One of the first wedding planning tasks to tackle after getting engaged is creating a wedding guest list, and this can be daunting. Perhaps you envisioned an intimate gathering of family and friends, but when you start listing out all the people you and your partner know, the list keeps getting longer and out of control. Although there are several ways to cut wedding costs throughout the planning process, the fastest and quickest way to stay within your budget is managing your guest count. Simply put: the lower the guest count, the lower the costs.  

If you are looking to cut guests, here are the five groups of people to consider when trimming down your list.

Kids

Perhaps you’re looking to host an adults-only event so your guests can fully enjoy the night, or you want guests of a certain age (16 years and older, for example) to be invited. Whatever you decide, it’s important to be consistent in the kid policy. 

Plus ones

Plus ones can be tricky as your friends may be in different stages of their relationships. Similar to kids, it’s important to have a consistent policy about plus ones, such as the length of time they have been together, and stick to it. 

Distant relatives

For distant relatives or estranged family members you haven’t spoken to in years, there is no obligation to invite them to your wedding—this is not a family reunion. 

Friends you haven’t spoken to in a year or more

Same goes for friends you have spoken to in years. Remember your wedding is not the time to rekindle relationships. Your wedding day is far too busy for that between mingling with your loved ones and hopefully getting in some alone time with your new spouse. Save reuniting with long lost friends for another day.

Coworkers

You may see your coworkers every day at work, but that doesn’t mean they need to be invited to your wedding day. If you want to include them in some way, consider having a work happy hour or lunch to celebrate.

Remember, the fastest way to cut your wedding budget (or stay within it) is to eliminate your guest count. More importantly, you want to celebrate your wedding day with your loved ones that you are actually close to.

Friday, October, 31, 2025