It’s not a party without your guests! But inviting them all to your wedding can be daunting. Avoid these common mistakes couples make when finalizing their guest list
It’s one of the more overwhelming parts of wedding planning: putting together a guest list. You may be inspired to invite everyone you’ve ever met, or you may want to keep things small, but chances are you’ll have at least a few questions when compiling all those names.
There are a few easy-to-make guest list snags that can befall any bride. Save yourself some time, hassle, and emotional upheaval by avoiding these 5 common mistakes couples make when finalizing their guest list.
Image courtesy of Ken Hild Photography
1. Inviting too many guests
Yes, we promise you will get some “no’s.” But if you’re inviting 200 and your venue’s capacity is 130 (and you can only really afford 120)…well, things may get stressful. Avoid including a large number of guests you’re not prepared to host.
2. Not setting limits with your parents
Your parents are excited and they want to celebrate your big day. Remember though, this is YOUR wedding. If your parents or in-laws have free reign with the guest list, you may end up with a wedding full of people that you don’t really know (or, at least, aren’t that close to). Give your parents a set number of invites to avoid a guest list full of strangers.
Image courtesy of RF Films | Photography
3. Leaving off (appropriate) plus-ones
Your best friend’s…ahem…’friend with benefits’ that comes and goes like the wind? Okay sure, you can leave him off. But long-term partners and spouses should always be included on the invite list, so avoid asking your paired-up pals to come solo.
It’s also a good idea to include plus-ones for your guests who may not know anyone else in attendance. You’ve been to parties where everyone else knows each other except for you — it’s not always a fun experience.
4. Thinking you have to invite certain guests
If you’re only inviting your cousin because they invited you to their wedding…10 years ago…and you haven’t spoken to them since then…it’s not the worst etiquette in the world to leave them off the list (especially if you have other people you’d love to invite in their place).
5. Excluding some and inviting others
Family and friend group dynamics can be a tricky thing. If you regularly hang out in a group of friends but only invite one or two people from that group, it could be hurtful and cause some resentment.
Same with family — if you invite your cousins but not your aunt and uncle, your wedding could be a heated topic of conversation. If possible, try to keep families and close friend groups intact on your list.