Creating your wedding guest list can feel overwhelming, but once you start tackling it you’ll feel so much better! It’s all about envisioning your dream wedding and figuring out the best way to turn it into reality. The steps and tips below will equip you with the “dos and don’t”s to navigate this step with confidence.

Setting the Stage: Budget, Venue, and Family

Before diving in, consider the big picture. Your wedding budget is king – more guests means more cost.  Do you envision an intimate gathering or a grand affair? The number of people plays a big role in this and the venue you select.  And lastly involving both families early on when building your guest list ensures everyone feels included, while also navigating family dynamics.

Building Your Wedding Guest List: Step-by-Step

1. Dream Big: Start by listing everyone you’d love to celebrate with, no limitations!
2. Core Group: Immediate family and close friends are your foundation.
3. Expanding the Circle: Consider close colleagues you connect with on a personal level.
4. Family Input: Integrate your families’ suggestions, ensuring important guests are included.
5. Plus Ones and Children: Decide on a policy for these additions to your guest count.
6. The Big Picture: Tally your guest count and compare it to your invitation budget. Time to make some decisions!

Making Tough Choices: Prioritize and Decide

It’s inevitable – tough decisions are necessary.  Focus on those most important to you, considering factors like budget, venue limitations, and personal preferences. Remember, a smaller, close-knit guest list creates a more intimate and meaningful celebration. However if you want a grand celebration and your budget plus venue has the space then go for it!

The Invitation Impact: How Guest Count Affects Stationery

As a stationery designer I always talk to my couples about their guest list since it will directly impact your stationery budget. Here’s a few ways how:

• Invitation Quantity: The more guests, the more invitations you need to order. This is the biggest cost factor. But remember you only need enough invitations per household addresses and not the full guest list!
• Printing Costs: Per-unit printing costs often decrease with larger quantities, but the overall cost still rises with more invites.
• Paper Choices: Premium paper stocks can elevate your invitations, but they come at a premium price. Consider this cost per guest.
• Additional Stationery: Save-the-dates, RSVP cards, menus, and place cards all factor in. The guest list directly affects the number you’ll need.

If you need help starting your stationery and putting together your wedding guest list you can always contact me to get started! Plus I have a free wedding guest list file that is perfect for adding in your addresses (you can sign up below to get it). This is especially important for having your invitation envelopes printed or done in calligraphy!

Sticking to Your Guns: Avoid Last-Minute Changes

Thoughtful planning is key!  Last-minute tweaks can cause confusion and stress. By being deliberate in your guest list creation, you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Your Day, Your Way: Celebrate with Love

Ultimately, your wedding guest list is about surrounding yourselves with the people who bring you the most joy.  Make those tough decisions early on, and you’ll create a guest list that reflects your love story and sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration. Plus once your list is done you can move on with the rest of wedding planning and enjoy all the fun decisions like cake flavors or envelope colors & more!

Bonus Wedding Guest List Tips:

• Stay Organized: Use a spreadsheet or online tool to track your guest list.
• Communicate Openly: Discuss your guest list expectations with your partner and families.
• Trust Your Instincts: You know who truly matters to you, so prioritize accordingly.

Remember, your wedding day is a reflection of your love story.  By following these steps and curating a guest list filled with love, you’ll create a celebration filled with lasting memories.