The preparation for your big day is no big joke. In reality, it can be any couple’s greatest nightmare if not managed properly. While most preparations seem pretty easy and exciting, drafting a wedding list is an exception. This task can sometimes induce stress and overwhelming pressure to both families involved. And while it is so tempting to invite jampacked people on your wedding day, here are the reasons that tell you to think otherwise!
1. Budget
The budget allotted for your wedding pretty much determine the whole figure of your guest list. Obviously, inviting lots of people entails additional costs in the food, venue, and other vendors alike. So before you dive into making a guest list, finalize a working budget that was agreed upon by you and your beau.
Related: 10 Ways to Manage Your Wedding Guest List
2. Venue
The size of the venue also determines the carrying capacity for your guests. The venue’s ventilation, lighting, parking capacity, table, and chair provision are the key factors that should help you decide on the number of guests that you want. As much as possible, we try to avoid saturating the venue with too many guests that will only lead to everyone’s discomfort and dissatisfaction.
Related: The Difference Between A Wedding Planner and A Wedding Coordinator
3. Guests’ residence
The two factors mentioned are the basics and rules of thumb for every wedding preparation. But your guests’ residence is also a thing to consider when inviting them. If your guests live from miles away, it is best to consider their living conditions (and practically, their financial capacity) to make it to your wedding day. On the other hand, if you have guests who live in nearby cities, assume a roughly 80% chance they will show up on your big day.
4. Manpower
Now, this is also very crucial. If you plan to invite 100+ guests, make sure that there are enough hands to accommodate them accordingly. We do not want the guest number and limited manpower to coordinate the whole event right? So again, it all boils down to the set budget of the couple. A bigger budget means more room for people, and more people to help you organize and coordinate your guests.
5. Two lists
Another rule of thumb in the wedding industry is making 2 lists for your guests. List A includes the people who are ‘non-negotiable’ guests. These are the guests that will be invited regardless of the circumstances. Usually, your A-list is your immediate family and closest friends. Meanwhile, List B falls under people who can be invited, ONLY under the condition that there are still enough resources to spare off. Practically, these are the people whom you may have lost contact with over the past years or relatives you barely know. Typically, couples send out invitations much earlier for List A and much later for the List B.
6. Set boundaries
And STRICTLY adhere to them. After considering all the factors above (especially your budget), you should have set boundaries by now, and actually follow them. While it is so tempting to add a ‘little bit more’ to the list, keep in mind that you have boundaries for a reason. It is important to assume that each of your guests will possibly bring a plus-one at your wedding. Therefore, the temptation to dive into adding ‘extra’ guests beyond your list will cost you beyond your means. In the long run, this will cause you so much distress.
At Mimi Ebichi Events, we specialize in full service (white glove) wedding planning and also offer wedding management services for the couple that has no time to do it all. We pride in building and maintaining meaningful working relationships with venues and vendors so our mutual clients enjoy a seamless event.
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