The wedding guest list is one of the most important decisions when planning your big day. It can be difficult to decide who to invite (and not invite) to your wedding, but with some thought and consideration, you can create the perfect wedding guest list. In this blog post, we will discuss how to go about finalizing a wedding guest list that suits both you and your partner.
Talk to Your Partner About Who They Want to Invite
When it comes to finalizing your wedding guest list, one of the most important conversations you’ll have is with your partner. Discuss who both of you want to invite and why. Make sure that neither of you are making decisions without considering the other’s opinion. This conversation will help you narrow down your list to those you both agree on. Talk about extended family members and close friends, co-workers, neighbours, colleagues, and any other contacts in your life. It can be hard to decide which people to include in such a special day, so try to make room for as many people as possible – within reason. If there’s any disagreement about certain people or situations, try to come up with a compromise that works for both parties.
Make a List of Must-Invites
Creating a wedding guest list can be daunting, but a great way to start is by making a must-invite list. This should include your family members, closest friends, and anyone else who needs to be at your wedding for it to feel complete. Start by brainstorming all the people you would want at your wedding if there were no budget or venue restrictions. Make sure to discuss with your partner who they consider must-invites. Many couples forget that both sets of parents are going to have their own ideas of who should attend the wedding.
It’s important to listen and be respectful of each other’s families when determining your guest list. Keep in mind that while both sides may want to invite extended family or colleagues, it’s ultimately up to you both as to how many guests each set of parents can add. Additionally, when creating this list make sure that you talk about any exes that need inviting – if any – so that any awkwardness is taken care of ahead of time. Don’t forget to make an A-list of close friends that you definitely don’t want to leave off the invitation list! Your A-list should consist of the friends you cannot imagine getting married without having them at your celebration.
Cut Your List Down Based on Budget and Venue Capacity
Once you have your list of must-invites and potential guests, it’s time to start cutting people based on budget and venue capacity. Take a look at your wedding budget and make sure you allocate enough funds for the number of guests you plan to invite. You should also check the capacity of your venue, so you know how many guests you can safely fit. This can be a difficult process, but it’s important to stick to your budget and your guest list maximum.
Avoid the Awkward Plus One Debate
When it comes to who to invite to your wedding , one of the biggest debates is how to handle plus-ones. While some couples choose to give all their guests the option to bring a date, this can quickly inflate your guest list and exceed your budget. A good rule of thumb is to give plus-ones only to married, engaged, or long-term couples. Avoid making single guests feel uncomfortable by leaving out the plus-one option in those cases.
Send Out Save-the-Dates Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to inform your guests about your wedding date. Send out save-the-date cards or emails as soon as you can, so that your guests can plan ahead. It also helps you keep track of who’s coming and know how many people to expect.
Creating your wedding guest list doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With clear communication and a plan of attack, you can create the perfect list for your wedding day. Remember, this is your big day and you should prioritize who will be there to share it with you!
