Wedding Tips: Your Guest List

When planning your wedding you must be organized (I know, this may  not be your strong suit, but it’s something that must be done).  When planning  your guest list remember it’s the most essential item to start with because it will determine the number of people you will have.  This affects your location and the cost of the day. So set aside an afternoon (or two)  and get ready!  This is big!

1- Make a master list.  Friends and family on your side and his.

2- Remember to ask his parents and yours for their lists.  This will take some time, so be patient but let them know how important it is.

3- If  you’re on a budget,  it’s essential that the two of you be willing to cut down the guest list.  The same holds true for parents on both sides.

4- Both of you will have to be willing to compromise.  Think about your menu, the size of the wedding and your budget.  Be realistic.  Your wedding and reception location will be determined by your guest count.

5- Have a “yes” list.  Those are the people most important to you. Next, a “maybe” list.  Those you’re considering but are not sure about yet.  This needs to be done by the two of you and your respective parents.

6- Remember the 10% rule.  Invite 10% more than you think because 10% won’t be able to make it.  Weigh how much it means to you to have that person there.

7- Whether or not your  parents are paying for the wedding, the family obligations are something you have to consider.  If they are paying for the wedding  usually the “iffy” family members are on the “definite” list.  (Well, I guess it depends on just how “iffy” they are).

8- If you invite your boss only, most likely your close co workers will be offended.  Think twice before inviting work people.

9-   It’s up to you whether to allow single invited guests to bring a date.  Again, this is usually a budget issue.

10- Even if you know someone important to you will not be able to attend, you should still send an invitation to let them know they’re special to you.

This is a B-I-G task.  Try your best to be tactful and considerate but remember it’s your wedding and the two of you can invite who you want to.

Once you have this large part of your organizing skills done, it will be so helpful for the rest of your planning.  Take a deep breath…..you can do it!

Once you have your guest list finalized, your ceremony and reception site selected, make sure you send out save the dates so your busy guests will have plenty of notice to leave that date  for your wedding.  Invitations should be sent out a few months before the wedding.

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