This is a big topic, and because so we have produced a podcast with one of our lovey brides on this very topic: Listen here Podcast: Your Wedding Guestlist
Preparing your wedding day guest list is one of those tasks that you just need to get done. You can’t avoid it and let’s face it, it can be a little challenging. Should you invite children? How do you avoid offending friends and family? Who should sit where and with whom?Personally, I’d prefer to get down to cake tasting (yum!).
Over our 10 years we’ve worked with many couples to not only cover their day but also provide some wedding planning assistance. We have five great tips on preparing the guest list and we’d like to share them with you, so you can decide stress free, who’s in and who’s not!
- Keep in mind your vision for the day
When it comes to compiling your wedding list, first you need to think about the wedding you’re picturing. Is it intimate? Is a huge party with hundreds of friends and relatives? Is it a destination wedding? Do you prefer an adults only atmosphere? After you’ve decided on the kind of celebrations you want, you should then start drafting your wedding list.
2. Divvy up the list fairly
Traditionally, the people paying for the wedding will get to invite more of their friends and relatives. However, in the modern world, with more couples and parents splitting the budget, diving the guest list equally is fair. For example, the couple gets a third of the list for their friends, whilst each set of parents get a third for relatives and friends.
3. Consider your budget
Your wedding budget is the key influence when you’re making decisions on your big day. Crunching the numbers isn’t the easiest part of wedding planning but it has to be done. It is best to keep your number on the conservative side. If there’s room in the budget, you can always add more later on.
4. Avoid the verbal invite
It can be hard not to mention the upcoming festivities, even with someone not on your guest list. Saying casually’ “We’d love to have you” or “You should come” is allowing the person to expect an invite. And when that doesn’t arrive, it can hurt their feelings, or even be embarrassing for you. It’s okay not to invite everyone you talk to.
5. Make some cutting rules
After creating that dream list, it’s time to return to reality and start trimming until you reach a realistic number. The easiest way to do that is to come up with a set of rules and actually follow them. For example;
- A plus one will only be invited if someone is married or engaged or been dating the person for at least six months
- Kids will only be invited if they are a niece, nephew or godchild of the couple.
- If you haven’t spoken to a person in over a year and they aren’t related to you, don’t feel obligated to invite them.
Don’t worry, you’ll be onto cake and dress selection in no time!
Happy planning!
