~ Give
the parents a maximum number of guests they can invite – unless
they are footing the entire bill. If it’s possible, both the
Groom’s side and the Bride’s side should be equally represented.
~ Create
an “A” list and a “B” list – the “must haves” and the “would
like to haves”
~ Don’t
announce to anyone who is and is not invited until you have
your guest list complete and your budget solidified.
~ Keep
in mind that there is no “economy of scale” when it comes to
your guest list – in other words, the price per person does
not decrease as the guest list increases. Keeping your guest
list contained is the easiest and surest way to cut costs.
~ When
you get into the gray areas, like work associates, distant relatives,
parent’s friends, ask your self the following questions?
- Do
I exchange Holiday gifts with this person?
- Would
I ever go out to lunch with this person?
- Would
this person ever invite me to her home for dinner?
- Will
inviting this guest cause any problems for one of my necessary
guests?
- Try
to avoid getting into the “will I hurt so-and-so’s feelings?”
or “will it hurt my career if I don’t invite my boss?” questions.
- Keep
in mind that the average price per guest is about $120.00
- $200.00. Are you willing to pay that much for someone?
~ Escorts/Dates
– Unless you’re planning a very formal event, do not feel obligated
to allow one of your guests to invite a guest, unless it is
a spouse or long-standing significant other.
~ It is
essential to get all the names and address of your guests as
soon as possible – and get them organized in one place, in a
consistent format.
