Narrow down guest list

You could have a smaller ceremony & do a separate reception! make it more casual at a later date if it’s easier; we’re actually choosing to do this!

Hi Macey!! We had to cut our list down tremendously due to COVID. My dad got with all the parents (my mom, husband’s parents) and decided to cut all their friends and coworkers to meet the need. They then told me and my husband it had been taken care of. Very grateful for their sacrifice ❤️ Hope this helps!!

I would start with immediate family like parents grandparents and siblings. Then people you absolutely need there. Followed by the ones you have regular contact with and have talked to in the last year or two if you have space. That’s what I did.

I always see if you haven't hung out with them in like the last year or 2 don't invite them; especially co-coworkers like outside of work. Maybe check in with your elders and see if they're comfortable even coming during covid; that may knock a few out. Also maybe invite only 1st cousins and maybe cut kids out. You can also send out a general message to everyone asking them to RSVP now only if they definitely know they can't make it due to covid or other responsibilities. This will save you from sending out some of those formal invitations to people who can't make it. Good luck!

I used this flowchart to get me started on cutting my guest list down when I was planning a large wedding. Hope this helps!

Make a list of everyone in your life who is important to you. Some people consider friends to be family while their relatives are not close to them at all. Everyone is different. Go down your list and decide who you absolutely must have in attendance or your day will not be the same. Do not invite anyone out of obligation to please other people. The only people you need to please while making the list are you and your fiance. If you don't care if someone doesn't attend, then they don't get an invite.

1) If they are second cousins, omit them

2) If you haven't spoken in 2 years, omit them

3) If they are someone that you aren't close to, don't give them a plus one

4) If you are only inviting them to be polite (coworkers, etc.), don't invite them

5) If your list is still too big, don't invite kids

View Quoted Comment These are some good points. I would also omit suggest:


• Omit them if you've never met them or haven't seen them since you were kids (i.e. distant relatives)• Don't give them a plus one if they're single, or they've been in their relationship less than ~6 months to a year (you can pick the exact cutoff as you see fit)• If your parents want to invite a ton of people, give each set of parents a number they can invite (i.e. bride's parents and groom's parents can each invite 10 people). Of course this is assuming you and your FH are paying.