The date is set. You’ve booked the venue. Now to decide who is invited. Between you and your partner, the guest list might be the most important thing next to the marriage certificate! But how do you narrow it down? Who makes the list and who gets cut? How many guests can you realistically afford based on your budget? Let’s dive into it!
Venue capacity limitations
As you are looking at venues, make sure to book one that can hold the amount of guests you want to include in your big day. Your guest list should not exceed the amount of people your venue can hold. At BRIK Venue, we can accommodate up to 300 guess. Our sister venue The Ostreum can accommodate up to 400 guests. By keeping your venue capacity in mind as you create your guest list, you will be sure to keep your guest count within those guidelines.
Your wedding budget
Budget should be top of mind when figuring out guest count. Your overall price per guest can determine a lot! Figure out what’s important to you and your partner, whether it be food and bar, florals, venue, photographer or entertainment. Put your money on what’s important to you, and then look at your budget to determine how many guests you can afford.
Account for plus ones
There are certain people you will need to include a plus one for – the officiant, your friend’s spouse, the parents of a child in your wedding party. But there are others that you don’t necessarily have to include a plus one. Make a hard and fast rule and stick to it. For example, if a couple has been dating for more than nine months, include the significant other on the guest list.
Do you invite kids?
This one is tricky. You and your partner need to be on the same page about kids at your wedding. Maybe you just want kids who are family to be there to celebrate with you. Or maybe you’re OK with having everyone bring their kids. Either way, be consistent with this when creating your guest list. You can click HERE to read our blog about kids at weddings – lots of good information there.
Include your family and wedding party in the guest count
While you already know which family members will attend your wedding, be sure to include them in your guest count so you don’t go over the exceeded amount of people the venue will hold. Same with your wedding party. You know they are attending, so include them – and their plus one – in your guest count.
What about work colleagues, neighbors and acquaintances?
Think about who these people are, and how big of a role they play in your life outside of work, the neighborhood, etc. Do you see them as part of your life in the future? Or would they be happy just seeing photos from your wedding and reception? When trimming your guest list, start from the furthest out in your circle, and work inward.
Creating a guest list can be stressful. You and your partner should revisit your initial list several times before finalizing it. Make sure your guest list includes for all the people that you love, and you are bound to have the best day ever!
