5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR WEDDING GUEST LIST UNDER CONTROL!

5 Tips to keep your wedding guest list under control!

One of the biggest hang-ups that we see for most engaged couples is the “dreaded” guest list. Your guest list total is a big deciding factor in your wedding budget since many of your vendors will charge you based on a per person rate. But truthfully, deciding on your guest list should be one of the fun parts of the wedding planning process! This is a great opportunity to look back and appreciate the amount of love and support that you and your fiancé are surrounded by.

Whether you are going small or going big, we have some tips to help keep you on track.

1. Be Realistic.

If you already know your budget, pick a total number that fits that. You and your fiancé may know 500+ people, but if 500 people don’t fit into your budget then pick a realistic number to avoid any future stress over money.

2. It’s YOUR Day.

Plenty of family members and friends will want to have a say as to who you are inviting to your wedding. It’s customary to let parents have a certain number of guests that they would like to invite (typically 5 per parent depending on who may be paying for the wedding), but that should be factored into your final count. Outside of honoring your parents’ invites, don’t feel bad about standing your ground on who will and who will not be invited.

3. Set Rules for Yourselves.

For example:

Rule #1: Haven’t spoken to them in the last year and they aren’t related to you? they don’t need to be invited. Quick tip: a Facebook “congrats” comment on your engagement announcement doesn’t automatically qualify them to land on your guest list.
Rule #2: Don’t really want kids at your wedding? Don’t feel bad. Adult-only weddings are very common.
Rule #3: Non-married couples don’t necessarily need a plus one. And if you want to avoid any awkward conversations about this you can pre-fill in their # of guests attending on their RSVP card.

4. A “Listers” & B “Listers”.

Always start with the non-negotiables, whether that be extended family, close friends, close co-workers, etc. Before adding on from there generate your “B” list with people who you would still really like to have, but aren’t top priority. Not just anyone should go on your “B” list either. Focus on adding people that you would actually want there. Keep in mind that for most couples, 25-30% of their invited guests will not be able to make it.

5. Marriage Support.

When building your list it is really important to think about the roles your guests will realistically play in your lives after the big day. If you don’t see a future with them, don’t feel pressured to invite them.

Don’t let the guest list task stress you out or put pressure on your engagement. Keep the process fun and lighthearted. Maybe even make a date day/night out of it with a cheeseboard, wine, etc! Just remember, the day is about you and your fiancé! Some of your guests are just “extras” in your story.