2008-09-06 16:00:17 by SMARTBRIDE
Help! Our Guest List is TOO BIG!
The fastest way to save money on your wedding is to reduce the guest list. "But how?" you ask? Try these tips.
- Give your parents strict guidelines when submitting their guests for the list! This can get a bit sticky depending on cultural obligations and expectations - but why not ask them to keep their lists to friends and acquaintances that you have actually met before?
- Reduce the number of +1s you allow. Unless you are inviting guests who will not know anyone else at the wedding, you can invite single guests on their own. Do remember to plan your seating accordingly so single friends sit with other friends in their group.
- Consider only inviting family and your closest friends (maybe the wedding party) to a special dinner, and invite the larger group for cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres, cake cutting and dance afterward.
- Prioritize your guest list into "must invite" and "nice to invite" lists. Send your "must invites" early - when these guests decline, you can send an invitation from the "nice to invite" list. Those guests who know they are not able to attend due to date conflicts will normally reply right away. Do not send invitations after the reply date on your invite and be prepared to accept that some of the "nice to invite" list may never receive an invitation.
- Make a decision whether or not you want children at your wedding, and make sure to clearly communicate to your guests. This decision is really going to depend on your venue and how you want your day to go. Some caterers will give you a break on childrens' plates, but you will still pay for all the incidentals like catering service, chair covers, favors etc.
- Think in groups. Decisions get tough when inviting one person requires inviting an entire group. This is common when inviting coworkers or business associates. When it comes down the wire, you may have to eliminate the whole group to stick to your numbers.
- Seriously... consider eloping. Have a BBQ or cocktail party when you get home ;)
Tips aside, there are a few people you CANNOT leave off the list: - The Officiant and his/her spouse,
- Parents of the ring bearer and flower girl,
- Spouses or partners of anyone in the wedding party,
- Anyone you have personally invited to your bridal shower.
Been there, done that? Leave a comment with what you've found works and doesn't work!
