Mastering the Art of Crafting a Perfect Wedding Guest List
Gather ’round, wonderful nearly-weds! Slip on your wedding planning hats because today we’re exploring the somewhat tricky territory of creating your wedding guest list.
So you’re getting hitched – exciting times! Now let’s ponder one of the biggest questions you’re going to face in your wedding prep: Who gets a coveted invite?
The Dream Team Approach
Your first mission, should you choose to accept it, is to write down the names of everyone you’d ever wish to invite if budget, squares footage, and the fear of becoming a viral, over-the-top wedding video were not an issue. This preliminary list comprises your Dream Team—the wild imaginings of your hearts. Imagine it! Aunt Lynda dancing with Uncle Bob in a ballroom big enough to fit your entire graduating high-school class, now wouldn’t that be a sight?
The Reality Check
Next, drag yourselves back into the world of pragmatics. The size of the venue, your budget, and other logistical considerations will help pare down your Dream Team to a more manageable Reality Team.
Reality Check Questions to Consider:
- Can you actually afford to host each person on your Dream Team?
- How many spaces are available at your chosen venue?
- What is the desired tone of your wedding? More intimate occasions may call for a shorter guest list.
Rank ‘Em
Sometimes tough decisions need to be made, and you will find yourself in ‘Guest List Limbo’. This is where you have ticked off definite ‘Yes’s and ‘No’s, and are left with ‘Maybes.’ A great way to resolve this is to categorize your maybe-list into A, B, C.
Tiers Explained:
- Priority A: These are people you can’t imagine not having at your wedding.
- Priority B: Friends and extended family you are close to, but not essential.
- Priority C: Colleagues, distant relatives, parents’ friends whom you’d like to invite if space and budget allow.
As replies come in and some guests inevitably can’t make it, you can start inviting B, then C.
Frequently Asked Questions
- “What about plus-ones?” Consider relationships status and whether you have personal relationships with the potential plus-ones.
- “Should I invite all my co-workers?” It can be a slippery slope. A general rule is to only invite those you spend time with outside of work.
- “What about kids?” This is a personal decision. Some opt for adults only, others organise kid-friendly amenities.
- “Can I invite someone to the ceremony but not the reception, or vice versa?” Generally, no, it’s usually all or nothing, particularly for close friends and family.
- “What’s the proper way to address uninvited guests?” A polite conversation will generally do the trick.
Conclusion
The journey from your Dream Team to your Final Team can sometimes be filled with turbulent waters – but it’s a trip every couple has to take. Setting out your priorities, having difficult conversations, and focusing on who truly matters to you both will help navigate the tricky adventure of creating a wedding guest list. Here’s to a harmoniously curated guest-list and a celebration filled with love and memorable moments!