How to Make a Wedding Guest List

Making a wedding guest list is easier said than done. Most wedding reception venues charge per person, which means if you want to save money, you'll have to keep your wedding guest list as short as possible. However, deciding who to invite can be tricky, especially when both sets of parents have a say! Here are some steps to creating your wedding guest list in such a way that, in the end, everyone's happy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get it Down on Paper
   
   Sit down with your fiance and make a list of anyone and everyone you could possibly want at your wedding. Ask both sets of parents to do the same. Now is not the time to argue about people or hold back. Just put every possibility down on paper.

2. Find a Wedding Venue
   
   The location of your wedding reception will play a major role in the finalization of your wedding guest list. If you settle on a location that charges quite a bit per person, you'll need to narrow your list down as ms much as possible in order to accommodate your budget. If the venue is less expensive, however, you may be able to invite a few additional people. Decide on how many people you can afford to have at your wedding based on the per person cost of the venue you choose.

3. Combine Lists
   
   Without getting rid of the original lists, combine everyone's lists into one master spreadsheet. Remember, even children count as guests, so be sure to include them as individuals. Also, you must rinvite spouses and significant others who have been dating friends and family for six months or more. Now compare the number of names on your master list to the number of guests you've decided you can afford. Not everyone will find a way to come to the wedding, so if you're over your ideal count by a dozen or so, go ahead and figure on sending invitations to all those listed. However, if you're over your goal by 30 guests or more, you'll need to make some cuts.

4. Revisit Individual Lists
   
   You and your fiance and both sets of parents should revisit your original lists. Divide the number of guests you need to cut by three (or however many original lists you're working with). The number you come up with should be the number of guests cut from each list. Not sure who to cut? Most people start by eliminating coworkers, business associates, and friends they haven't seen in over two years. It's not uncommon to request that children not attend a wedding (especially if it's held late at night), so if you're having trouble scratching names, you may want to consider this route.

5. Create a B List
   
   The people you cut don't need to disappear from your list of potential wedding guests entirely. Track them using a separate "B list" spreadsheet. If a wedding guest RSVPs "no," you can invite a B list guest to take their place. Of course, it's important not to let B list guests know they weren't included in the "A list."

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to include the bridal party, children, and yourselves in the count. You'll be paying for these plates as well!
• If you're inviting some coworkers and not others, make sure your friends stay silent about the wedding when at the office as to avoid hurt feelings.

Resources

• Budget Bride, the blog for brides on a budget