Wedding Planning

Who Will Be Attending the Wedding?

Maybe no other area of wedding planning causes as much frustration and hostility as the guest list. Just who should be there to witness to the wedding is something that no family has ever been capable of completely agreeing on. Of course there are those fairy story weddings where money is no object, however even those weddings have their limitations.

More often than not, it's the case that some of the prospective guests will never actually get onto the final guest list. And you know what? As devastating as it might appear to be at the time, it actually is not the end of the world for those who do not get invited.

When should the couple sort out the guest list? Although it does not have to be set in stone, a reasonably near head count is necessary early in the wedding planning stage. The number of guests invited to your wedding will have a considerable bearing on your wedding budget. Remember, they are your guests and you will have to accommodate each and every one of them!

You will need a venue big enough to hold all of your guests comfortably, you will have to feed them, they will need invitations, and if they are arriving from out of town, they will probably need overnight accommodation. With an average price of $30 per guest for food, every four guests will cost around $120 just to feed!

However every wedding needs guests (unless you are contriving to elope) so let us consider who will be attending. You and your partner will be present, naturally. After that, add your immediate family to the guest list. Note that I say 'immediate' and not 'extended' family. Mums, dads, step-parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents are absolute musts, unless personal situations dictate differently.

According to the above estimate, you are already spending around $360 for food just on this group! That might make you rethink your big plans of 250 guests!

It's traditional to have wedding attendants and they need to be added to the guest list next. A maid or matron of honor and the best man are downright minimums. From there, the number of bridesmaids and ushers is purely a personal choice. But remember, although the attendants will be paying the expenses for their attire, the number of wedding attendants will have an impact on your budget. How come? Firstly, they will be at the rehearsal dinner and they will expect to eat free of charge. Secondly, the bride and groom traditionally give each of the attendants a present as a way of demonstrating their appreciation, so the more attendants, the more gifts you buy. And something that is not always thought about, a large number of attendants might step-up your transport costs.

With the fundamentals in place, it is time to add friends, colleagues, extended family members, your parents' friends and business associates, your realtor, the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker. Put everybody you can dream up on the list and see where you are at. Then, if needed, take the red pen and start editing till you are down to a number that is manageable and that fits into the budget.