may allow you to splurge on different aspects of your wedding, like a more luxurious venue or a top-notch photographer.

Create an A and B list

If you're having trouble deciding who to invite, consider creating an A and B list. Your A list will include guests who you definitely want to invite, while your B list will include guests who you'd like to invite if there is room. Once you receive RSVPs from your A list, you can invite some guests from your B list to fill any open spots.

Taking these steps as you start to work on your guest list should make the process run smoother. Make sure not to omit the financial contributors from your guest's last decision-making.

Until next time…WEDologize!

Photo - George Street Photography