Making the List and Checking it Twice

It is now time for another fun dreadful topic of making your guest list.  The guest list regardless of size is something that you do not have to loathe.  I promise, you can do this!

Here are some helpful tips to making your guest list:

1.  Pick your number.  How many guests are you planning on having?  Your venue and budget usually correspond with this but you can also choose to have less guests than your venue holds.  Once you are engaged, of course you will tell your immediate family and friends but until you know the size of your venue and how much you are wanting to pay per guest, keep quiet.  Make plans before you tell your best friends Aunt twice removed that you haven't spoken to in 7+ years.

2.  Equal Numbers.  Make sure that each side of the family has an equal number.  For example,  if your mom has 75 guests then the grooms family should be allowed to invite 75 guests regardless of who is footing the bill.

3.  Write down everyone you want to come. Both you and your fiancé.  Yes, everyone.  You can use various tools like a word document, any online tool like (Martha Stewart or The Knot or the good ol' fashioned pen and paper. The number of your guest list usually corresponds with the your venue and budget.  Once you have written everyone down, go over your list with your signficant other.  Compare your list to see what friends you have in common and you might even see who you forgot.  Compile this list to make one giant list, see if it compares to what you had in mind and make any changes you see fit.  Having fun yet?

4.  Get your parents to help.  Most of you do not live in your same hometown or even if you do, your parents friends are important also.  I asked both Gena and my mom to write down the people they wanted invited.  Once their list was complete, we added it to our list.  Parents are really good at having both names and addresses.

5.  Start early.  The early bird gets the worm and this holds true when creating your guest list.  You can have more time to enjoy searching out invites, living it up with your bridesmaids and celebrating the moments leading up to your wedding.  Do not over think your guest list.  Stick with who you know.

6.  Stick with a Number.  If your venue only allows a certain number, stick with it.  Don't let what others expect or want for your wedding influence you.  If you only want a small wedding of 100, do it.  Utimately it is your wedding and family will understand.  If Aunt Liz keeps giving you a hard time, tell her to can it and put a smile on her face.  I can talk to her too if need be :)

7.  Use your shower lists.  Etiquette for any shower is the people invited to your showers should receive an invitation to your wedding.  Use these lists to help when creating your own list.  This is always helpful in making sure you don't leave a name off your list.

8.  Make them address the envelope.  This is such a helpful thing!  At my church shower, my hostesses had a bright idea to have everyone address an envelope as they signed in.  This helped with already having envelopes addresses for thank you notes plus it can also help in the addresses you need for your guest lists.

9.  Get their address.  Send out text, make calls, send Facebook messages, whatever you need to do to get all the addresses you need.  Keep editing the list that you have.  You will be surprised how helpful people are and quick to respond.  Everyone is excited about your wedding!!

I have confidence that you can do this.  Enjoy this time of getting everyone excited about your wedding.  People will be honored to be in attendance!

If you have any other suggestions or tips for planning your guest lists, email me at lovebirdproductions@gmail.com.  I would love to hear from you!