December 6, 2023

How Many People Should I Invite to My Wedding? 

Creating your wedding invitation list can be a scary task. You might feel pressure to invite everyone you know—or worry about offending someone if they don’t make the cut. But don’t worry, we’ve gathered some great advice to help you navigate this tricky situation, whether your wedding venue is big or small.

First Things First—What’s Your Wedding Vision? 

Before you start making a wedding invitation list, it’s important to have a clear vision of what you want your special day to look like. Do you picture a small and intimate affair or a big party with all your friends and family?

Once you have a clear picture of your dream wedding, you’ll have a general idea of how many people you want to invite.

Love Doesn’t Cost a Thing, But Your Wedding Will! Let’s Talk Budget

Unfortunately, weddings can be expensive. It’s important to have an idea of how much money you and your partner are willing to spend on the big day. This will help determine how many people you can realistically invite. 

Effective prioritization can assist you in divvying out your budget. Ask yourself what you’re unwilling to compromise on: do you want to focus funds on your wedding dress or an out-of-state, professional photographer? Do you have your heart set on a three-course catered meal or open bar?  

Do You Have to Invite Your Entire Family? 

It’s common for couples to feel obligated to invite every member of their extended family, even if they aren’t particularly close. But remember, it’s your wedding day and you have the final say in who gets invited. Here are a couple of factors to consider:

• Distant Relatives:  If you have a large extended family and haven’t seen some relatives in years, it’s okay to leave them off the wedding invitation list. You can always send them an announcement after the fact!
• Family Drama: We all have that one family member who loves to create drama. If inviting them will only add stress to your special day, it’s okay to keep them off the guest list.
• Children: If you want an adults-only wedding, it’s perfectly acceptable to not invite children. Just be sure to clearly state this on the invitations so there are no misunderstandings.

Discuss with your partner who might expect to be invited to make sure you are both on the same page.

Plus Ones: The Wedding Math You Didn’t Know You’d Be Doing

Navigating the world of “plus ones” can feel like a tricky equation that even Einstein would struggle to solve. Should your single friends get a plus one? What about your cousin who’s dating someone you’ve never met?

In the end, remember, it’s your wedding and your wedding invitation list. If you’re not comfortable inviting strangers to your wedding—that’s okay! You have the power to make those tough calls.

Venue Capacity Will Decide if You’re Squeezing In or Spreading Out

One thing you can’t ignore when making your wedding invitation list is the capacity of your venue. It’s important to make sure there’s enough space for all your guests to be comfortable, including room for dancing and mingling.

Look for venues that list guest space. At Marinaj Banquet and Events, we have two gorgeous venues that hold 300 and 500 guests, plus a lush outdoor setting for ceremony or pre-function purposes.

The Bottom Line: It’s Your Wedding Invitation List

Your wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment. While it’s important to consider the advice above, your happiness should be the deciding factor—don’t prioritize other peoples’ opinions! After all, it’s your special day. You deserve to have the people who mean the most to you by your side.

Take a Tour at Marinaj Banquet and Events to Find Your Dream Venue

Still feeling overwhelmed? Come take a tour at Marinaj Banquet and Events to see our beautiful venues and discuss your wedding vision with our expert event planners. We’ll help you find the perfect venue for your special day, no matter how big or small your wedding invitation list may be.