Tips on How to Approach Your Wedding Guest List

As a newly engaged couple, one of the first planning details you may tackle together will be the guest list. You both sit down and make your plans for a small, intimate wedding, with no children and only plus one's if they've been together over a year. Next thing you know, your mother says that it's absolutely crucial to invite your third cousin twice removed and her three kids under ten. How are you supposed to handle these situations, and what is appropriate? Here are a few ways you can consider approaching those taboo questions when you are planning your beautiful Colorado wedding.

Start at the Beginning

Look at your budget, and realistically plan for the number of people that you can invite. There can be many factors in the number you choose for your wedding, from the size of the venue to the cost of the reception. Either way, it's important to set the number in advance, otherwise, it will be easier to make exceptions later on.

The Guest List

An easy way to create the guest list is by creating four lists: A, B, C, D. The A list will be the people you can't imagine getting married without - immediate family and your closest friends. The B list will be your aunts, uncles, cousins, high school friends you still stay in touch with, etc. Your "C" list is reserved for co-workers, your parents friends, and neighbors that you've known forever. Finally, the "D" list will be distant cousins, old friends you may have lost contact with, and your parents friends from church. As you start to hit the total number of guests, start removing the names from the "D" list.

Parental Requests

Many a bride has had her parents or future in-laws come to her asking if they could invite old friends or distant family. While it's always best to go with your gut, if you don't feel that they should be at the wedding there are several ways you can carefully say so. You can make it clear early on that you are going to be select about the people being invited to the wedding. Depending on who is funding the wedding, you may want to split the list in half or thirds - this can help your family see the total number they can invite for their side of the family. You can also reassure your mom that you'll invite her special bridge club friend after you've had a specific number of people RSVP that they can't attend.

"And Guest"

You are not required to put "and guest" on anyone's invitation, but in some cases, it's better to do so than not. If you know the couple has been together for a significant amount of time, it's appropriate to invite them both. If someone RSVP's to your wedding with a name that was not on your guest list, don't be afraid to let them know that you are trying to keep it small and cannot extend an invitation to their guest. In many cases, your guests may be relieved that they don't have to go find a "guest" to bring with them. If you have many single friends, it may be a good chance to seat them next to each other and see if one wedding really does bring on another!

Kid Friendly...or Not

While our Colorado wedding venue is great for weddings with or without kids, the decision is up to you. Whether you want absolutely no children, limited, or the whole family, be specific about your requests. If you do not want children at your wedding, don't list them on the invite. This should convey easily that it's kid free event. If you're okay with them coming you can either list their names or put "and family" on the invite so there will be no doubt that you're okay with it. Also, remember that adult children get their own invite, especially if they live on their own.

Friends from the Office

If you have a small office with only a few co-workers, it's best to invite them all and not choose 1 out of 5 to invite. If you work in a large corporation, you can probably get by with not inviting anyone or only the close co-workers that you work with on a daily basis. Use your best judgment and don't stress over it too much.

Best Wedding Venue in Colorado Springs

When in doubt about your guest list, err on the side of inclusion. Like they say - the more the merrier! Weddings at Historic Pinecrest are not only breathtaking but incredibly fun. We have three different venues for you to choose from, depending on your event and your needs. Whether you want to have a beautiful wedding in our mountain chapel, or you're planning a small weekend getaway with only your closest family and friends in our lodge - your wedding will be spectacular. Contact us today to see if your wedding date is available and get it on our calendar!

A Beautiful Colorado Wedding Awaits...

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