This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

You just got engaged – Congratulations! But, now you and your fiance have a decision to make: facing the reality of a finite budget, how will you decide?!

There is a lot to consider, so let’s break it down by decision:

Choosing A Large Guest List vs. An Extravagant Reception

Invite Everyone:

• Do you have a big family?
• Does your fiance have a big family?
• Will you be getting married locally?
• Will people be upset if they aren’t invited?
• Do you or your parents have an extensive list of social or business contacts it is important to invite?

These are all things that you and your beloved will want to think about if you are considering having a large guest list. Couples with large families may feel the pressure to make sure that everyone is included. Having to leave people out could potentially cause family drama, and no one wants that at their wedding! You also may feel the pressure to invite everyone you know if you’re getting married locally to where you work and live since traveling wouldn’t be a burden for people. Another thing to consider is whether or not leaving people off your guest list will offend anyone; you don’t want your wedding to cause hurt feelings.

Just remember that the more people you invite, the higher the costs will be. Wedding venues charge by the head. Even if you plan a massive outdoor wedding at home, you will amass more costs for food and drink with every additional guest.

Stage An Extravagant Wedding Reception:

• Have you always dreamt of having special food or features for your perfect day?
• Do you have expensive taste?
• Do you want the best of everything?
• Do you want to spare no expense for your big day?
• Do you want a destination wedding?

These are just some of the things to consider if you want to have an extravagant reception. Whether you want shrimp appetizers and filet entrees or extra cost items such as a photo booth, a horse-drawn carriage, or high-end venue, especially at a distant location, your cost with being much higher than if you were happy with simpler meal, venue, or wedding events. If having the best is important to your vision of your wedding day, having a large guest list can turn your budget into a costly nightmare.

Lots of people have been dreaming of their wedding days since they were little and have a specific vision in mind. Most of the time, a large price tag is necessary to create your perfect day! If you want to look back on your day and not feel that you cut corners or dug yourself into a large financial hole to create the wedding of your dreams, then an extravagant reception with fewer guests is for you!

At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer. Just focus on the two of you, and your end goal: Getting married! Good luck!

Help finance your dream wedding and honeymoon with a Honeyfund honeymoon registry.

BIO: Today most people lead hectic lives juggling professional careers and don’t have the time, resources, and patience to investigate every little detail of planning their wedding, corporate or special event. Many times people begin planning their event only to realize the process can become consuming and very stressful. Platinum Planning can help you experience elegance and ease throughout the planning stages and duration of your special day whether you want a full-service Event and Design Coordinator, a “Month-of” Coordinator, or something in between. We specialize in planning weddings throughout California, Hawaii, Nevada and New Mexico. For information, check out our website at Platinum Planning.