Guest List: What You Need To Know Before Sending Invites

“Guest List” — while just thinking about those words are enough to send shivers down the spine of any bride planning her wedding, we are on a mission to make sure your planning process goes as smoothly as possible! After all, a stress-free bride is a happy bride! Allow us to share a few tips and tricks we have learned over the years with our experience with the guest list!  

1) Budget. Narrowing down the guest list is tough, and even tougher if you are on a tight budget. Though your budget should not be the only factor that dictates who is or is not invited, it is important to note that most venues these days charge per guest in attendance. Knowing this tip while venue searching will help you estimate the guest count range right off the bat! 2) “A-list” vs. “B-list”. Get that yellow legal pad & pencil ready! Start writing down names of any and all guests you wish to invite to your wedding.  The next step is to separate those names into two lists: A & B.

Your ‘A-list’ is for the most important, the “must-haves”: family, friends who are basically your family, etc. Your ‘B-list’ is for the friends of your parents, your friends’ significant others, etc. Begin by sending your invites to all of your ‘A’ list-ers (basically the celebrities in your life) first! As your ‘A’ list-ers start replying, for every ‘no’ you receive, send out a ‘B’ list invitation. Pretty simple idea, right? By keeping track of your invites with a system that works for you, creating your guest list will shift from a daunting task to an exciting project!   3) The kiddos! We’ll begin by saying this decision is solely based upon personal preference. We love little munchkins so much, and we know you do too! A child’s spirit and energy is contagious, especially at family gatherings and celebrations! Do you envious an “adult only” affair so that your parent friends can enjoy a kid-free night away to celebrate your union? Or do you envision fun festivities for all? If you are hoping for adults only, never fear! Your friends will understand. Make sure to include “Adult Reception” on your invitations so your guests can plan ahead!   

Our ultimate message is to set yourself up for success! Be sure to make the time to evaluate and prep a guest list system. Even request an RSVP date that is a few weeks ahead of when you need to know your final guest count. You will thank yourself in the long run!   Happy planning!             Photographer: Lockie Photography Florist: Zuzu’s Petals