Planning your guest list can be one of the most exciting yet daunting tasks of wedding planning. After all, who makes the cut can greatly impact the atmosphere and dynamics of your big day. But with our years of experience planning weddings and handling guest lists, we’re here to help make this process as easy and stress-free as possible!
If you’re new around here, we’re Well-Dressed Events, New Jersey’s premier style-centric wedding, party, and event planning company. We specialize in high-end, unique events for modern, bold, standout clients and we pride ourselves on cutting-edge, creative design, styling, and event management.
Creating your guest list is like assembling your dream team for the ultimate celebration of love. It requires careful consideration, thoughtful deliberation, and perhaps a sprinkle of diplomacy. So, without further ado here’s everything you need to know about creating your perfect wedding guest list!
Where To Start
First things first, let’s talk about how to actually create your guest list. Start by sitting down with your partner and brainstorming a list of everyone you’d love to share your special day with. Think about close family members, lifelong friends, and cherished colleagues. Consider including those who have played significant roles in your lives and have been there through thick and thin.
Consider Your Wedding Size
Once you have a preliminary list, it’s time to think about the size of your wedding. Are you envisioning an intimate affair with just close family and a few friends, or a grand celebration with everyone you’ve ever known? The size of your wedding will largely dictate who makes the final cut.
For smaller, intimate weddings, focus on inviting those who are nearest and dearest to your heart. This might include immediate family members, best friends, and colleagues who hold a special place in your life. Remember, the beauty of an intimate wedding lies in the ability to truly connect and share meaningful moments with each and every guest.
On the other hand, if you’re planning a larger gathering, you’ll have more flexibility in your guest list. In addition to close family and friends, you can consider extending invitations to extended family members, distant relatives, and a wider circle of friends and acquaintances. Just be mindful of your budget and venue capacity as you expand your guest list to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.
Who To Keep Off The Guest List
Now, let’s address the delicate topic of who to keep off the guest list. While it can be tempting to invite everyone under the sun, it’s important to remember that your wedding day is about you and your partner. Don’t feel obligated to invite distant relatives or acquaintances simply out of courtesy. Focus on surrounding yourselves with those who genuinely love and support your relationship.
Similarly, consider excluding any toxic or negative individuals who may detract from the joyous atmosphere of your wedding day. This could include estranged family members, former friends, or colleagues who don’t share in your happiness. At Well-Dressed Events, our rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t invite them to dinner on a Saturday night… don’t invite them to your wedding! Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of love, and you deserve to be surrounded by positivity and warmth.
Wedding Guest List Plus Ones
When it comes to plus ones, it’s important to establish clear guidelines to ensure that your guest list remains how you envisioned it. Generally, plus ones are extended to guests who are in committed relationships or married. However, for smaller weddings, you may opt to limit plus ones. No matter what you decide, be sure to communicate your plus one policy clearly on your invitations to avoid any confusion or awkward situations. For more info on how to navigate plus ones, click here!
To Put A Bow On It!
Crafting the perfect wedding guest list is all about striking a balance between intimacy and inclusivity. Take the time to thoughtfully consider who you want to share your special day with. But keep in mind the size, style, and budget of your wedding. And remember, it’s okay to prioritize your own happiness and well-being when making these decisions. After all, your guest list should reflect that same spirit of love and joy as your love story. For more wedding tips and information, contact us! Happy planning!
