Creating your Guest List
When you got engaged, you thought this wedding planning thing would be nothing but fun and games. Yes, you had heard of the stress and the craziness that takes over many brides-to-be while they’re planning their weddings. But you weren’t going to be one of them. For you, this was going to be a breeze.
And then, you met your guest list. Suddenly, your stress levels sky-rocketed. You found yourself crying for no reason, unable to focus on anything, your ability to be a productive member of society seriously shaken. Many brides-to-be go through a similar experience with their guest list. For some, it may be the only thing that causes them any stress during the whole wedding planning experience.
Why does the guest list carry so much power to stress out the bride-to-be? It is the first time she will come up against the realization that she can’t please everyone, no matter how hard she tries. By using some of these tips, brides-to-be may reduce some of their stress and keep as many people around them happy as possible.
Ask Your Fiancé
Remember that this party is not just your party; it is also your partner’s party. Work on the guest list together. That way, you’ll make sure that both of your friends and families are represented on the guest list.
Ask Your Parents
If you have a close relationship with your parents, they’re likely playing a pretty big role in helping you get married. Whether this is a financial role or a supporting role, their contribution is significant. Recognize this by allowing them input into the guest list. Add some of your parents’ friends or distant family members you hadn’t thought of inviting. Your parents will appreciate your recognition of their role in your lives. This can especially help to reduce tension in relationships with future in-laws.
Make Decisions
Making the final decision about the guest list can be difficult, especially when cuts need to be made. However, you will feel a lot less stressed if you make decisions and stick to them. For example, if you decide you’re not going to invite any children, don’t be swayed by your grandmother who really wants your 10-year-old cousins to be invited. Explain your decisions and ask people to respect them.
Keep Track
Once you’ve made your decisions about your guest list, it’s time to send out invitations! As RSVPs start to come in, you’ll need to keep track of who is coming to the wedding and who is not coming. Create a spreadsheet or use one of the many online guest list tracking programs to keep track. This will make it easier to create your seating charts once all the RSVPs have come in.
When you’re working on your guest list, it can feel like everyone has an opinion. Balancing those opinions can take all your skills in diplomacy. Don’t forget what is important: your guest list is never worth destroyed relationships. Have honest open conversations with people who don’t understand your guest list choices and ask them to respect your decisions. You might be surprised how much this can help dissipate tense situations and even strengthen relationships.
