This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.
Deciding between a big guest list and an extravagant reception is not an easy choice. As a Wedding Planner, I have couples that hit a crossroad where they have to decide on an answer to this question, and though it seems hard, there are some questions you can ask yourself that can help you decide on what direction to go.
Deciding On A Large Wedding Guest List vs. A Fabulous Reception
One thing to establish is that most times when a couple ask themselves this question, it means there is a budget they have set and having a big guest list can either cause them to compromise on how they wanted the reception to look or to compromise on the look they envision for their wedding so having a big guest list will mean spending an enormous amount of money.
Below are some key questions we feel are important to ask yourself if you are trying to make this decision.
Questions To Ask Yourself
One: What is your budget?
What amount of money can you and your fiance honestly afford? What is the maximum you are willing to go above budget? Know the answers to these questions, know your numbers and stick to it. A wedding is once in a lifetime, so yes, you want it to be amazing, but you also want to be wise. Set a budget for how much you want to spend. However high or low you set a budget, give an allowance or an overage you can afford and stick to it.
Two: What Is The Look You Want?
What kind of design look do you want for your wedding? Most times having a higher guest count can directly affect how high your budget will go. You will either have to compromise on the design if you go with a higher count or have a lower guest count and splurge on your design.
Three: What Are Your Relationships With Your Guests?
Who are the people on your guest list and what is your relationship with them? When starting out the planning process, put a limit on the number of family members that can attend the wedding and give each side of the family the total number of people they are allowed to invite. This means you may have to cut out children under a certain age, your second and third cousins, and friends and acquaintances you haven’t seen in ages.
Four: What Is Your Guest Count?
How many guests do you intend to invite? What was your desired count? Does that match your budget? If your count is higher than your budget can afford then you need to make a decision to invite fewer guests or increase your budget.
Consider how you answered question 1 about money and remember that increasing the budget is not an option unless you have the financial means to do so without being broke. Use your answer to question 3 about relationships to get your guest list under control, especially if entertaining a huge guest list compromises your design.
Decisions, Decisions
There are lots of questions to ask yourself when trying to make this determination of having a large guest list or having an extravagant reception. Ultimately, it comes down to what is most important to you.
No one answer is perfect; however, going over your allowed budget to accommodate more people is not always the best idea. If you choose to invite a large number of people, then you will have to compromise with the design in order for it to fit into the budget. However, if your design is a top priority for your wedding then, aha! – There’s your answer! Keep the guest list lower to get the design you want. If you are not very particular about your decor then having extra guests won’t be a bad idea.
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BIO: RAE Affairs provides planning services for an array of events, depending on YOUR needs. From Weddings to Corporate Events to other Social Gatherings, at RAE, our goal is to bring your event to life. Our consultants work closely with you to make your vision a reality and to ensure that your event is customized to your budget and taste.
At RAE we understand that every client has unique needs, therefore it is our belief here that no two events are the same. Our number one goal is to ensure that your day is seamless and filled with pleasurable memories. From a posh intimate gathering to a grand deluxe event, our seasoned professional consultants have planned various types of events and we bring our years of experience to your occasion. At RAE the only thing we require from our clients is
Relax and Enjoy.
It’s true that budget must be on the top, most important things for me. Thank you for the advice.