Start with Immediate Family Begin by listing your immediate family members, including parents, siblings, and grandparents. These are the people who are typically considered must-invites, as they play a significant role in your lives.

Extend to Close Relatives After listing immediate family, consider extending invitations to close relatives such as aunts, uncles, and cousins. Include those with whom you have a close relationship and regularly interact.

Include Close Friends Think about your closest friends, those who have been there for you through thick and thin. Include those who have played a significant role in your life and with whom you have a strong bond.

Consider Extended Social Circle If you have room in your guest list, consider inviting friends from your extended social circle, such as colleagues, neighbors, or acquaintances with whom you have a good relationship. However, be mindful of your budget and venue capacity.

Evaluate Relationships When deciding who to invite, evaluate the strength and closeness of your relationships. Consider the frequency of your interactions, the depth of your connection, and the impact they have had on your life.

Prioritise Supportive Relationships Give priority to those who have been supportive of your relationship and have played a significant role in your journey as a couple. This could include close friends who have been there for you individually or as a couple, mentors, or even former teachers who have had a positive impact on your lives.

Consider Space and Budget Constraints Keep in mind the capacity of your venue and your budget limitations. Be realistic about the number of guests you can comfortably accommodate and afford to host. Remember, quality over quantity is key.

Be Mindful of Family Dynamics Consider any family dynamics or sensitivities that may impact your guest list. Consider whether inviting certain individuals may cause tension or discomfort among family members. It’s important to strike a balance between honouring family relationships and maintaining a harmonious atmosphere.

Children or Adults Only Decide whether you want to have a child-free wedding or if you’re open to inviting children. This can help determine whether to include the children of your family and friends on the guest list.

Create a “B-List” If you’re struggling to keep your guest list within your desired numbers, consider creating a “B-list” of guests. These are individuals who you would like to invite but may not have made the initial cut due to space or budget constraints. If some of your initial guests decline, you can then extend invitations to those on the “B-list.”

Communicate with Your Partner Throughout the process, maintain open communication with your partner. Discuss your thoughts, concerns, and any potential conflicts that may arise. It’s important to make these decisions together and ensure that both of your perspectives are considered.

Remember, creating a wedding guest list is a personal decision, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about inviting the people who are important to you and who you want to share your special day with. Be prepared for some difficult decisions but trust your instincts and prioritise those who have had a significant impact on your lives.