Who Do You Invite To Your Wedding?

Includes Template

Sep 27

Creating your wedding guest list can feel like one of the most daunting tasks of the planning process. After all, the guest list sets the tone for your celebration and influences every aspect, from your venue choice to your budget. To help you navigate this essential step, ask yourself these important questions:

What are your wedding goals?

Begin by defining what you envision for your big day. Are you dreaming of an intimate gathering with just your closest loved ones, or do you envision a grand celebration with everyone you know? Understanding your goals will help you set the foundation for your guest list.

Where do you draw the line on guests?

Think about the types of guests you want to invite. Is it just family, or do you want to extend the invitation to friends, coworkers, and other significant people in your lives? Creating categories for your guests can help you visualize who fits where in your celebration.

Will you include children? Will you allow plus ones?

Deciding whether to allow children for parents or plus ones for single guests is another vital consideration. Some couples choose to go child free or limit invites to a certain age. Some couples choose to give all singles a plus one, while others limit it to close friends or family. Think about how this decision may affect your overall guest count and the vibe you want to achieve.

Are you setting boundaries on who can invite others?

It’s crucial to communicate boundaries, especially if parents or family members are eager to invite their friends or acquaintances. Discuss how many guests each set of parents can invite and stick to that number to maintain the vision you and your partner have for your wedding.

Are you inviting guests that live far away?

Take into account where your guests are coming from. How many will be local, and how many will need to travel? If you have many out-of-town guests, consider providing accommodations or group rates to make their travel easier.

Realistically, how many people can you invite?

Be honest with yourselves about how many guests you can comfortably accommodate within your venue and budget. This is especially important if you're considering an expensive dinner—many caterers charge over $100 per person. Think about how your choices will affect your overall budget and the atmosphere you want to create.