As couples and families work together to plan a wedding, it is very important to understand the size of a wedding will determine a location. If you choose to have a wedding at a winery the maximum capacity may only be 100 people. However, if you choose to have a hotel wedding the skies the limit. Considering a traditional wedding of 200 people, 35% of the wedding cost will go towards the wedding reception. This makes the guest list one of the biggest considerations for wedding planning.
The budget for a wedding will dictate how many guests can attend. If your parents are paying for the wedding they may have their own ideas and allow you a few friends. If you are paying for your wedding the guest list is up to you. If you would like to consider your parents feelings by all means do so but remember you want the people there that are going to make it memorable.
Family Wedding Etiquette and Ex-Significant Others
How many immediate cousins, second, and third cousins do you have to invite. This can get a little sticky. Dealing with family is complicated enough and not everyone will be pleased. Remember to invite those family members closets to you. Do you really need Uncle Billy, who didn’t give you the time of the day growing up at your wedding? You know he is coming for the free food. Also, please do not have an “A” list and a “B” list for the relatives. Relatives speak to one another, and you are sure to upset Aunt Holly if her children weren’t invited yet and assume the invitation is in the mail when it is not.
Please do not invite your exes to the wedding. This is a personal and profound moment between you and your spouse to be. If you still get along great with your ex that is wonderful, but it can be kind of strange for your family and friends. Your parents are welcoming a new daughter or son in-law into the family, and they have their own feelings about your ex. If you have children with your ex it could also be confusing and they may act distant from the husband or wife to be because they don’t want to hurt either parents feelings.
Etiquette for Single Friends with Dates
If your single friend is living together with their significant other, then they should be invited together. However, if your friend is single and not in a serious relationship then you have no obligation to allow them to bring a date. I know people do get offended by this. If you allow one guest to bring a date then you have to let them all bring a date and your budget may not allow that.
Wedding Announcement List
College Chums were fun to share memories and kegs with, but if you haven’t spoken with them or remained close then there is no obligation to invite them. Work colleagues. Yes, you spend a lot of time with your co-workers, and they probably know and have heard about some wedding details through small talk but you are not required to send them an invite. If they will not know anyone else at the wedding it might be uncomfortable for them to come especially if they are single and can’t invite a date.
Planning a wedding can be exhausting, stressful, and the most wonderful experience of a lifetime. Pairing the wedding guest list from the start of planning makes the planning easier and more enjoyable for all parties involved.
Wendy Tarantino - Hello, My name is Wendy Tarantino. I received my masters's degree in finance and worked in the field for ten years. I do have very ...
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