Creating a wedding guest list is one of the earliest steps in the wedding planning process. It is important to have a rough idea of the number of guests you will be inviting before looking at venues to ensure that they can accommodate your needs. Guest lists can be stressful to put together, as there may be people who are upset about not receiving an invitation. Ultimately, the decision of who to invite is between you and your partner, and it is important to work together to determine the extent of the guest list.
When creating your guest list, it is important to consider your budget. The cost of the wedding will be significantly impacted by the number of guests, so it is essential to know how much you have to spend before finalizing the list. Communicate openly with your partner about your vision for the wedding and decide on the type of event that fits within your budget. Once you have determined your budget, you can start allocating funds accordingly to different aspects of the wedding.
To begin your guest list, create a ‘can’t get married without’ list of people who must be invited to your wedding. This will give you a minimum number of attendees, but it may not be the final count. Additionally, it is important to make a list of ‘maybes’ for people you are considering inviting. Consider everyone you would like to include, such as distant cousins, co-workers, and friends you are not extremely close with. From this list, you can decide who will be included on the final guest list.
When deciding on plus ones and whether children will be invited to the wedding, it is essential to establish clear guidelines. Discuss with your partner the rules for plus ones, such as allowing them only for serious relationships or not allowing them at all. Children can also be a factor in the guest list, as some couples choose to have a child-free event. Make sure to add kids to the guest list if they are invited, and clarify this information on your wedding website to avoid confusion.
Addressing invitations can lead to questions about plus ones and children, so it is beneficial to have this information clearly outlined on your wedding website. Setting clear guidelines for guests can help prevent misunderstandings and limit the number of inquiries you receive. Remember that your wedding is a day for you and your spouse to celebrate with loved ones, so don’t feel pressured to invite people with whom you are not close. By following these tips and communicating openly with your partner, you can create a guest list that reflects your vision for your special day.
