Don't Let Your Guest List Destroy Your Wedding Budget!

How many guests are you planning on inviting to your wedding?  What about your fiancé?  Many couples have very different ideas when it comes to their own guest list.  You both think you agree that you will invite no more than 150 guests, but neither of you are able to budge on your own personal guest list as you are afraid of hurting peoples feelings or you don’t want family members to get upset. Soon your guest list is at 300+ people!  You say to your fiancé “we’ll just invite everyone because not everyone will come”.  Well I will tell you right now that this so-called plan can absolutely destroy your budget! 

Wedding receptions can cost anywhere from $25 to upwards of $150 per person, depending on your venue and the type of food you will serve.  Because of this, the reception dinner will be one of the most expensive items, if not the most expensive item, you will account for within your wedding budget. 

It is crucial that your fiancé and you are on the same page when it comes to the guest list.  Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your list:

1.)   There is no need to invite co-workers, bosses, etc unless you want to invite the select few who you are closest to.

2.)   You can cut out distant relatives that you never see or the people you have to remind yourself of who they are when you see their names.

3.)   If you invite singles, don’t give them an option of bringing a guest.  You can sit them all together so they can mingle.

4.)   When it comes to “friends”, consider the last time you saw them/ spoke to them.  If it has been a long time, don’t invite them.

5.)   Make your event an “adult-only” wedding, but make sure that you are clear about this in your invitations.  For example, avoid addressing the invitation to “The Smith Family” if you don’t want children to attend.

6.)   Kindly ask your parents to remove guests from the list if you don’t know them, unless your parents are willing to pay their way.

By following these tips, you will be sure to stay within budget when it comes to your guest list.  Remember, this day is a celebration of you and your husband-to-be and you should only share it with the ones who are most supportive, loving and most influential within you and your fiancé’s lives.

Happy Planning!

Erica Ferns, Owner

Eventista Couture, LLC

Certified Wedding and Event Designer

www.eventistacouture.com