Feature photo by Riley Maclean Weddings. Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh wedding planner & florist.

Let’s be honest, weddings can get really expensive really quickly! There are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration, all with the budget in the front of your mind. A good wedding planner will do their best to get you everything you want while being budget-friendly, but the best way to cut back on costs is to cut down that guest list!

There is a huge difference between a wedding fit for 20 people versus a wedding fit for 200 people! When considering guests, be they friends or family, ask yourself these questions to see if you may be able to drop a few names and save a few bucks!

Photo by Danell Beede Photography

Friends

First things first, you need to understand the difference between your real friends, the ones that might as well be family to you, and everyone else!

• Coworkers: sometimes we build good relationships with those we work with on a daily basis, and if you feel that close to your work buddy then by all means, invite them! But remember not to turn your wedding into a networking event by inviting anyone and everyone in the office!
• Acquaintances: their go-to line is “we should meet up sometime” but the simple fact is that “sometime” may not ever come. If you still haven’t made a true connection to this person, feel free to keep holding out hope that a good friendship is over the horizon, but don’t send out that precious wedding invitation!
• Old friends: the classic “we go way back” can either be really good or really bad, with no in between. Make sure if you’re inviting old friends that they are in fact still your friends, and not people that you simply forgot why you stopped being friends. I can almost guarantee you’ll remember once it’s too late to get that invitation back.

Your real friends will shine through, and you’ll know you made the right decision when you see them smiling at you from the crowd.

Photo by Danell Beede Photography

Family

In a lot of different cultures, when it comes to family events, it’s essential to invite every relative you have. Unfortunately, not everyone’s budget is extended-family-friendly, and some people simply won’t make the cut. The easiest way to cross people off the list is to remember the last time you spoke to each person. If it’s been far too long, they will most likely understand not getting an invite.

You do, however, want to inform your relatives of your new union, and potentially your new address, so consider sending a letter to your extended family with a brief note letting them know, or a traditional wedding announcement after the big day. If they want to meet up to look at photos and meet the new person in your life, at least they’ll know how to reach you and that you thought of them.

Photo by Catchet Weddings

Keep in mind, someone may feel left out if they don’t get an invite to your wedding, but it is ultimately your wedding! The key here is never to invite anyone out of sheer obligation, but because your wedding would be lacking their presence! You don’t want to look at your photos 20 years later and think “What was that person’s name?!” Make sure that after you say “I do” and turn toward the crowd, you see only true loved ones.

XO,

Ivana

PBD Coordinator