Cutting down Guest List Help!

You could have an adults only reception, or remove people that you haven’t seen within the past 2 years or something. FH and I decided that if both of us didn’t know the person then we would not be inviting them - this was super helpful in keeping our 130 person wedding!

We gave up our fav venue for this reason- ugh I feel your pain!! Original venue was gorgeous and brand new and surprisingly affordable- but held 225. The venue we booked which honestly is still awesome just a little dated, holds 300. My list is currently @ 366 and I’m struggling to reduce lol. But pretty optimistic with declines we will get to invite everyone eventually. Good luck!!! (Btw my sister claims she’s gonna book our original, perfect 1st choice venue when she gets married (whenever that is lol) so hopefully I’ll get to party there at some point lol).

That is so rough! We had a little bit of the same issue! We feel in love with a venue that is 150. I was thinking to have maybe up to 200, so we could have wiggle room and such...well that sorta went out the window when we both went to the venue! We sat down and started to see if we could realistically make the cut! We were able to do it! I cut some to be nice invites to people at work that I only ever see at work, I decided I didn’t have to extend an invite to all of my immediate family if they are not people I am close too (or even like to be honest), I didn’t invite people just because I was invited to there wedding, and since we are paying for it all I didn’t really let my parents add anyone. We were able to do it and I’m happy about the choice! Perk it is also easier on the budget as well! Best wishes!

It sounds like it’s not 100% perfect if it can’t hold everyone you want to be there.
I totally understand falling in love with a venue, but it sounds like you’re having to adjust quite a lot to fit.
I personally would keep looking but that’s just me. Maybe this is an opportunity to cut back the guest list and save some money? Good luck!

We did this. Our initial list was over 200 people. Our dream venue fit 175 but realistically we wouldn’t have been able to afford to host more than 120 there without going significantly over budget. We invited 130 (including plus ones for all single friends/family members over 21) and had 110 guests RSVP yes. For us it was 100% worth it to have the venue of our dreams. A lot of the people on our original list are extended family and other friends that we hardly see anyway.

View Quoted Comment I agree. It isn't 100% perfect if it can't fit the number of guests on your list. As for cutting plus ones that would only apply to those that aren't in relationships. Some people seem to think they shouldn't have to invite significant others of their guests which is wrong. If you really want this venue, I would figure out your guest list first. You don't want to end up going with a venue that isn't large enough. The first people I would consider eliminating from your guest list is children.

I vote to cut the list. FH and I selected the venue we loved (which holds 65) and created our list from there. It was pretty easy because we only invited our closest circle of friends and some family members.... and not any “just because” guests.

We cut our list from 300 ish to 250. I'm stressed as I'm hoping several people plan to get baby sitters.