It’s the most painful part of wedding planning: the guest list. I mean, where do you start? How many people can we invite? Where do you draw the line?
Before you even open that Google doc to type in your uncle’s address, consider these 3 things before your start.
1. How many people can your venue hold?
Seems easy enough, right? But many times people over invite thinking some of their guests won’t show up and you’ll fill the venue perfectly. But what if that cousin in Ohio decides they want a little vacation for her family of 8 and your wedding is a great getaway? Things happen.
Find out the max capacity of your venue and stick with that number at first. If your list grows past that, consider the 80/20 rule. 80% of your guest list will come; 20% will decline.
2. Who’s wedding is this?
What do you mean, it’s ours, right? Yes, kinda. There are some people who raised you (*cough cough* your parents) and they may have a list of their own. Keep in mind, if you have parents that are contributing financially to your wedding, it’s best if they can invite people they want to invite. Even if they’re not, be considerate of your parents and their own lists.
3. Openly communicate with your fiancé on who you’re inviting
If you want to invite your second cousin who you haven’t seen in 10 years, be ready for your fiance to want to invite his second cousin who he hasn’t seen in 15 years. Have an open discussion with your significant other on who you want at your wedding. Is this going to be the biggest party the city has ever seen? Or do you want something more intimate with family and close friends? Understand the vibe you want before deciding who to invite.
