receptions
DO SHOWER GUESTS HAVE TO BE INVITED TO THE WEDDING? The shor t answer is yes. Inviting people to a wedding shower but not to the wedding implies that you are only interested in a gift. Avoid hurt feelings by assuming any guest at a bridal shower will also be on your wedding guest list.
HOW CAN WE TRIM THE LIST?
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HOW DO WE STAY ORGANIZED? Managing your guest list can be as simple
as creating a spreadsheet that tracks names, addresses, RSVPs, gifts, and thankyou notes. For a low-tech option, set up a card file. Create a card with each guest’s name and address. Highlight the name (example, pink for guests of the bride’s parents, blue for guests of the groom’s parents, and green for your guests) to help in seating arrangements. Leave room at the top of each card to note RSVPs and provide space elsewhere on your list to track gifts received and thank-you notes that you have mailed. Online tools are also available at NEweddingday.com to help manage the guest list and RSVPs. NEweddingday.com also provides a web site for the wedding couple. By following these suggestions, you should be able to overcome the challenges of the guest list and star t enjoying your NWD big day! 2
What if you’ve prioritized the list and made initial cuts, but it is still too large? You may be able to trim the list a bit more with these steps: • Make the reception “adults only”. Caterers usually charge per person, including small children.
• Don’t invite coworkers. Nixing all office invites is a simple way to pull in the reins on your ever-growing guest count. • Limit the number of friends your parents invite. If they are inviting friends of their own, especially ones you barely know, set a limit for both sets of parents and stick to it if space and budget are limited. Wedding announcements can be sent to those not on the list in lieu of invitations. • Eliminate the “and guest” if a friend or relative is not in a serious relationship. As long as there are familiar faces at the reception, your solo friend will be fine. • Invite only close family and friends. That third cousin or first-grade best friend you haven’t seen in years probably won’t care that he or she is not invited.
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they either trim their list or cover the additional costs.