Guest List Etiquette | Who To Invite To Your Wedding

Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting and stressful times of your life. One of the most significant aspects of planning a wedding is creating the guest list. Deciding who to invite to your wedding can be tricky, as you want to include everyone you love, but also need to be mindful of your budget and venue capacity. To help make the guest list process a little easier, we’ve put together some tips and etiquette guidelines for who to invite to your wedding.

1.Start with the must-haves

Make a list of the people who are essential to invite, such as immediate family members, close friends, and anyone else who you couldn’t imagine not being there on your big day. This is your starting point for the rest of your guest list.

2.Consider your budget and venue capacity

Before adding anyone else to the guest list, take a good look at your budget and venue capacity. You don’t want to overextend yourself financially or have too many people in a small space. Keep in mind that the average cost per guest for a wedding in the US is around $100-300, depending on the location and type of venue.

3.Don’t feel obligated to invite everyone

While it’s natural to want to include everyone you know and love, it’s okay not to invite certain people. If you haven’t spoken to someone in years or don’t feel close to them anymore, it’s perfectly acceptable not to invite them. Remember, it’s your special day, and you should be surrounded by the people who mean the most to you.

4.Be mindful of plus ones

When it comes to plus ones, it’s essential to be clear about your policy from the beginning. If you’re on a tight budget or have limited space, you may not be able to accommodate every guest with a plus one. Make it clear on the invitation whether or not guests can bring a plus one, and stick to your policy.

5.Consider work colleagues

When it comes to inviting work colleagues, it’s entirely up to you. If you work in a small team and are close to your colleagues, it’s nice to include them. However, if you work in a large organization, it may not be practical to invite everyone.

6.Be aware of family dynamics

Family dynamics can be tricky, especially if there are divorced or separated parents involved. When it comes to inviting family members, it’s essential to be aware of any potential conflicts and make decisions accordingly. If inviting both parents and their new partners would cause tension, consider having separate celebrations.

7.Keep the guest list balanced

Try to keep the guest list balanced between both sides of the family and your friends. You don’t want one side to feel overrepresented or underrepresented. If you’re having trouble deciding who to invite, consider making a list of everyone you’d like to include and then dividing it into two equal parts.

Creating the guest list for your wedding can be a daunting task, but by following these etiquette guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable and stress-free event. Remember, it’s your special day, and you should surround yourself with the people who mean the most to you.