Budget is very important when beginning your guest list for the wedding. You will need to see how much you can afford based your type of wedding and also the cost of the caterer. Also you normally can get packages from caterers to save money, however most packages are based on a minimum number of people.
When creating a list there is traditionally three types of lists.
- Bride and Groom’s List (40% of total number of guests)
- Bride’s Parents List (30% of total number of guest)
- Groom’s Parents List (30% of total number of guests)
This however is just a guideline, you will also need to take into consideration location, family size etc. Group you list into 4 separate lists and this will help you to organize the list and ensure you are not missing anyone.
- Immediate Family and their spouses
- Close Friends
- Extended Family Members
- Casual Friends & Business Associates
Using this list if you find yourself needing to fill seats that is when you will move into the casual friends and business associates list.
Also take into consideration if you are inviting children or not. This will increase your guest count and your caterer cost as well. Children however normally are charged a different rate per plate from the caterer however they do need to be included if they are invited.
If you know there will be no-shows don’t feel obligated to send them a invitation,as it sometimes comes across as if you are looking for gifts. If you feel that people will be left out send an invitation however send them out to those ones you only feel a necessity to send out.
