How to Trim Down the Size of Your Wedding Guest List

Although you may have a wide circle of friends, it is a good idea to trim down the size of your wedding guest list to cut down on expenses. Eliminating just 10 people could save you over $1,000! Limit your wedding guests to your closest, most intimate friends and family members. Be sure to create a guest list that fits the venue and your budget.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Lists from bride, groom and families
• Budget

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Review your list and begin sending out invitations.

Tips & Warnings

• Some easy candidates to cut from your lists: Children, co-workers, dates, out-of-touch friends and distant relatives.
• Divide guests evenly between the groom's and bride's side.
• If you know someone wouldn't be offended if they weren't invited, don't invite them.
• Don't feel compelled to reciprocate. Just because you were in their wedding doesn't mean they have to be invited to yours.
• Be prepared for hurt feelings. Have a reasonable explanation that doesn't sound like an excuse for anyone that confronts you.
• Although some say you can count on a certain percentage of guests on your list not attending, don't. Make sure you can afford as many people as you invite.

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