The Guest List

Before you and your fiancé start to develop the guest list it is
important to have decided on the size of your wedding, this way you will be able to get a basic idea of the number of guests you will be required to accommodate. The number of guests that you invite depends on the budget you have set aside for the wedding.
When you begin to create the guest list you must keep in mind that
every guest you write down represents an additional cost for that
person's date. If you are not close to children or second cousins
it is not necessary to invite them, this is important to keep in mind
if your budget is limited. Another option is to invite only close
relatives and friends if you are trying to keep the number of guests
to a minimum.
After the maximum number of people has been decided, you must divide the numbers between yourselves and your parents. Try to keep the division equal because it will help to prevent arguments over fairness. If the groom's parents decide that they do not require the amount of spaces given to them, you or the bride's parents may want to use them to invite more guests. Although this is your wedding and you have the final decision try not to exclude the wishes of your parents. You need to explain to them if you want to keep the number of guests to a minimal. Keep in mind that this is a special day for them too.

   As you progress through the planning stages try hard not to let your guest list get bigger as you begin to think of more people. It is also important however to make agreements with the hall and caterer in case of any last minute changes to the original list.

    If you think of more people to invite you can perhaps ask them to join the celebration after dinner but be sure to check with the caterer so problems with the bar operation do not arise.

    It is very important to keep a record of the responses to your invitations. Also you should always include an R.S.V.P card with your invitation. In order to keep track of the invitations you have sent, responses, gifts, and thank you notes it would be a good idea to consider keeping an index card on each guest. If you are planning a large wedding you may wish to consider a computer package to help you with your organization.