Okay- it may seem obvious that cutting the guest list is the number one way to save money on your wedding. But sometimes this is easier said than done. With so many friends and family and co-workers and neighbors... you're a popular person!
However, with a clear set of rules decided upon by you and your fiance, it will be easier to accomplish this task. The trick is to set guidelines and stick by them!
Should anyone ask you why they were not invited to celebrate your big day, you'll be relieved when you can tactfully explain that you did not have the space to invite "coworkers"... or whatever the group is that you've decided to leave off the guest list.
Very often these days, my clients are paying for the wedding themselves. Perhaps they are on their second marriage. Or they've waited until they are in their 30s to tie the knot. Or they've already been living together for a few years, and want to make it official. Whatever the case, it's becoming less and less frequent that I see the bride's parents footing the entire wedding bill.
Because of this, it forces couples to find creative ways to save money and still have a beautiful wedding they can be proud of.
Typically, 50% of your budget will go to the reception costs: Reception venue, food, bar, rentals, and service staff. It's a good idea to decide right off the bat what your total budget is... and stick to it.
Let's say your total wedding budget is $30,000.00 (not including honeymoon or rings). Right away, you know $15,000.00 of that will need to go to the reception costs.
With an average cost for bay area catering between $90-$130 per person, the per person factor adds up QUICKLY. 100 guests x $115 pp= $11,500.00. Add the low-end average venue rental fee of $4,000.00 and now the total = $15,500.00.
If you do your math, you'll see that your MAXIMUM guest count will have to be 100.
Do this simple equation FIRST--- before you even start looking at venues! It will save you so much headache later on.
If money were no object, and the nation was not in the throes of a recession, you'd be able to invite everyone in your office, plus every neighbor on the block, every friend from college, childhood pals, and every long lost cousin. But! Look around and see that people are spending less... because they are AFRAID. Afraid of layoffs, afraid of pay cuts. So- I would say a good place to start shortening that guest list, is with your coworkers. They understand the fear of not having money- and they understand the current state of your financial situation.
Extended family. For those of you whose parents come from large families (like they were one of six kids), I understand your pain. If your dad had six brothers and sisters, and they all have had children and little cousins keep popping up like mad, it can make your mind spin. Trying to figure out if you should invite that third- removed cousin... or worrying about hurting someones feelings will only make you crazy. Additionally any friends that are more like acquaintances can be removed from the guest list. And finally, just because someone invited you to their own wedding, does not mean you must invite them to yours!
No dates. It may sound harsh, but if you are really struggling with keeping the numbers down and remaining true to your budget rules, here's another option. This rule applies to your single friends only. You can't expect a couple that has been living together for 2 years to only have one half of them attend.
Most caterers offer meals at 50% off for kids, or at a lower set rate. But if your list adds up to 30 children, it may be a good idea to establish the "no children" rule.
I recommend using a spreadsheet like Excel or even a free software program like EZ Wedding Planner to keep an accurate record of who is invited and to track RSVPs as they start to come in.
With a little preparation on your part, you'll avoid unnecessary stress that often accompanies planning a wedding. By sticking to these rules, it will make your job so much easier and you'll always be prepared with the perfect explanation should anyone feel left out.
Contact me today if you'd like to chat about budget preparation or the wedding planning process. I'd love to meet you and help make the journey FUN!
Love,
The Soup Maven
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