How to Create a Wedding Guest List

Guest lists can often get out of hand, and with all the wedding stress you're going through it's best to get your guest list started and sorted ASAP. Here's how.

You're getting married and you want the whole wide world to know just how happy you are and want them all to share in your special moment. Sure you want to invite your best friend from high school and your fifth grade English teacher, but can you really afford to invite them all?

Catering costs make up the bulk of any wedding budget and with catering being expensive, you need to carefully consider who you want at your wedding.

Secondly, it is important to realize that it's not just their catering costs you are faced with, but that of their partners and don't forget about all the extra centerpieces, wedding décor and party favors needed for each extra guest.

Don't feel obligated to invite anyone who you do not want at your wedding, especially if you haven't had contact for the past three to five years. If you are having issues with parents and parents-in-law about inviting their friends, rather give each set of parents a set number of guests that they may invite and don't let them bully you into inviting more, unless of course they are willing to pay for all the extra costs involved.

Don't feel pressurized into letting your single guests bring a date along, especially if they are under the age of eighteen and don't let your friends push you into bringing their children. Children not only add an extra cost to your wedding budget, but 99% of the time they don't even want to be there. Work colleagues can also pressure you into inviting them and unless you want them there, don't.

Sit down with your fiancé and write down the names of people who you want at your wedding, starting with family and close friends. Don't forget to write down how many guests are in each group. If you find yourself going over your budget, start trimming names off the bottom of the list or make changes like no children, etc.