So you’ve picked ‘The’ Place, now it’s time to start thinking about exactly who you want to be there to share that most important day with you. Don’t stress - weddings are no places for politics and neither is your guestlist. You’ll never make everyone happy, so just focus on what is important to you as a couple. Be honest- if your mum has a tendency to invite everyone down the road, then suggest keeping it intimate and special. Getting a rough idea of numbers will help with the rest of the planning and ultimately keep you within budget.

Don’t forget - you’re wellbeing is paramount, so take time out for you and follow our tips to stay tip top.

When deciding on your guest list, try to pick those you both have a connection with and who can be sat with a number of different people to give the table layout some flexibility.

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Yay or nay?

Remember not everyone will be able to come, so if there is anyone you’re really torn about, but can’t accommodate, put them on a waiting list for first refusal. Evening invites are a great option for work colleagues and acquaintances.

Its totally normal for 20-30% of guests to decline and this number goes up the further away you are holding your wedding.

Although many guests may not have plans well in advance, it’s best to get the invite or save the date out early (say 6-12 months!). This is especially important if your wedding falls during school holidays or public holidays and is abroad. Importantly, add a date for them to respond by!

More than one day?

Try to consider your guest’s travel and making best use of their time away. Too short at they’re likely to find it tiring, too long and tempers can fray.

We’ve settled on 5 days, which will incorporate the stag and hen parties, a civil ceremony and wedding, as well as some days for guests to relax for themselves. This should reduce cost, time off work and travel associated with a typical UK wedding.

If you have other events in mind, this may also inform who is suitable for your guestlist.

Beautiful ideas for stationery await once you have the guestlist down!

Remember that essentially each plus one will add between £120-200 to the bill

Although it feels cold to think about cash, ultimately it’s you footing the bill. If you’re not prepared to take all these lovely folk out for a slap up meal, then why fork out for their wedding breakfast? Sure there are ways to cut back and tame the day itself, but all said and done, the average UK wedding is now over £30k.

Tempting as it is to do it yourself, your wedding day should be at least one occasion where you’re waited upon! Every additional attendee has a knock on effect to not only the budget but your time too. You'll spend more time working out how to make things go further, be it decorations, flowers or even tablecloths!

A final thought - something more intimate and small can be a very special thing. Your budget will go further, you’ll be able to spend more quality time with each of your guests and have more meaningful memories that last a lifetime.

Less can be more.

Sources, From Top to Bottom: 

Title Image: Our very own Save the Date Card inspired by our Pinterest board

Invitation infographic: by Bridebook

Mood images: Leanardo Da Vinci Stamp Set via The Royal Mail, Table layout idea captured by Amalie Orrange, gold wax seal and RSVP card by Sesame Letterpress all images can be found via our Pinterest Board.