Writing a Guest List for Your Wedding – who makes the cut?

When it comes to deciding who to invite to your wedding, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

Photo of Pip and James getting hitched by Jack Gilchrist Photography

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that your wedding is ultimately about you and your partner, and the people you want to celebrate your union with. With that in mind, here are some action steps to help you decide who to invite to your wedding:

1. Make a list of all the people you feel obligated to invite. This might include family members, friends from childhood, coworkers, etc.
2. Make a separate list of people you truly want to invite. These might be close friends, family members you’re particularly close to, or people you met later in life who have become important to you.
3. Compare the two lists and see where there is overlap. These are the people you should definitely invite to your wedding.
4. Look at your budget and venue capacity. If you’re on a tight budget or your venue can only accommodate a certain number of guests, use this as a guide to narrow down your list further.
5. Consider the dynamics of your guest list. If there are people you’re not sure you want to invite but feel obligated to, think about how they might interact with other guests. If you think they might cause drama or discomfort for others, it might be best to leave them off the list.
6. Make your final guest list and send out invitations. Remember, it’s ultimately your decision and you should not feel guilty for not inviting people you don’t want to celebrate with.

It’s important to remember that the guest list is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the planning process, and it should be given the time and attention it deserves. With these action steps, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that feels right for you and your partner.

As for controversial advice, remember that It’s your wedding not anybody else’s, You don’t have to please anyone else, do what makes you and your partner happy. And you don’t have to invite everyone who invited you to their wedding.