The Dos and Don'ts of Inviting Guests to Your Wedding Venue

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to creating your guest list. Deciding who to invite and who to leave off can be a difficult task, but with some guidance and tips, you can navigate the process with ease. In this guide, we'll explore the dos and don'ts of creating your wedding venue guest list.

Do prioritise close family and friends.

When creating your wedding guest list, it's important to prioritize your close family and friends. These are the people who have been there for you throughout your life and who you want to share this special day with. Start by making a list of your immediate family members, followed by your closest friends. From there, you can expand your list to include extended family members and other friends. Remember, it's your day, so invite the people who mean the most to you.

Don't feel obligated to invite everyone you know.

It's important to remember that your wedding day is about you and your partner, not about pleasing everyone else. Don't feel obligated to invite distant relatives or acquaintances just because you feel like you should. Keep in mind that every guest you invite adds to the cost of your wedding, so be mindful of your budget and only invite those who truly matter to you. It's better to have a smaller, more intimate wedding with the people you love than a large, impersonal one with people you barely know.

Do consider your budget and venue capacity.

When creating your guest list, it's important to keep your budget and venue capacity in mind. Each additional guest means more money spent on food, drinks, and other wedding expenses. Make sure you have a clear idea of your budget and how many guests your venue can comfortably accommodate before sending out invitations. It's better to have a smaller, more intimate wedding than to overextend yourself financially or have a crowded and uncomfortable venue.

Don't invite someone out of guilt or obligation.

It can be tempting to invite someone to your wedding out of guilt or obligation, but it's important to remember that this is your special day and you should surround yourself with people who truly support and care for you. If you feel obligated to invite someone, take a step back and ask yourself why. Is it because they invited you to their wedding? Are they a distant relative you haven't seen in years? If the answer is yes, it's okay to politely decline or limit their invitation to a reception-only option. Your wedding day should be filled with love and joy, not obligation and guilt.

Do communicate clearly with your guests about RSVPs and any restrictions.

When inviting guests to your wedding venue, it's important to communicate clearly about RSVPs and any restrictions you may have. Make sure to include a deadline for RSVPs and provide multiple ways for guests to respond, such as through a wedding website or by mail. If you have any restrictions, such as a dress code or no children policy, make sure to clearly communicate this to your guests as well. This will help avoid any confusion or misunderstandings on the day of your wedding.