How to Navigate Your Guest List

Creating a wedding guest list can be easy, as long as making a decision and sticking to it is your forte. Use these five essential wedding guest tips to make the process a whole lot easier.

Congratulations on getting engaged … but now is the time to embark on wedding planning. Unless you elope, you'll need to decide on a guest list. While wise Marrieds may shudder at the memory of creating and refining their guest list, you can take an easier path. Follow our advice to make selecting your guestlist painless and celebrating with your nearest and dearest full of joy and delight!

Who do you want to Invite?

Write down everyone you would possibly want to invite. 

This includes:

• Family and close friends of the bride and groom
• Friends of the bride and groom’s parents
• Friends of the bride and groom from work and/or school
• Children of anyone from this list
• “Plus ones,” people that family or close friends get to bring as a date
  
  

Start Prioritizing

Figure out an “A” and “B” guest list. 

The “A” list is your “must-haves” – immediate family members and closest friends.  The “B” list is your “would love to haves” – acquaintances from work, school, extended family and friends, etc. This is suggested if your initial guest list begins to grow to more than what you may have intended.

Consider an age limit

Is entertaining children part of your celebration?

Determine if you would like an “adult-only reception” or if you would like to accommodate children. This will dictate how many, if any, children will be invited.

Many people have told me that they enjoy being invited to an “adult reception” only.  This gives the “parents” a night off.  Some brides and grooms have invited children and provided “day-care” where the little ones are on the property, but in another part of the venue and in someone else’s trusted and professional care.  There may be costs associated with this approach, but it may also help with a larger amount of “yes” replies rather than “nos.”  Just remember, no matter what, those invited who want to and are able to attend your special day will do so, regardless of children being invited or not.

Budget, Budget, Budget

Decide how much you want to spend. Each guest who attends will push the price a little higher.

You have to figure out how much you are able to spend, whether or not you will be receiving any financial help from parents, family members, or friends and if so, how much. It’s a hard fact, but, unless the sky is the limit, if you are trying to work within a budget, cutting your guest list is the first place to turn to.

Don’t be afraid to ask your catering professional to assist you with these calculations.

Be Okay with your Guest list not being perfect

Stick to your guns!

Your guest list is very personal and can be political too.  Some people expect to be invited, and when they are not, can get offended.  Be ready to state your case as to why they are not being invited and be able to hold to your decision.  This can be due to the capacity of the venue being too small, or your budget not being able to accommodate such a large guest list.  Be ready to discuss these matters with everyone who will be financially responsible as well as anyone who may question it.

Just remember, your guest list is your guest list, and no one else should dictate this but you. Easy, right?!

Your wedding should be all about you!