Getting ready to write that wedding guest list? Familiarize yourself with some basic guest list etiquette before you begin.
Every couple can benefit from learning a little wedding guest list etiquette 101 before they sit down and start writing out their list. First, there are a few myths regarding wedding guest list etiquette, but here is the most common:
You need to invite every single family member—This is simply not the case. You should invite only the family members that are of extreme importance to you and your partner, instead of inviting everyone out of obligation. This is not out of disrespect, but out of priority. If you only see a particular family member every few years or haven’t seen them in ages, it’s not mandatory for you to invite them. This is especially important when it comes to budget restraints.
So, How Do You Know Who to Invite?
Consider the following:
- Make a list of anyone you think of right off the top of your head who you absolutely want with you on your special day.
- Don’t forget to allow your guest to bring a guest. This is a common courtesy and is a part of wedding guest list etiquette 101. It is standard to allow each guest to bring one guest, but you are welcome to allow more.
- If you’re inviting out-of-town guests, leave it up to them to decide whether or not they want to travel to be at your wedding. It is courteous to formally invite out-of-town guests, even if you think they won’t be able to make it.
- Stick to the all or nothing rule when inviting coworkers or business acquaintances. If you work in a large corporate setting, this is more difficult, but if possible, it’s ideal in any circumstance. Either invite only your boss—which is acceptable and appropriate—or invite your entire team. Don’t single anyone out unless they are a very close, personal friend who also happens to be a coworker.
To save yourself some money and a headache, keep this wedding guest list etiquette in mind before you mail out those invitations.
