Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Lists from bride, groom and families
- Budget
Step1
Make a long list. Start off by making the most exhaustive list you can. List everyone that you might possibly consider inviting to your wedding. College roommates, co-workers, distant cousins — get them all on paper.
Step2
Eliminate half or more of the list. Go through and strike out anyone you feel you could do without. Put an asterisk by the names of high priority guests.
Step3
Make a non-negotiable list. This is the short list of people that absolutely must be at your wedding. This could possibly turn out to be your list of bridesmaids and groomsmen as well.
Step4
Find a venue and set a budget. Figure out the important factors other than the guest list, such as cost of venue, flowers, dresses and tuxes. Use the figure you have left over to determine how many guests you can have.
Step5
Begin finalizing your list. Once you have a list made up, begin finalizing your guest list. Get together with the other members of the wedding party (attendants, bride and groom's families) and have them make a short list. Have them rank them by priority, the same way you did yours.
Step6
Compare lists. Cross out duplicates and compile the lists together into one. Make the list a bit longer than your limit. Now, ask the others to rank the guests that did not get cut. Repeat this until you are within your guest limit.
Step7
Review your list and begin sending out invitations.