There are many aspects of planning a wedding that can cause intense frustration. Creating the wedding guest list, for example, can easily send you into a tailspin. Though it can seem like a straightforward task, there are countless issues that can arise and stress you out until a solution is found. Luckily, there are a handful of simple ways to move through this process without wanting to pull all of your hair out or cancel the wedding altogether. All you need to do is take some extra steps while planning out who you want to invite.
Whether you’re dealing with a partner who doesn’t know how to cut down his list or parents who want to invite every distant relative you’ve ever met, wedding invitations can be a pain in the neck. Follow these tips to reduce stress and put together a perfect wedding guest list in no time.
Figure Out Your Number
Before you can begin writing lists of possible guests, you need to have some aspects of the wedding set. For one, you absolutely need to know how many people you plan on inviting to the event. This will give you hard parameters to work with, making it easier to avoid common issues like inviting too many people. Typically, this number cannot be determined until you have the opportunity to set a venue. Once you have this number, you can begin divvying up the invites so you are each able to invite a specific amount of guests.
Dividing the wedding guest list in half is a great way to get the ball rolling. Unfortunately, you may need to split this number again if other people are helping you pay. Parents and grandparents will often make financial contributions to weddings. While this can be helpful to young couples, it also means the couple needs to offer those contributing money the option of inviting a few guests of their choosing. Of course, if no one is helping you pay for the event, you don’t have to feel obligated to allow any relatives to invite additional guests.
Create a Dream List
Getting your list to a practical number can be difficult. The best way to take on this task is by making a “dream list” of guests. Essentially, this list is one that includes every possible person you would ever consider inviting to be a part of your big day. Don’t think about venue space or your budget. Instead, try and develop a list that allows you some creative freedom. By writing down the names of everyone you would invite if you didn’t have constraints, you’ll get a better idea of who you’d really like to have present.
After you’ve developed this dream list, you need to begin making cuts. This is where the real challenge comes into play. Try and make rules for cuts you can stick with. For example, one common rule couples use is “if you haven’t spoken to them in five years, don’t invite them.” While there will definitely be exceptions to some of the rules you set, developing tight guidelines for how you make cuts can make the trimming experience a lot less stressful and far more productive.
Name Your Backups
Another important aspect of the list you’ll want to focus on is having some backups ready. Not all of your guests will be able to attend your event. This means you’ll need to fill seats so you don’t spend money on food that will go to waste. Create a list of backup guests you can invite in a pinch and you will have a much easier time covering your bases.
Creating a wedding guest list is going to be one of the more difficult tasks you set out to accomplish. With a little bit of forethought, you and your partner will have a much easier time putting together a list you can both feel satisfied with.
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