Are you planning a wedding on a tight budget? Perhaps you’re getting hitched in the middle of a pandemic? In either of these scenarios, keeping your guest list to a minimum is recommended. The more people you invite to your big day, the more expensive it is. Not to mention, too many people at your ceremony or reception increase the chances of spreading the coronavirus. If deciding who to invite to your wedding drives you insane, these tips on how to successfully narrow down your guest list are sure to make things easier.
Talk to the Venue
Before sending out your wedding invites, reach out to your wedding venue. Find out what the requirements are for guests. A representative should be able to tell you how many people you can safely invite. If your wedding is being held outdoors or in a large indoor space, you may request more people than if you’ve chosen an intimate venue indoors.
Healthy and Safety
Above all else, the health and safety of your friends and relatives is a priority. As the coronavirus spreads quickly, you want to do what you can to safeguard everyone. The best way to do this is to avoid inviting people that are most vulnerable. If you know that someone has an existing health condition or is over 60, asking them to attend is risky. You can instead allow them to watch your wedding from home through digital communication platforms.
Reviewing Your Budget Can Help Narrow Down Your Guest List
If finances are the issue for you, then review your budget to discern how many people you can afford to host. At this point, you likely have an estimate from the caterer and reception hall on how much it will cost per person. Based on the money you’ve set aside for food and drinks, you can make a more informed decision on how many to invite.
No Kids Allowed
Except for any children you’ve asked to be in your bridal party, excluding children from the reception can help you save money. As there have been increased reports of kids contracting the coronavirus, it may be safer for them to remain at home. If you’re going to select this option, be sure you include it on your invitations so your guests can make arrangements.
High-Risk States
Some states are worse off than others amid the pandemic. If you planned on inviting guests from out of town, it’s best to prevent asking those in high-risk areas to attend. The chances of them having the virus are higher, and there are also travel restrictions that could require them to quarantine for weeks. Again, there’s always the option to let them watch your wedding online.
Immediate Family Only
Traditionally, you might invite extended family, friends, co-workers, and others to your wedding. If you’re trying to keep the guest list to a minimum, you may need to rethink this. Instead, only send invitations to your immediate family and closest friends.
Bridal Party Only
Some couples have decided to eliminate the guest list altogether by merely asking the bridal party to attend. A few bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, and the happy couple’s parents are enough to make the moment special. You can then stream your wedding for everyone else or share photos on a wedding website.
Elopement
Believe it or not, some couples have become so overwhelmed by planning a wedding during the pandemic that they decided to elope. Doing so not only saves you a bunch of money, but it keeps everyone safe. You and your partner are then free to have your wedding wherever you’d like and then get right to the honeymoon. And, you don’t have to worry about narrowing down the guest list.
From limited budgets to health and safety concerns, the national health crisis has made planning a wedding anything but easy. When it comes to inviting guests to your special occasion, the above advice will help you do so in a way that saves you money and keeps everyone safe.
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