How to Make a List of Potential Wedding Guests

Hold off on buying the dress and picking the tuxedo: Before planning your wedding, make a list of potential guests. This list reveals how big your special ceremony is going to be so you can make a budget for the big day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Writing tool
• Paper

1. Create a list of all family members and have your spouse-to-be do the same.

2. Make a list of all your friends and ask your partner to make a list, too.

3. Add your co-workers to the list. Again, ask your future spouse to do the same.

4. Compare the lists and cross out any repeated names, but decide if those people go on the bride’s side or the groom’s side.

5. Prune the names on the lists by asking yourself which of these people you really want at your wedding. Your spouse should do the same.

6. Use these pared-down lists to guide your choices of guests as you order invitations and plan the reception.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t forget childhood heroes: Invite teachers if you have always admired them or want them to see you on your special day.
• Remember friends of the family, as neighbors and old friends will want to toast your union.
• If there are people with whom you want to share this special day but don’t think they’d be interested in the actual ceremony, just invite them to the reception.