Day #20 - That Dreaded Guest List

Today's post is simple...I'm going to focus on the dreaded wedding guest list and tackle some of the questions that every couple faces.

Almost immediately, you need to start discussing who you are going to invite to your wedding. And understand, this is a joint effort between the bride, groom and both sets of parents. I suggest creating three lists - (1) must be invited; (2) should be invited; and (3) would be nice to invite. Then decide do you want children to attend your wedding reception. Once the lists are compiled is when you can start making the final invitee list and begin working on your stationery items and pre-wedding functions. Last, to make your life easier in the long-run, create the list in a spreadsheet including their name, address, phone and email address.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Robyn Photography

Day #17 - The Single Guest Question

As a wedding planner, this a question I get all the time:
We want to invite several of our single friends to the wedding.  Do we have to give them the option of bringing a guest?

We here is my answer:
It's nice to allow your single guests to bring a date, but it is not required.  Decide on a case-by-case bases.  If your friend lives with their significant other, then it would be nice to allow them a guest.  If you single friend just started a budding relationship, consider your guest list and budget before allowing them to bring their new Boo.  And for those that you do not allow a guest, sit your single friends with people they know.  Don't create the dreaded "Singles Table".  It's usually the least talkative table at the reception. 

Trust me...you'll thank me later.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com

Staying On The Wedding Planning Track

When planning your wedding, it's a MUST to stay on track because procrastination and lack of focus can take over...or the dreaded BRIDEZILLA could kick in.  Check out some of the "stress-relievers" that could make the planning process flow a little better.

Once you get engaged...SET A REALISTIC TIMETABLE and BUDGET.  Your actual wedding date won't be set until you book your ceremony and reception location(s), but you can select the season, month and year you'd like to get married.  That will determine how long you have to plan this grand event.  Then have the uncomfortable conversation with your fiancee and family about the budget and how much each person can contribute.  It's extremely important to know the budget you are working with before you start planning your big day.

Not everyone you have ever known in life should be invited to your wedding.  Start working on your GUEST LIST as soon as possible because this list will drive a lot of the wedding planning process.  Remember catering and your bar will consume half of your wedding budget so be thoughtful when inviting family and friends.

Make a SEPARATE E-MAIL ACCOUNT for your wedding correspondences.  This way, e-mails won't get intermingled with your business and personal e-mails.  Plus as you begin planning, your e-mail account will become saturated with e-mails from vendors and other wedding-related messages.

Then of course, start interviewing PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PLANNERS to assist you with the wedding planning process.  A planners resources and skills will become invaluable as you move forward with your special day.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.vsphoto.com)

Guest List Decisions

Today's post is simple...I'm going to focus on the dreaded wedding guest list and tackle some of the questions that every couple faces.

Almost immediately, you need to start discussing who you are going to invite to your wedding. And understand, this is a joint effort between the bride, groom and both sets of parents. I suggest creating three lists - (1) must be invited; (2) should be invited; and (3) would be nice to invite. Then decide do you want children to attend your wedding reception. Once the lists are compiled is when you can start making the final invitee list and begin working on your stationery items and pre-wedding functions. And to make your life easier in the long-run, create the list in a spreadsheet including their name, address, phone and email address.

Now how do I feel about inviting someone to the wedding ceremony, but not the reception...in my opinion don't.  The worst thing that could happen is the "uninvited reception" guest shows up to the reception" guest during the ceremony and hurt feelings evolve.  If you are limited in who you can invite to your wedding reception, just send those guest a wedding announcement after your nuptials to avoid unnecessary conflict.

There are also some rules of etiquette that must be considered. If you send someone a Save The Date, they should also be on the final guest list to receive the official wedding invitation.  Also, if a guest is invited to your bridal shower or couple shower, it should be your intentions to invite them to your wedding day celebration as well. Otherwise, it looks like you "used" them for a gift.

Until next time...WEDologize!