Wedding experts always say this: if you really want to save big money on your wedding, trim the guest list. As you know, expenses on invitations, favors, catering and so on are multiplied by the number of guests you’re having. And the more people, the bigger the venue required. This translates to a heftier wedding price tag as well. The only problem is, most of the time, this advice is more easily said than done, especially if you have a huge family or you know a lot of people. So what can you do? Check out the wedding etiquette below on reducing the wedding guest list.
Set expectations right away
Right after you announce your engagement, spread the word that you’re having a small and intimate wedding. It’s wise to let people know as early as now that you’re not going to invite too many people. This will definitely reduce the amount of awkward conversations with people who assume that they will be invited to your wedding. It often happens that these conversations result in invitations that you didn’t plan on issuing. Your neighbor’s quip on how she can’t wait to see you on your wedding gown is hard to dismiss with a frank “I’m not inviting you” reply. But if you set expectations early, she would know better not to give that kind of compliment.
Divide the guest list fairly
If you insist on inviting 500 people to your wedding, what would stop your groom from doing the same? Even if you’re the boss of him and he succumbs to every one of your wish, it’s not really nice to have a lion share of the guest list. Divide it evenly so it would be easier for you to cut down the list. And you can always make this excuse “I really would have wanted to invite you but you see, we’re only allowed to invite 50 people each. My relatives alone are more than that.” It makes people feel better that you did want to invite them but you just couldn’t do so.
Establish the rules and follow them
Another practical trick to reduce the guest list is to set the rules and have the discipline to follow them. For example, you and your groom can decide that the wedding is off-limits to second cousins, parents of friends, and friends of friends. Make sure that the rules are applied to both of you and to everyone. You can’t say you’re not going to invite your second cousins and then sneak an invitation to one of them.
Deal with the plus ones accordingly
According to common courtesy, if your friend is seriously involved with someone, that someone should be invited to your wedding. But what about that friend of yours who calls her dates flavor of the month? You’re not being rude if you exclude her newest conquest.
All these things can help you cut down the guest list without stepping on people’s toes. Remember though, this is only one of the many ways you can save money on your wedding day. Explore other options as well.