How To Make Your Wedding Guest List

As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless love stories. I’ve witnessed the joy and sometimes the challenges that come with planning the perfect wedding. One aspect that can often feel overwhelming is curating the guest list. It’s a delicate balance between wanting to include everyone who matters and maintaining a manageable event! Today, I’ll share some insights not only from a photographer’s perspective but also from years of observing what works and what sometimes doesn’t when it comes to mastering the guest list. Keep on scrolling for more!

Who to Invite

Crafting your guest list is one of the first and most significant steps in wedding planning. It sets the tone for your day and impacts everything from venue choice to budget.

Start with the Core

Begin with the fundamental question: Who are the individuals who have played an essential role in your lives, both individually and as a couple? These are your immediate family members and closest friends… the people you can’t imagine celebrating without

Create Categories

To simplify the process, consider dividing your list into distinct groups:

1. Immediate Family: Parents, siblings, and grandparents. It’s a given that these people will make the cut.

2. Extended Family: Aunts, uncles, cousins depending on the size of your family, you might opt to only invite those you are closest to.

3. Close Friends: Include those who have been a pivotal part of your journey up until now.

4. Colleagues and Acquaintances: If you’re close to coworkers or have mentors who have significantly influenced your lives, consider adding them.

5. Plus-Ones: Decide if you’ll allow single guests to bring a date. While it can increase numbers, it might also enhance the enjoyment for those attending.

Setting Boundaries

Once you’ve established your categories, set clear boundaries. It’s perfectly acceptable to have a “no kids” policy or to limit plus-ones.

Budget

The size of your guest list often has the biggest impact on your budget. Catering, seating, and venues are generally priced per person. Therefore, every guest represents a tangible cost. If you need to trim the list, prioritize based on your initial categories and start making difficult cuts at the bottom.

Venue Constraints

Your venue may also dictate the size of your guest list. Ensure your list aligns with the venue’s capacity. An overcrowded space can take away from the experience, not only for you but for your guests as well.

Managing RSVPs

Send Save-the-Dates

Once your date is set and the guest list is drafted, send save-the-dates about six to eight months in advance, especially if you have many out-of-town guests or a destination wedding.

Invitations with Clear Instructions

When it’s time to send invitations, include all necessary details and directions for RSVPs. Whether it’s a reply card or a digital response via a website, clarity is key!

Set a Deadline

Set a firm RSVP deadline, typically three to four weeks before the wedding. This gives you ample time to finalize seating arrangements and communicate final numbers to your caterer.

Track Responses

Use a spreadsheet or a wedding planning app to track RSVPs meticulously. It can help you stay on top of who’s coming and who hasn’t responded, making follow-ups easier.

Be Prepared for Follow-Ups

Despite setting clear deadlines, anticipate that some guests might forget to respond. A friendly follow-up, whether through text or a quick call, can usually resolve this!

Last Minute Changes

Inevitably, there might be last-minute changes due to unforeseen circumstances. Whether it’s an addition or a cancellation, try to remain flexible and remember the day is about celebrating love.

The Photographer’s Perspective

From behind the lens, the emotion of your wedding day is not just by the couple but also by the presence of loved ones. A thoughtfully curated guest list ensures that the people who truly matter to you are there to share those moments! These are the interactions that add richness and authenticity to your wedding album, creating memories that will last a lifetime.


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KIND WORDS

“Jill has been our photographer for 10 years, photographing everything from maternity and newborn moments to anniversaries and family sessions. She’s professional, creative, and incredibly talented, making every session easy and fun. The photos are always amazing, and we couldn’t be happier with her work. Thank you, Jill!”

-Josh

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