Your wedding guest list will determine absolutely every other aspect of your wedding. How many people you invite will determine what size wedding chapel or ceremony venue you need to reserve as well as the size and identities of your wedding party, which influences gowns, flowers, and more. You may not realize it, but wedding guest list etiquette does exist and although it may not be a fun process to endure, sticking to these suggestions can prevent a lot of headache in the weeks and months leading up to your wedding.
Budget
Before you start jotting down the names of your favorite teachers, old coaches, and that barista who always gives you an extra free shot of espresso when you go in for your morning coffee, make sure you have your budget all planned out to ensure you don’t get carried away. It’s a nice sentiment to want to invite everyone to celebrate with you, but guest costs can add up quickly so it’s best you only invite the people who truly mean the most to you if finances are at all a concern. This will ensure that no one suffers hurt feelings from being uninvited to your wedding when your excitement wears off and reality sets in.
Who’s Who
Unfortunately for you, everyone you know will most likely feel entitled to go to your wedding and expect an invitation, but what really matters is who you want to be there. Not a fan of your second cousin? Don’t feel obligated to invite someone just because they are family. In most cases, the best way to handle who will get an invite is to divide your guest list limit into three groups. One-third of your guests should be there for the bride, one-third for the groom, and the remaining spots should be for friends of the couple. You may come across hurt feelings at one point or another, but it’s your day, and with a limited budget you deserve to have everyone you want there in attendance.
Children and Plus One’s
Always be very clear on your invitations about the inclusion of children and plus one’s. Weddings may be magical, but for little kids long ceremonies can feel boring and lead to undesirable ceremony distractions, and as far as plus one’s go, it may just feel awkward for everyone if your relative’s new boyfriend that no one knows attends such an intimate event. Whether it’s a child or an adult, adding more people to your wedding increases your overall event cost, so be firm when all your single friends call you up to beg for a plus one for someone they just met.
If you’re looking to plan a wedding, give one of our wedding event coordinators a call at 586.930.5400 to make an appointment to view Metro Detroit’s premier wedding chapel. Your dream wedding is just a phone call away.
