How to Compile a Wedding Guest List

Most couples find the hardest part of planning a wedding is the compilation of the guest list. But this doesn't need to be a task that results in arguments and tears. Make the business of putting together a guest list easier on yourselves by following these simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A sense of compromise
• Agreement
• Reasonable expectations

1. Agree on a preliminary head count. Determine how large or small you want the wedding to be and agree on a preliminary number based on that. Keep in mind that you will be paying for dinner and entertainment of all these people, so make sure you take your budget into consideration as well.

2. Put together a preliminary guest list based on who you want to invite. This isn't about who you feel obligated to invite but about who you
   want to share this special day with.

3. Get a preliminary guest list from both sets of parents. Remember that your parents also have people they would like to see there. If the list they give you seems unreasonable, don't freak out. You can whittle it down later.

4. Whittle it down. Chances are, with guests lists from the both of you
   and your parents, you're going to have more guests than the preliminary number you agreed to. It's okay to have to cut some people. Anyone you
   haven't seen in over a year, people you rarely get in touch with, people you don't actually know. All of these are grounds for cutting them from your list.

5. Remember that it is your wedding, not anyone else's. The people you have there should support you and care about you. This isn't about impressing people.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't worry about offending people. If you don't care for a person, cut them off your list. Just because they once did you a favor, doesn't mean your obligated to send them an invitation. Same goes for your parents' lists. Just because your dad hasn't seen his college buddies in years, doesn't mean you have to turn your wedding into a reunion for him.