Weddings are an amazing opportunity to reunite family members and close friends! On this joyous occasion in your life, you want all of your loved ones to celebrate with you. Planning a wedding involves making countless decisions, and one of the most important ones is building your guest list. The reality is that most of us cannot afford to invite everyone that we know. We understand that creating your guest list is a planning hurdle in itself. We have some great tips on how and where to get started. As well as how to get things under control when your guest list is bursting-at-the-seams. This informative blog will guide you through the process of building a wedding guest list. It will help you understand the strategy of an A, B, and C list. Provide tips for slimming it down, and the initial factors to consider while making these decisions. You may find we touch on some of the same areas throughout the article, but that is because they are SO important to take into account when building your wedding guest list

1. Budget: This will be a key factor in determining how many people you can and will invite to your wedding. Set your wedding budget early on and allocate a portion for the number of guests you plan to invite. Remember that each guest adds to the overall cost of the wedding.

2. Venue Capacity: Choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your desired number of guests. Ensure that the space allows for a pleasant and enjoyable experience for everyone.

3. Family Dynamics: Consider any family dynamics or obligations that may influence building your wedding guest list. Discuss with your partner and families to ensure everyone’s expectations are considered.

4. Size of the Celebration: Think intimacy vs. scale. Decide whether you want a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration. This will help you determine the number of guests you should invite.

5. Future Relationships: Consider the long-term relationships you want to maintain after your wedding day. Inviting close friends or family members who have been a significant part of your life can help strengthen these bonds.

The best place to start is creating A, B, and C guest lists. This is a great strategy used to prioritize and manage the number of guests you’ll invite to your wedding. Let’s help you understand what each one is. Here’s a breakdown of each list and why it’s beneficial to create them:

A-List: The A list consists of your must-have guests, including immediate family, close friends, and loved ones who you cannot imagine celebrating your special day without. These are the guests you will invite first. These are the people who hold a significant place in your life and have played a crucial role in your journey as a couple. By creating an A list, you’ll ensure that your most important people are guaranteed an invitation.

B-List: The B list includes guests who you would like to invite if there is space available after receiving RSVPs from your A list. These guests may include extended family, colleagues, or friends who are not as close as those on your A list. Creating a B list allows you to have a backup plan in case a number of your A list guests are unable to attend. It gives you the flexibility to invite additional guests without exceeding your desired guest count.

C-List: The C list comprises guests who you may invite if there are still vacancies after receiving RSVPs from both the A and B lists. These guests are typically acquaintances, distant relatives, or colleagues who you would like to include if there is room. The C list allows you to invite more people without compromising your budget or venue capacity.

1. Budget Management: Weddings can be expensive, and the number of guests directly impacts your overall budget. Categorizing your guests into these 3 different lists will help in managing your budget. This strategy will allow you to prioritize your spending on the most important people while still having the option to invite additional guests if, and only if the budget allows.

2. Venue Capacity: More often than not venues have a maximum capacity. Ensuring your guests can comfortably fit within the space is necessary. This guest list strategy will help you determine the number of guests you can invite based on the venue’s capacity rules. This means avoiding overcrowding or logistical issues.

3. Flexibility: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes things come up, especially when hosting a destination wedding. If your A-list guests may have prior commitments or be unable to attend your wedding having a B and C-list will help fill those potential gaps.

4. Emotional Priorities: Creating these 3 lists will help prioritize the people who mean the most to you. Closest family members and friends are guaranteed, while still allowing the opportunity to invite others who hold significance in your life.

Creating an A, B, and C guest list is a practical approach to managing your wedding guest count, budget, and venue capacity. It allows you to prioritize your most important guests while maintaining flexibility and ensuring the celebration of your dreams with your most loved ones.

2. Prioritize: Identify the people who are essential to your wedding day and add them to your A list. Consider the relationships, emotional connections, and support these individuals have provided throughout your lives. Focus on the people who matter to you now. Don’t feel obligated to round-up every long-lost friend you have known since you were 12. Some questions you can ask yourself are: How close are you with this person? Have you seen or spoken to this person within the last year? Would having him or her there on your wedding day really make or break your enjoyment? If the answer to these questions are no, then odds are you can keep them off your must-have list.

3. Set Boundaries: Determine if you want to include children, plus-ones, or colleagues. Young kids often are a delight to have at such celebrations! However, when it comes to prioritizing the guests on your list and staying within your budget, you may want to make your wedding adults only. Setting clear boundaries will help you manage the size of your guest list.

4. Venue Capacity and Budget: You must consider the maximum capacity of your venue and budget constraints. These factors play one of the most significant roles in determining the number of guests you can invite.

Having a larger guest list than originally planned is a common wedding planning occurrence! With these tips, you will be able to stay within your desired budget while having your closest friends and family with you to celebrate your wedding. Building a wedding guest list can be a challenging task. However by using these strategies, careful consideration and prior planning, you can create a list that matches the vision for your special day. Prioritize your A-list guests, set boundaries, and consider all the factors such as budget and venue capacity. Follow this comprehensive guide and you will be well on your way to creating the ideal guest list for your special day!

Photos: The Tribe Photo

Did you like this blog?! Then follow us on Instagram @abcweddings for daily resources, tips, inspiration, vendor highlights, and real wedding features!