You’ve reached one of the tricky stages in your wedding planning: creating a guest list.

Here are tips to help you finalize your wedding guest list:

First, you’ll want to calculate three different sets of numbers: 1)   What is the maximum number of people that could attend your ceremony and reception, based upon the size of places where your wedding and reception will be held? 2)   Now, create a list of people that you absolutely must invite. You might want to consult with your parents and future in-laws to get their input, especially if they are helping to pay for the occasion. How many people are on this list? 3)   Next, create a list of everyone that you could conceivably invite, including office colleagues; children of family and friends; and guests of single friends and family members. How many people are on this list? If your answer to question # 2 is larger than your answer to question # 1, then you need to step back and take a look at your wedding planning. It sounds as though you’ll need a bigger location for your wedding and/or reception.

Consider your wedding budget.

Can you afford to invite everyone on your expanded wedding guest list (the one described in question # 3)? If so, then perhaps your list can be finalized! Most often, though, you’ll need to whittle that expansive list down to fit your wedding budget. Here are some questions to help you do just that:

• What size wedding and reception are you and your fiancé interested in having?
• Do you want children at the reception or would you prefer that they not attend?
• Is there anyone on your guest list draft that you’d really rather not invite?
• Would you rather have an inexpensive buffet for a large number of people or an elegant sit-down dinner with champagne for a select few?

Answering these questions will help you finalize your wedding guest list.

Share your advice for creating a guest list!