Where to cut the guest list!

After you've gotten a basic idea for how you want your wedding to go, you then have to make the guest list. You'll be including family members, friends, relatives, work acquaintances, and many others. The problem is that you can't keep everyone on that list, even if you have an unlimited budget.

When you’re making up your guest list think about setting some guidelines for yourself as to where to draw the line: Singles with no guests, only first cousins, no work colleagues. And where to make exceptions: Singles in the bridal party can bring a date; the only single friend in a group of friends can bring a date.

While many people will ask you when your wedding is an tell you they are excited for the big day it’s up to you and your groom, and your budget, to decide who is on that final guest list. Don’t add someone who you don’t want there because they think they’ll be invited. And definitely don’t add people you can’t afford to have.

It’s okay to tell people that you’re sorry but you’ve decided to limit the guest list to close family you may offend them if you say “and close friends” if they think they are one. People will understand that the list has to get cut somewhere.

Making your invitation list shouldn't feel like a burden. At the end of the day, you want to look at your list and see all the people that you care about and want to share this happy day with. And it's your day and your time, so don't let anyone else talk you into inviting people that you're not too keen on.