Eeks! This one is so awkward, isn’t it? Nobody wants to make cuts to a list of beloved friends and family but the truth is, there has to be a line drawn somewhere. Each guest you add to your list, means additional costs from beginning to end. Think wedding invitations and postage to food and beverage costs.
So what's our best advice on how to trim your wedding guest list? Here are three things to consider when making cuts that will hopefully make the process a little less painful.
Money Talks
Let’s get this one out of the way first. It’s not always a pleasant topic, but the fact is, someone is paying for the wedding, and that person or people should be looped in when it comes to making the guest list.
Having said that, it doesn’t mean that other close family members shouldn’t be allocated a set amount of people to invite. In the case where one family, let’s say the bride’s, is paying for the entire event, it would be a gesture of good will to offer a certain percentage of guests to the groom’s family to do with as they wish.
Oh, Baby!
Now this one is a hot topic… maybe even as contentious (and awkward!) as the money issue. What about kids? Do you allow children? What about infants? Where to do you draw the line? Take a breath and make a list of the things that have nothing to do with how much you adore your sister’s twin toddlers or your cousin’s newborn son. It's probably the question I am asked the most about how to trim your wedding guest list.
Look at venue, the time of the wedding, and the (sorry to be blunt) level of sophistication you’re hoping to maintain throughout the event. Is this a country casual wedding or an elegant evening with fine dining? Most people actually fall somewhere in the middle so consider only allowing children up until a certain time or perhaps have a sitter on-site for those brand new moms needing to be close by, or, give the parents (and yourself) a break for the evening and leave the kiddies at home.
And finally…
ACQUAINTANCES AND PLUS ONES
What about friends you haven’t seen for ages? We all have cherished friends that we just don’t see as much as we’d like to, but a general rule of thumb is, if you haven’t seen them in over a year, they probably shouldn’t make the cut. Similarly, do single guests need to bring a plus one? If they are part of a larger group of friends or family and know enough attending guests to have a good time on their own, they'll likely be happy to attend on their own! Who knows, maybe they'll even meet another single date and you'll get all the match-making bragging rights!
Of course, there are always extenuating circumstances, and we understand that. So if you’re really on the fence about someone or need more advice on how to trim your wedding guest list, fill out the form below and let us help you get organized!
