Inviting the Who's Who to Your I Do's: Navigating the Wedding Guest List

Start with the Must-Have Guests

First things first, you and your fiancé should sit down and make a list of the people you both absolutely have to have at your wedding. This might include immediate family, close friends, and anyone else who you can't imagine not being there to celebrate with you. From there, you can start adding in your extended family and any additional friends you'd like to invite.

Managing Awkward Family Situations and Plus-One Invitations

But what about those awkward family situations where you have to invite someone you're not particularly close with? Or when your fiancé has a bunch of friends you've never met? Fear not, this is where the "plus one" rule comes into play. You can always extend the invitation to someone's significant other to avoid any hurt feelings, but you're not necessarily required to do so for everyone on your list.

How Many Guests to Invite?

Now, let's talk about numbers. How many people should you invite? That all depends on your budget, venue capacity, and the type of wedding you're hoping to have. If you're having a large, formal affair, you'll want to invite more people. But if you're hoping for a more intimate gathering, you may need to be more selective with your guest list. Just remember, the number of guests you have will impact almost every aspect of your wedding planning, from the cost to the size of your reception space, so choose wisely.

Consider Out-of-Town Guests

And what about those out of town guests? Should you invite them even though you know they may not be able to make it? Yes! While it's important to consider your budget, it's also important to think about the relationships you have with these people and whether or not you want them to be a part of your special day, even if it's from afar. Plus, who knows, they might surprise you and show up!

Don't Forget the Budget

Finally, don't forget about the all-important "B" word: Budget. With each guest you add to your list, your budget will increase. So if you're finding that your guest list is getting a little out of control, it might be time to reevaluate and see if there are any areas you can cut back on to accommodate everyone you want there.

At the end of the day, your wedding guest list is about celebrating your love and the people who are important to you, so don't stress too much about it. Use these tips as a starting point, and remember to have a sense of humor and a glass of wine (or two) as you navigate this exciting process!