Large Weddings Made Small

I was at a wedding recently which was attended by 240 people. The reception hall was large and beautiful, and the music lasted all night. There were so many faces that looked completely unfamiliar and I could not stop thinking, “Do all these people really know the bride and groom?”

The first thing to do when planning your wedding guest list is to decide what venue you want and base your guest list on their capacity.

If space and expense is not an issue, then invite as many people as you like. However, for most of us who are trying to stay on a budget, here are a few pointers on how and who to eliminate from your wedding guest list:

* Divide the total number of guests in half, so that both the bride and groom get an equal number of family members and friends. This way, neither side feels like they are being cheated.
* If you do not want young children to attend, make this VERY clear in the invitation. More about how to do that in another post.
* Single friends who are not in a serious relationship should not be granted the “plus one” status.
* Even though your parents may be helping you pay for your wedding, that does not mean they should be allowed to dictate the guest list. Do not get pressured into inviting all your parent’s friends just to please them.
* Just because some distant cousin or relative invited you to their wedding does not mean you have to return the favor. If you do not want them at your wedding, do not feel obligated to invite them.
* Not everyone will be able to attend the ceremony. Relatives and friends that live in different countries or states may not be able to come, so have a couple backups just in case.
* My general rule of thumb is, if you haven't talked to an acquaintance in the last year or they have never met your spouse to be, then you may not want to invite them to your wedding.

Remember above all that this day is a celebration of YOUR love and commitment. Surround yourself by those you care about the most, and fill in the rest as you see fit.

Creating a guest list without offending your parents, extended family, friends or others is not an easy process. Good luck and proceed with caution.


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