We want every bride’s experience to be as smooth as possible. So we’ve gathered all the best tips and advice you could possibly need to help plan the wedding of your dreams. Find more tips & tricks here.
As a bride to be, you’ve got a lot on your plate when it comes to planning your big day. One of these being the wedding guest list. No matter what type of bride you are or what type of wedding you are having, every bride experiences a moment of ‘Should I invite them?’ At idieh design, we’ve gathered the seven rules you should keep in mind when making cuts to your wedding guest list.
Keep in mind, these rules are BASIC guidelines you should consider when you are making cuts from the wedding guest list. At the end of the day, we suggest going with you gut and following your heart. They know best.
1. Same City
Just because you live in the same city as a potential invitee doesn’t mean you have to invite them. If you see them out at events or bars often, but don’t hang out regularly, don’t feel obligated to invite these acquaintances.
2. Old Hook Ups
This one is easy. If at any point the invitee has had more than friend-status relationships (you know what we mean) with either the bride or groom, it’s probably best to leave them off the list. The last thing you need is someone getting a little tipsy and trying to make a speech about ‘the good ol’ days’.
3. Co-workers
Everyone considers inviting those they work with, but before YOU do ask yourself “Outside of work, do I have anything in common with this person?” If not, don’t worry about inviting them. More often than not, they aren’t feeling the expectation to be invited, either.
4. Don’t Know Your Future Spouse?
Is there a potential name on the list that hasn’t even met your future spouse? It’s ok to cross off their names as well. A wedding is a celebration of the joining of two souls and if a guest doesn’t even know one of those souls, well, let’s just say they aren’t top priority to witness the special occasion. (The exception to this would be if you just haven’t had a chance to meet up in this thing called life. It happens. The wedding could be the perfect opportunity for them to meet!)
5. Plus Ones
Here’s where things can get tricky. Typically those in the bridal party get to bring whomever they like-it’s kind of a small thank you for being in your wedding. Sometimes couples use the ‘no ring, no bring’ rule, yet it’s many times an unrealistic rule to follow. Our advice is that if the ‘plus one’ has only been around for a short time, don’t feel obligated to invite them. But, we do feel it’s common courtesy to invite ‘plus ones’ that have been in your guest’s life for a significant amount of time. Our best advice, put yourself in your guest’s shoes. What would be your expectations?
6. Five Years From Now
If you are looking at a potential guests name and still aren’t sure whether or not to invite them, ask yourself where you think the relationship with them will be five years from now. You don’t want to look back at wedding photos to see a face you haven’t seen, well, since the wedding.
7. Guilt Trip
Is there anyone on your list just because you feel guilty about leaving them off? Were you invited to their wedding and you’re feeling the pressure to invite them to yours? Don’t let the guilt trip win. If it feels forced, it probably is. Invite guests that feel natural and that you GENUINELY want to be there to celebrate your love story. It’s best for all involved.
Wanna learn more tips about the wedding planning process? Check out our GIRL TALK SERIES for more!
At the end of the day, it is up to you. It’s your big day and your own love story. This is YOUR wedding, so we suggest choosing authenticity over approval. Like we say, “Own Your Story. Live Your Style.” (a.k.a Keep it real.)
Are you in the process of cutting your master list? Where are you struggling the most?
