


Depending on your family dynamics and the scale of your wedding, expand your list to include extended family members as well. Start by asking your partner and parents to jot down each and every person that should be invited to the wedding, from your cousins and childhood friends to the coworkers you sit next to every day, Once you're done, divide the names into the following groups.Īside from your parents and siblings, you will probably invite your aunts, uncles, and cousins to the wedding. Write down all your guests and group them together Make sure that you, your partner, your parents, and anyone else who has a say regarding the guest list will follow every step below.ġ. Now that you've at least formed an idea of how many guests can be invited, it's time to do the hard work and actually write down all the names. Stay respectful of each other's opinions, and keep in mind that your parents may have been looking forward to celebrate your union with their loved ones as well. Whether you, your partner, or your parents will be the major stakeholder, always maintain the art of negotiation. This determines who is allowed to have a say regarding the guest list. Intimate weddings aren't always cheaper than bigger ones, so calculate everything carefully and compare the costs. Remember that adding one guest requires more money, especially for a seated dinner. Your wedding budget will determine how much you can spend for every guest, which leads to the number of people you can invite. However, it will be harder to maintain a relaxed atmosphere with more than a few hundred guests. For a formal wedding, you can go with either a small or large guest list. This way, you might be able to use your ideal venue without sacrificing too many guests.Īnother thing to consider is the level of formality or vibe you're aiming for, whether it's a black-tie affair or a laid-back, casual celebration.

A venue that only accommodates 150 guests for a seated dinner, for example, can hold more than twice the guests for a standing banquet. When talking to the representative from your venue, ask about the capacity for both standing and sit-down events. On the other hand, if you simply can't imagine getting married anywhere other than your dream wedding venue, adapt your guest list accordingly. If you must invite a certain number of guests, then find a suitable venue that will accommodate them comfortably.

Which comes first, your guest list or venue? The answer depends entirely on you and your partner. What to consider when deciding on the number of wedding guests First things first, go through the list below to determine the number of guests you should invite. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to your big day, as long as you think of every aspect carefully. Weddings come in so many different styles and sizes these days, it can be hard to make a decision on which one is best for you. But even if you're throwing a grand celebration with thousands of guests, it will be hard to choose the right venue without knowing how many people you will invite. After all, every guest counts, especially when you have limited space. In the age of intimate weddings, the guest list has become more important than ever.
