Eliminating the Wedding Guest List Anxiety

If you think that planning the wedding is stressful wait until you have to decide on whom to invite.  You and your fiancé have selected the venue so, at least, you have an idea of how many guests you will be able to invite.

Now it’s time for you and your fiancé along with each set of parents to create guest lists.  Compiling all lists will result in the master list which you should consider breaking up into 3 separate lists. The first list “A” should contain those guests that you absolutely must have at your wedding.  The “B” and “C” lists are those guests who will be invited only after you’ve received guest list “A” regrets. 

Creating a merge document with names and addresses for addressing your envelopes can also be printed to track responses, maintain your guest list count and set up your seating arrangement. 

Mail your invitations 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding so not to make the “B” and “C” guest list too suspicious that they weren’t on the “A” list.  A recipe box would be an ideal place to keep your responses in until you’re ready to prepare a keepsake box or scrap book.

Expect to receive most of the responses by the R.S.V.P date, however, you will find that some guests may have simply forgotten to send their responses in.   It is totally acceptable to call guests who have not responded one week prior to the event to obtain your final tally.  Most venues will require a final number one week prior to your event and, in some cases, a final payment. 

Once you have the final tally, you can ask your caterer about number of guests each table can accommodate so you can begin the seating arrangement.  If you prefer tables of 8 as opposed to tables of 10 which may be a little tight, ask the caterer if they will accommodate your request.  This will all depend on the size of the venue. Give each set of parents a copy of the printed merge document to select their portion of the seating arrangement and incorporate it with the list that you and your fiancé have prepared.

Your venue will, more than likely, ask you to provide them with the place cards and favors (shop now www.ilbelloitalianfavors.com) prior to the wedding so it can be incorporated into their set up.

You’ll have a lot to finalize in the final week before your wedding but don’t forget to take the time to enjoy it all. 

Our best wishes to you and your future hubby.

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Courtesy of Il Bello Italian Favors