Weddings Galore: Why Are We Always Invited?

There are many factors that determine how many people get invited to a wedding. The first is the budget, as the number of guests will impact the cost of catering, invitations, and rentals. The second is the venue, as the space will dictate how many people can be accommodated. The third is the guest list, which can be influenced by the couple's families, friends, and cultural or religious background. The average wedding size is considered to be between 75 and 150 people, with 100 guests being the classic size. However, it's not uncommon for weddings to have guest lists exceeding 200 or even 300 people. Ultimately, the number of invitations sent out will depend on the couple's preferences, resources, and the scale of celebration they envision.

Budget: how much can you afford to spend on the venue, catering, and other factors?

Budgeting for a wedding is a crucial aspect of planning the event, and it's important to allocate funds wisely to cover all the necessary expenses. Here are some detailed tips and considerations for budgeting, specifically for venue and catering costs:

Venue Budgeting:

• The venue is often one of the largest expenses, with costs varying based on location, size, amenities, and timing. In the US, spending between $10,000 and $15,000 is common, but costs can be much higher in certain regions, such as $25,000 or more in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Consider alternative venues like community centres, parks, barns, or historical sites, which often have lower rental fees.
• Be mindful of additional venue fees, such as rental costs for tables, chairs, linens, and audiovisual equipment. These can add up quickly, so review all line items carefully.
• Opting for an off-peak wedding date can result in significant savings on venue costs.
• If you have a large guest list, ensure the venue can accommodate your group. The number of guests will impact the venue cost and availability.

Catering Budgeting:

• Catering is typically the most expensive part of a wedding, with an average cost of $85 per person according to The Knot.
• The food service style you choose will impact costs. A plated meal is the priciest option, while a buffet or family-style service is more affordable.
• To save on catering, consider opting for an appetizers-only or desserts-only reception. Alternatively, offer snacks and appetizers throughout the event instead of a sit-down meal.
• Choosing a vegetarian or vegan menu can reduce costs, as meat tends to be expensive.
• If you're crafty in the kitchen, self-catering is an option, but it's a significant undertaking and requires careful planning.
• Hiring a food truck is a fun and often more affordable option than a traditional caterer.
• Be mindful of additional catering fees, such as corkage fees, slicing fees, delivery fees, set-up fees, gratuities, and sales tax. These can add up quickly, so review the contract carefully.
• If your venue is a traditional ballroom or banquet hall, they may require you to use their in-house catering services.
• Opting for an outdoor wedding or a less traditional venue may give you more flexibility in choosing your caterer.
• Consider the number of courses you'll offer. Appetizers, finger foods, and desserts can increase costs, so decide what's most important to you.
• If you're providing alcohol, a full open bar is the most expensive option. Consider a cash bar, a limited bar with beer and wine, or signature cocktails to reduce costs.
• The time of year and day of the week can impact catering costs. Off-peak seasons and weekdays may offer more affordable rates.

Venue: how many people can the venue hold?

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the first things to consider is the venue and how many people it can accommodate. The number of guests you can invite will largely depend on the capacity of your chosen venue, so it's important to choose a space that can comfortably hold your desired number of attendees.

When considering venue capacity, there are several factors to keep in mind. Firstly, think about the style of dining you prefer. A sit-down dinner with 8 guests at a 60" table will require a different amount of space than 10 guests at a 72" table. Additionally, you'll need to account for space for a head table, dance floor, band or DJ, cake table, gift table, bars, and buffet or food stations. For example, a buffet table is typically required for every 75 guests.

Another factor that influences venue capacity is your desired level of comfort. While you may be able to fit more guests into a space by arranging tables elbow-to-elbow, this may not provide a pleasant experience for your attendees. It's important to consider the overall flow of the event and ensure that guests have enough space to move around, especially if you plan to have a dance floor.

When selecting a venue, it's also crucial to keep your budget in mind. The cost of renting a space often depends on the number of guests you plan to host. Most venues have headcount minimums and maximums, so be sure to choose a venue that aligns with your expected guest count.

To help you determine the appropriate venue size, here are some additional considerations:

• The average wedding size typically falls between 75 and 150 guests, with a national average of just over 100 guests.
• A small or intimate wedding usually has fewer than 75 guests.
• A large wedding has over 150 guests.
• When creating your guest list, consider must-have attendees, plus-ones, parents' requests, extended family, and whether to include children.
• The venue's layout and furniture can also impact capacity. For example, a sweetheart table for the couple may free up space compared to a traditional head table.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a venue that comfortably accommodates your desired number of guests, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.

Guest list: who are your must-invite guests?

Deciding on your wedding guest list can be a tricky process, but it's important to remember that it's your day and you should invite those you want to celebrate with. Here is a guide to help you decide on your must-invite guests:

A-List: The Must-Invite Guests

These are the people you can't imagine getting married without. They are usually your closest friends and family, and you simply wouldn't want to get married without them there. This list typically includes:

• Your closest friends
• Your own children
• Your parents
• Your siblings

B-List: The Guests You Really Want to Invite

This group is still considered an extension of the A-list, but they are people whose absence wouldn't ruin your day. They are still important to you and you'd love to have them there, but it's not a deal-breaker if they can't make it. This list may include:

• Your grandparents
• Your nieces and nephews
• Your closest aunts and uncles
• Your wider circle of friends

C-List: The Guests You'll Invite if Your Venue/Budget Allows

This is where it starts to get difficult. These are guests you'd like to invite or feel obliged to include, but due to budget or venue constraints, you may have to draw the line somewhere. This list could include:

• More distant family members like all your aunts, uncles, and cousins
• Plus ones of guests whose partners you don't know very well
• Old friends you haven't seen in a long time
• Close work colleagues

D-List: The Guests You Feel Obliged to Invite

This list includes people you may feel pressured to invite due to social or family expectations, but who are not necessarily your closest friends or family. Remember, it's your day, and you don't have to invite anyone out of guilt. This list may include:

• Friends of your parents or in-laws that you don't know very well
• Distant relatives you haven't seen in years
• People who invited you to their wedding, but who you aren't close with anymore
• Work colleagues, especially if you only have a professional relationship

Remember, the above lists are flexible and can be adapted to your personal circumstances and preferences. The key is to decide on your non-negotiables and go from there.

Plus-ones: do you need to accommodate partners?

When it comes to plus-ones, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to note that you are not obligated to offer every guest a plus-one. However, if a guest is in a serious relationship, it is considerate to extend the invitation to their partner. Traditionally, this custom applies to couples who live together or have been together for a significant amount of time (around 3-5 years).

If members of your wedding party, married guests, or engaged guests do not have a partner to bring, it is still polite to offer them a plus-one so that they can bring a friend. You might also want to make special exceptions for guests who won't know anyone else at the wedding, such as your childhood best friend.

When deciding on your guest list, it's a good idea to include all potential plus-ones in your total guest count. This will help you stay within your venue's capacity and budget constraints.

If you're concerned about the number of guests and your ability to accommodate them, you can consider allowing only some guests to bring plus-ones. This can be determined by the nature of your relationship with the guest, the length of their relationship with their partner, and the importance of their attendance to you.

Remember, it's your special day, and you can customise it to accommodate the number of guests you please. However, keeping your guests' comfort and enjoyment in mind will contribute to a memorable celebration for all.

Timing: will your wedding date impact attendance?

The date of your wedding can impact attendance, so it's worth considering a few factors when setting a date. Firstly, if you're planning a destination wedding, it's important to give your guests ample time to prepare. Sending out "save the dates" six to eight months in advance is recommended to increase the number of people who will attend. This is especially important for guests who need to travel or make accommodation arrangements.

Additionally, the season and day of the week you choose can also impact attendance. Weekday weddings may result in lower acceptance rates as guests may need to take additional days off work. Fridays are becoming a more popular alternative to Saturdays, with less of an impact on attendance. Acceptance rates are also generally higher post-pandemic, as people are eager to celebrate and socialise after a long period of restrictions.

The time of year can also be a factor, with certain seasons being more popular for weddings than others. If you're set on a spring or summer wedding, be mindful that this is peak wedding season, and your guests may have other weddings to attend, impacting their ability to attend yours.

It's also worth noting that unexpected factors like bad weather can impact your guest count, with some guests changing their minds last minute due to illness or family issues.

To increase the chances of your desired guests attending, consider sending out "save the dates" early, especially for destination weddings. This will allow your guests to plan accordingly and increase the likelihood of their attendance.

Frequently asked questions