Guest lists can be tricky business so here are a few tips before you delve right in!
1. Expectations – It is a good idea to get your immediate families together and set their expectations so there are no surprises (especially if you have any family members contributing financially)! Ask each set of parents who they were thinking would be invited out of each side’s family and family friends – that way if you choose not to invite particular people there will be no shocked glances further down the road.
2. Vision – Venue capacity and budget aside, think about your vision for the day. If you always dreamed of a small backyard wedding then inviting 150+ guests will be overwhelming to say the least.
3. Everyone – Start with your dream list of every single person you could ever want watch you walk down the aisle old, old or new friends add them on! Once you have all the names written down it becomes easier to then analyse in line with your budget/ venue capacity and start making adjustments if needed.
4. The Cut – You may need to start cutting down your list; make some check points as you review each name you wrote down on the original dream list!
* When’s the last time you spoke or saw each other?
* Have you ever met their partner?
* Adult’s only wedding?
* Did you just add them to the list because you felt guilty for not inviting them?
5. Plus ones – Decide from the start if you will allow plus ones or partners you have never met. A top tip to avoid any plus one awkwardness is to name all guests specifically on the invite and RSVP for each family, couple etc. that way you will avoid any confusion as it gets closer to the day.
TOP TIP
It is said that form your original guest list on average each wedding will see 10-20% of guests decline your wedding invitation – if your venue and budget allow for some minor flexibility then you can risk over inviting although this could be a dangerous game!
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