For engaged couples, the weeks leading up to their big day are some of the most exciting—and trying—times in their relationship. One of the biggest stresses in wedding planning is creating a wedding guest list. Whether you want an intimate affair or a grand gathering, you and your fiance have to consider who, and how many, will be celebrating with you.
At the top of your list are your immediate family members and closest friends, but there are other considerations. Should you invite your distant relatives, neighbors, high school classmates, and colleagues? Before you know it, it’s easy for your wedding guest list to balloon to more than 300 guests.
Tips for Narrowing Down Your Wedding Guest List
To stay within your limit and minimize tension, you and your partner should be focused, committed, and united.
Here are some tips on how to create your wedding guest list:
1. Manage your family’s expectations before accepting financial help
When a couple announces their engagement, it’s natural for both families to get excited about wedding planning. It’s an excellent time for families to come together, but we won’t sugarcoat the truth—it will get messy. You may not ask for it, but your parents may offer to contribute financially. Naturally, they’ll have conditions. One side may demand that a great-great-aunt should come, while another may expect that their daughter or son to be part of the wedding entourage.
It’s crucial to sit down with your families and clarify your expectations before cashing any cheques. Explain to them, gently but firmly, how big or small you want your guest list to be. This way, you can still negotiate or politely decline their offer.
2. Start with a dream list
When you first sit down with your partner, it’s okay to think big. Write down every single person you imagine being there when you say I do. It may be an old friend from elementary or your college roommate who you haven’t seen in years. Consider this your dream list. At least for now, don’t think about the expenses. The editing part will come later.
3. Set a realistic number of guests
Now that you have your dream list, it’s time to address your reality. To come up with an exact number of guests, consider your budget and venue. Keep in mind that each guest will affect your expenses exponentially. One person will need a plate from your caterer, a chair, a favor, and so on.
Even when the budget is not an issue, think of your venue. A hotel ballroom could only hold around 100 to 200 guests. Go beyond this, and your guests won’t be able to move around comfortably on your wedding day.
4. Implement a collaborative system
It’s time to trim your dream list! To avoid future fights with your fiance, you’ll need a collaborative system. The two of you should be managing your growing (or shrinking) guest list. Don’t scratch someone off the list without consulting your fiance. Using an online spreadsheet helps so both of you can make input as you go along. Anyone can edit in real-time and see who added or deleted names.
5. Follow strict editing rules
Cutting down your wedding guest list is never easy; that’s why you should make strict rules for yourselves. Sit down with your fiance and discuss your non-negotiables. Here are some examples:
Rule 1: If neither of you has met the person before, he or she shouldn’t be invited.
Rule 2: Your wedding should be an adults-only affair. Your friends’ kids should not be invited.
Rule 3: Plus-ones are limited to your bridesmaids and groomsmen. No one else can bring a friend or a date.
While a few disagreements with your fiance are normal, don’t let the stress of finalizing guest lists ruin your big day. Follow these tips so you could enjoy the rest of your wedding preparation!
If you are looking for the best wedding venue in Reno, NV & Lake Tahoe, get in touch with us to see how we can help!
