Guest List Planning Made Easy

One thing big and small weddings share is the nightmare of putting together a guest list. Few people have the luxury of inviting everyone they know, and it often descends into some serious debates between you, your fiance, and your parents. What is a reasonable girl to do? Guests are one of the biggest reasons weddings go over budget. A guest is more than a plate of food, it's also leads to a larger venue size, hired staff, and yes, even postage. Yet, if you omit a certain second cousin or your office, you risk the wrath of those you hold near and dear.

Here are some ways to lessen the headache.

Provide a United Front

It's always easier if all the wedding organizers hold firm. One of the ways to do this is to compile your guest lists together. Typically, each of the parties write their own list and then it feels like a personal slight to your fiance's mother when Great Aunt Sally is eliminated. If everyone is equally involved in planning out and cutting down the guest list, it's not only a lot more fair but it will also seem a lot more necessary.

You will have more arguing power if you already have a budget, because it changes from not wanting to invite Great Aunt Sally to not being able to afford it. Those are two separate issues.

Eliminate Groups Rather than Individuals

It's a lot easier to tell your office mates that they're not invited because no one from work is invited, instead of just them. That also goes from children. If little Joey is invited but Susie isn't then their parents will be clamoring for justice, but if all kids are banned, then the parents can begin planning a guilt-free weekend away from the kids.

Don't Pussyfoot

Instead of letting people hang in a gray zone, tell them well before the save-the-dates go out. Some words like, "I'm planning a wedding, immediate family only" sends a very clear but not overly blunt message.

Order a Few Extra Plates

If someone extra does arrive, don't make a scene. It's your big day and nothing should ruin it.

Haters Gonna Hate

You'll always have your detractors, but remember that the people who truly matter will come around whether they're invited or not. Also, it does't matter who it is, if that guest truly makes you unhappy, they don't deserve an invite.

Posted by Anna K.