Creating A Wedding Guest List
The wedding guest list affects many of the decisions you will make on all matters related to your wedding, such what size wedding reception venue, the number of wedding decorations, bomboniere, invitations and so on.
So its best to start compiling your guest list sooner rather than later!.
First Things First - Your Wedding Budget
Know your budget. Your budget plays a big part in determining how many guests will attend your wedding. Determine what size your wedding will be... small and intimate, a huge gathering or something in between. If you have a generous budget, then you can pick your guest numbers first and then set your budget. But if you have a set or restricted budget, create your budget first to determine how many guests you can invite. Having fewer wedding guests will allow you to extend your budget, whilst having many will allow you to mingle with friends and family you haven’t seen for a long time.
Delegate Lists
Divide the guest list into the following 5 categories:
- the bride's guests
- the groom's guests
- the bride & groom's friends
- the bride's parents' guests
- the groom's parents' guests
Allocate the categories to the appropriate groups and put together a list of 'must-have' and 'not allowed' guests (those people you may not be comfortable inviting, such as someone who drinks too much, officemates, ex-partners and ex-partners family etc). It is a good idea to provide each group with a limit, such as one-third of the invitations to the bride's parents, one-third to the groom's parents and one-third to you and your partner.
Finalise and book your ceremony and reception venues so that you are confident the number of guests you have invited can be catered for.
Whittle Away!
Combine everyones lists to work out the total number of guests everyone would like to share your special day with, to determine how far off the mark you are in terms of allocated guest numbers. If you are way off the mark, work together to make any required cuts or substitutions.
To reduce wedding guest numbers, consider selecting an entire group, such as work collegues or cricket club mates. That way, if anyone complains, you can simply let them know that you are planning an intimate wedding. Friends or family you haven't spoken to or seen for more than a year, can also come off the list. Dates of single people can also be excluded (these can add to costs more than you think).
Children are a touchy subject....so tread carefully. If you decide not to have children around while exchanging your wedding vows, you can simply explain that you cannot accomodate the children at the ceremony, but they are most welcome at the reception.
Remember to work together in finalising your guest list and to be considerate of your parent's wishes, particularly if they are contributing to the wedding expenses.
Get a start on your guest list as soon as possible and make managing your guest list a breeze with our free wedding Guest List tool.