Cutting down guest list.

We haven't had to cut yet, but we've decided if we do, it will just be immediate family. Example, my FH has 3 brothers and a sister each with spouses along with his parents and son. My side would have my mom and my closest friend and her other half. Sadly everyone else would have to be cut.

I would make a list of those who you absolutely cannot see your wedding day happening without, and then go with that list. Could be family, friends, etc. Otherwise, I would start with cutting plus ones for single guests, removing kids from the guest list, removing friends of parents (or other guests who were added for someone else), people who you don't talk to frequently, etc.

We limited to first immediate family. We were originally going to invite kids but that cut out a good chunk of the guest list. We invited our aunts and uncles but no cousins. Then we invited a few close friends each. I think a good standard is to invite people closest to you that you are going to absolutely be thinking like I wish so and so were here. If that means your entire family then sorry thats a tough one lol

I would cut out any family or friends that have been MIA for two years or more. Then I would look at who would you be devastated if they didn’t attend. Who do you have meaningful relationships with. Who are you more likely to see after the wedding in your life? No right or wrong answer this year!

Start with those closest to you and branch out. Be honest with people. Simply tell them due to unforseen reasons, it was unfeasible to have the original guest count.

Hi! We have the same problem. We drew the line at first cousins. If we still talk occasionally, they got invited, if we don't, then they didn't make the cut!

We kept it to just parents, siblings, aunts & uncles. Once we started looking at cousins (plus their SO), it became too much. I also think it's easier to explain drawing a line at outter family rather than picking and choosing.

Decide who you can't imagine the day without. For some people that means parents and siblings only. For others, best friends take priority over relatives. Only you can decide.


Send out announcements to the rest. In a pandemic, people will understand not making the cut.