Why you should Trim your Guest List

Just as Coco Chanel is quoted as saying, "Take off one thing before you leave the house", so should you think in this context when it comes to your wedding.  As a wedding planner, I know better than anyone how hard this can be for the couple.  Your intentions can start off reasonable; but as yourself and your parents start to remember 3rd cousins and long lost co-workers who were great, the list can become longer and longer....and longer.

Image via Funky Town Photography

Why is it so important to cut the guest list when we have the old addage"The More the Merrier"?
I'll tell you why:
Budget, budget, budget!
You have a budget when you start planning your wedding (hopefully).  Every single one of us are trying to get the very best that their money can buy; and when planning a wedding, everything(usually) is based on a per person price.  Therefore, the more people you add, the more money you spend.  And yes, this even includes a wedding with stations, buffet, and cocktail/hors doeuvres-only for food.  You will also add more favors, welcome gift bags, alcohol to the bar, cake/dessert, furniture (if rented)..and on and on and on.

So you can see why I get a little on edge when I have a bride and groom kinda "sneak" it in that their guest list was at 125 people and they are now up to 155 people.  It will cost you more and you will get less of the quality things that you want!  You will have to start skimping, eliminating things and start to become unhappy about the loss.

Being a Host - Not an Attraction
Yes, you are going to be gorgeous and absolute perfection after you find that perfect dress and hair/makeup are flawless.  But don't forget that your guests will remember your wedding with affection if you are also a great host.  Think about a great dinner party you've been to where you had the most fun because the host was welcoming and having a good time themselves.  They looked great and socialized with each person, knowing all along this was their affair and everyone had a great time.

This is what you want for your wedding!  If you have an obscene amount of people (half of whom you don't really know anymore, or never knew), there is no way in hell you're going to be a great host.  Instead, you become the attraction.  The statuesque figure everyone admires from afar. The one that is halfway listening to their long-lost Uncle Cliff scream something in their ear while gazing like a deer in headlights around the room to find a familiar face.

Personalization vs. Cookie Cutter
Like I mentioned before, if you have more money because of a smaller guest list, you can really personalize your wedding and make it stand out.  Use the extra money to get themed favors, letterpress invitations and paper goods, and splurge on spectacular details that no one else has done before.  With your smaller guest list of close family and friends; they will be sure to appreciate it more than your Dad's sales rep from Chattanooga who almost made it on the list.

Just some food for thought today on why Bigger isn't always Better.  Now, get out there and cut that list to stay on budget...as a favor to your friendly wedding planner.