Tips for Managing Your Wedding Guest List
Ah, the wedding guest list—quite possibly the trickiest part of wedding planning.
The one task that can turn a peaceful planning session into a heated debate faster than you can say “plus one.” Who knew deciding between inviting your second cousin or your mom’s book club could be so stressful? But fear not! We’re here to help you navigate this delicate dance with a few tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
1. START WITH YOUR DREAM LIST
First things first, dream big! Write down every single person you’d love to invite – yes, even that friendly barista who makes your morning cappuccino just right. This is your wedding, and you should think about everyone you want to share your special day with.
2. SET YOUR BUDGET AND VENUE CAPACITY
Now that you have your dream list, it’s time to bring it down to earth. Your budget and venue capacity will play a big role in determining your final guest list. Think of this as your reality check. The Stone Cellar can accommodate up to 150 guests comfortably, so keep this in mind as you start trimming your list.
3. DIVIDE AND CONQUER
Break down your list into categories:
- immediate family,
- extended family,
- close friends,
- colleagues,
- and others.
This will help you see where the majority of your guests fall. You and your partner can allocate a set number of invites for each category. And if you’re struggling, try a tiered approach—must-haves on tier one, nice-to-haves on tier two. If someone from tier one can’t make it, you’ve got a backup ready to go!
4. THE PLUS-ONE DILEMMA
Plus-ones can be tricky. A good rule of thumb is to offer a plus-one to married, engaged, or long-term partners. If you’re working with a smaller guest list, consider offering a plus-one only to guests who won’t know anyone else at the wedding. Trust us, Aunt Marge doesn’t need to bring her latest Tinder date.
5. BE READY TO MAKE SOME TOUGH CUTS
This is the part where you might have to make some tough decisions. Remember, this day is about you and your partner. If you haven’t spoken to someone in over three years and wouldn’t call them on a random Tuesday, they probably don’t need an invite. And yes, it’s okay to skip those obligatory invites. (Sorry, random office acquaintance.)
6. SET CLEAR RSVP EXPECTATIONS
Include a clear RSVP deadline on your invitations and stick to it. This will help you avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure you have an accurate headcount for your venue and caterers. Follow up with those who haven’t RSVP’d about a week after the deadline. Sometimes people just need a little nudge!
7. WE KID YOU NOT
Deciding whether to invite children to your wedding can be a tricky decision. On one hand, kids can add a touch of joy and spontaneity to your big day, but on the other hand, you may want to keep the celebration more adult-focused. To help make this choice, consider the overall vibe you’re aiming for. If you’re dreaming of a more sophisticated or formal atmosphere, it might be best to have an adults-only event. However, if you’re envisioning a laid-back and family-friendly celebration, including children can make it more inclusive and fun.
If you do decide to include kids, think about providing some entertainment to keep them engaged, like a small play area or activity packs at their table. Alternatively, you could offer a compromise by having a “kids-free ceremony” but allowing little ones to join the reception. Whichever route you choose, be clear on your invitations so guests know whether to make arrangements for their little ones.
8. REMEMBER, IT’S YOUR DAY!
At the end of the day, this is your celebration. Surround yourself with the people who mean the most to you. You can’t make everyone happy, and that’s okay! Your wedding is about you and your partner, so focus on what feels right for you both.
Creating a guest list can be challenging, but with a little planning and some boundaries in place, you’ll have a group of people who will make your day even more special. Now, onto the next part – Planning the Perfect Timeline!
