How to Shorten the Guest List for Your Wedding

Compiling a wedding guest list is no easy task. The names add up fast. Parents, siblings, aunts and uncles (not to mention great aunts and uncles), cousins, second cousins, and those are removed more times than you probably care to count. Long lost friends come out of the woodwork hoping to be a part of your big day. If your list grows into an unmanageable mess, follow the below steps to tame it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide a maximum number of guests you would like to attend. Note that this will differ from the number you invite due to declinations and cancellations.

2. Draw a master list of everyone under consideration.

3. Break the list into categories of family, friends, family friends, co-workers and miscellaneous.

4. Look at the first category. Remove anyone who isn't a priority and place them on a separate "B" list.

5. Repeat until you exhaust all categories. The master list has now turned into your "A" list.

6. Arrange your "B" list by order of importance. You will use this when someone from the "A" list declines your invitation.

Tips & Warnings

• Planning a wedding should be enjoyable for you and your significant other. If the stress takes a toll on your relationship, consider hiring a wedding planner.
• Avoid telling people you didn't end up inviting about the wedding. If they ask, say that it will be a small ceremony with mostly family and close friends.

Resources

• The Knot for More Information