45% of British brides say guest lists are the most stressful part of wedding planning, and we’d guess it’s the same for couples on this side of the pond too. While a wedding celebrates the joining of two families, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be smooth sailing.
There are bound to be long-standing feuds, and some new ones may even arise. Chaos may be inevitable, but at least there are things you can do to minimize discord on your big day.
In this article, we’ll discuss key considerations you should keep in mind to create the perfect wedding ceremony guest list.
Table of Contents
Set Priorities and Establish Guidelines
If you haven’t already, you should first determine the size of your wedding. Are you envisioning an intimate ceremony with close family and friends, or do you want a larger gathering?
How you answer that question will help you set your priorities. From there, decide if you’ll include extended family, distant relatives, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances.
Don’t forget to consider any limitations your venue may have in terms of capacity. After all, it’ll be embarrassing if you invite tons of people and you can barely even fit wedding entertainers and yourselves in at the venue.
Consult With Your Partner
You must involve your significant other when picking wedding guests. Sit down with them and discuss the guests you both want to invite.
See if there are any must-invite guests from each side of the family or any mutual friends you both want to include. This can help whittle things down drastically.
Consider Budget Constraints
Keep in mind that each guest represents a cost in terms of catering, wedding venue space, invitations, and other wedding expenses. Be realistic about what you can afford and adjust your guest list accordingly.
Consult With Parents and Family
If your parents or other family members are financially contributing to the wedding, then discuss their expectations regarding the guest list.
Be prepared to negotiate and compromise if necessary. Yes, it’s your big day, but you should also be considerate of those making it happen.
Draft an Initial List
Start by creating a draft list of potential guests. Include family members, close friends, and anyone else you’d like to invite.
Use a spreadsheet or wedding planning software to organize your list. Include columns for names, addresses, contact information, RSVP status, and any other relevant details.
Finalize the List
Review and revise your draft list as needed.
Keep in mind that it’s okay to have separate lists for the ceremony and the reception, especially if you’re having a smaller, more intimate ceremony followed by a larger reception. You can leave out some people for the ceremony and include them later instead.
Create the Perfect Wedding Ceremony Guest List
Coming up with an ideal wedding ceremony guest list can be challenging. However, it’s not impossible.
If you follow the tips we’ve outlined in this article, you should have a much easier time creating a shortlist. And as a result, you’ll be able to tie the knot with as little stress as possible!
Creating a guest list is only one part of wedding planning. Keep reading our blog for more helpful advice on getting hitched.
