We’re pretty sure every couple who begins their wedding plans wonders if they even know 150-200 people when starting off. Most couples soon realise it’s pretty easy to invite 200+ people once they get going. You may even get to the end of the list wondering, ‘do I really need to invite all of these people?’ Here are a few tips on cutting down that guest list.
The Former BFF
Regardless of if you know each other since your first day of school, if you are no longer friends, you are under no obligation to invite this person. You may feel guilty if you happened to have attended your wedding, but there’s no need. Weddings should be about celebrating with your nearest and dearest instead of feeling obligated to include someone you’re not in touch with anymore.
Your Work Colleagues… And Their Partners!
Most colleagues won’t be offended if you don’t invite them and specify that it is only close family and friends attending. If you are in a small office, it should be all or nothing – either invite everyone and put them at the same table. If you’re in a bigger office, inviting your close friends is fine. Consider inviting a wider circle to the after part of the evening, but again you shouldn’t feel obliged!
Your Mother’s Postman/Hairdresser/Mechanic/Doctor
NO! Just no. Unless you too are close friends or this person is very close to your family, keep a firm stance on any extended invitations. It may seem harsh now, but you can leave more wiggle room for extras once you have your numbers confirmed. It’s always easier to be strict in the beginning with invites rather than deal with too many later on.
If You or Anyone Who Knows Them Hasn’t Spoken With Them in The Last Year
If you, your family, your partner, their family etc. hasn’t spoken to them at least in the last year, they do not warrant an invite. Again, weddings are about celebrating them with people who are close to you.
Significant Others You Don’t Know/Haven’t Met
This may seem harsh, but if you are on a tight guest list, it’s more than fair. If you or no one in your family has met your cousin’s girlfriend, this should be enough of a reason not to invite them. Of course exceptions can be made for someone who doesn’t live in the same country too!
The Ex
For some, this is a clear no, but there can also be a few grey areas, like if you have a child together. Consider whether or not it might feel weird for them to see you get married or have your first dance with someone else. It also makes a huge difference you happen to still have mutual friends or if your future partner is truly happy with them attending. Not everyone would feel comfortable with this, including your ex in question.
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