When couples plan a wedding, one of the most common sources of tension, conflict, and hurt feelings is the guest list. Before you begin to make a list, sit down with your future spouse to agree on some ground rules. That will make the task much simpler and less stressful.
You Don’t Have to Invite Everyone
Often, couples feel pressure to invite members of their extended families (even relatives they haven’t seen or spoken to in years), coworkers, casual acquaintances, and friends of friends. Doing so can cause the guest list to quickly balloon out of control. When you consider the cost for each guest, inviting all those people may be unrealistic.
It’s your wedding, and you and your future spouse or your parents, are probably footing most or all of the bill. Don’t bow to pressure from loved ones if it would cause you to go over your budget and start married life buried in debt.
Figure out Which People You Want at Your Wedding
If you want an intimate wedding, you can decide to limit the guest list to immediate family and close friends. If you’d prefer a larger event, but you don’t want the guest list to be too long, you can invite a larger circle of people.
Decide how to handle significant others and children. You may choose to invite couples who are married or engaged, but not couples who are dating, or you may want to give every guest the option of bringing a companion. You may decide to exclude children, or you may let guests bring their kids and provide them with their own tables, food, and activities.
Be Consistent
Each of you may want to invite people that the other person doesn’t believe should be on the list. This is why it’s so important to decide on clear guidelines before you get started.
When disagreements arise, you can work through them by referring back to the rules you set at the beginning and applying them consistently. Being consistent will also help if family members or friends question your decisions and try to get you to change your mind or make an exception.
Host Your Wedding at an Elegant Venue
You want your wedding to be an unforgettable experience for you and everyone who attends. The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station overlooks the Connecticut River directly across from the famous Goodspeed Opera House, connected by the historic East Haddam Swing Bridge. Your guests can enjoy a scrumptious meal in our 300-seat ballroom with a vaulted ceiling.
Contact us today to learn more.