Backyard Wedding Guest List: How Many Is Too Many?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding how many people to invite. There are several factors to consider when creating your guest list, and it's important to make choices that align with your vision for your special day. The first step is figuring out the vibe and overall feel you want for your wedding. Do you want a large, formal affair with hundreds of guests, or an intimate gathering with only close family and friends? Once you have a clear idea of the style and atmosphere you're aiming for, it becomes easier to narrow down your guest list.

Another crucial factor to consider is your budget. The cost of a wedding can add up quickly, and the number of guests you invite will significantly impact your expenses. The more people you invite, the higher the costs for catering, venue rental, and other expenses. Therefore, it's essential to determine how much you can comfortably spend before finalising your guest list.

The location of your wedding is also a factor in deciding how many people to invite. If you're planning a backyard wedding or a destination wedding, you may have a smaller guest list due to space constraints or the higher costs for guests. On the other hand, if you're getting married in a large banquet hall or hotel, you'll have more flexibility regarding the number of guests.

When creating your guest list, it's important to consider your relationship with potential guests. You may feel obligated to invite extended family members or coworkers, but ultimately, you should only invite people you truly want to be there. It's your special day, so choose the people who will make it memorable and enjoyable for you and your partner.

Budget: The more people you invite, the more it will cost

Budgeting for a wedding is no easy task, and the number of guests you invite will have a significant impact on the overall cost. The more people you invite, the more you'll need to spend on catering, drinks, rentals, flowers, stationery, and transportation. It's a sliding scale, and the costs can quickly add up.

When deciding on your guest list, it's crucial to first determine your budget and how much you're willing to spend per guest. The average cost per guest in the United States is a bit over $300, so for 50 guests, you can expect to pay $16,000 to $25,000, while 100 guests would cost around $31,000 to $40,000. It's important to consider that a larger guest list doesn't just mean more mouths to feed; it also increases the cost of other aspects like venue rental, decorations, and even your wedding cake.

If you're working with a tight budget, you may need to limit the number of guests. This can be a difficult decision, especially if you have a large extended family or a lot of friends. One way to approach this is to prioritize those who are closest to you and your partner. Create an "A-list" of must-have guests and a "B-list" of people you'd like to invite if your budget allows.

Another strategy is to consider the overall vibe you want for your wedding day. If you prefer a more intimate and personalized celebration, a smaller guest list may be preferable. This can also allow you to splurge on other aspects like décor and entertainment, creating a luxurious experience for a smaller group.

When deciding on your guest list, it's essential to keep your budget in mind and remember that the costs can increase significantly with each additional guest. Be mindful of your financial constraints, and don't be afraid to make tough decisions to stay within your means.

Remember, the most important thing is to make choices that align with your vision for your special day. Whether you opt for an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, careful budgeting will help ensure that your wedding is both memorable and financially feasible.

Venue: Consider the capacity of your backyard

When it comes to backyard weddings, the venue is a crucial consideration. Here are some tips to help you plan your special day, keeping in mind the capacity of your backyard:

Know Your Space

Before finalising your guest list, it's essential to understand the capacity of your backyard. Consider the available space for the ceremony, cocktail hour, dining, and dancing. Ensure you have enough room for your desired number of guests to comfortably enjoy the celebration.

Be Mindful of Budget

The number of guests you invite will impact your budget. A larger guest list means higher costs for catering, rentals, and other expenses. Evaluate your financial resources and decide on a guest count that aligns with your budget. Remember that a backyard wedding can save costs compared to renting a separate venue.

Plan for Comfort

When considering capacity, ensure your guests will have enough space to move around and socialise comfortably. Account for tables, chairs, a dance floor, and any other elements you plan to include. You want your guests to feel relaxed and enjoy the intimate setting without feeling cramped.

Consider Logistics

Think about the logistics of hosting a wedding in your backyard. Will there be enough parking available for guests? Are there sufficient restroom facilities to accommodate the number of guests? Considering these practical aspects will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Be Flexible

Remember that your backyard wedding doesn't have to be a grand affair. If space is limited, consider hosting a more intimate gathering with your closest family and friends. This can create a cosy and romantic atmosphere while ensuring your guests' comfort.

Final Thoughts

By thoughtfully considering the capacity of your backyard, you can create a memorable wedding celebration. Be mindful of space constraints, budget implications, and guest comfort to strike the perfect balance. Don't be afraid to adapt your plans to fit your vision, whether that means scaling back or reaching out to additional loved ones. Your backyard wedding will be a unique and special occasion!

Vibe: What kind of atmosphere do you want to create?

The atmosphere you want to create at your wedding will be a key factor in deciding how many people to invite. If you want a large, formal affair with hundreds of guests, you'll need a bigger budget and a larger venue. On the other hand, if you prefer something more intimate, with only close family and friends, you can opt for a smaller guest list and a more relaxed setting.

A larger guest list will inevitably lead to higher costs. Catering, beverages, rentals, linens, flowers, stationery, and transportation are just some of the expenses that will increase with the number of guests. So, if you're working with a limited budget, you may need to keep the guest list tight-knit.

The type of venue you choose will also impact the vibe of your wedding. A grand banquet hall or hotel can accommodate a larger number of guests, while a backyard wedding or a small, intimate venue might be more suitable for a smaller gathering.

If you're envisioning a wedding with lots of dreamy details and personal touches, a smaller guest list might be the way to go. With fewer people to cater to, you'll have more flexibility to splurge on decorations, entertainment, or other unique elements that reflect your personality and style.

Ultimately, the decision on the number of guests comes down to the atmosphere you want to create and how you want to spend your budget. A larger guest list might mean sacrificing some of the finer details, while a smaller guest list can give you more room to create a personalised and intimate setting.

When deciding on the vibe, it's important to consider your own preferences and priorities. Do you want a grand celebration with all your extended family and friends, or would you prefer a more low-key gathering with your closest loved ones? By determining the atmosphere you want to create, you can start narrowing down your guest list and planning the wedding of your dreams.

Plus-ones: Will you offer everyone a plus-one?

Deciding whether or not to offer everyone a plus-one can be tricky. There are a few schools of thought on this.

One option is to only offer plus-ones to guests who are married, engaged, or in a serious, long-term relationship. This is a common approach and can help to keep the guest list under control. Another option is to offer plus-ones to anyone who wants one, which can be a great way to ensure your guests feel comfortable and have a good time. This approach may be more suitable if you have the budget and space to accommodate additional guests.

If you're working with a tight budget or have limited space, you may need to be more selective about who you offer plus-ones to. In this case, it's important to be consistent and fair when making your decisions. Consider offering plus-ones to guests who don't know anyone else at the wedding, or who are in your wedding party. You could also give priority to guests who are in committed relationships, as they may be more likely to attend as a couple.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to offer everyone a plus-one is a personal one and will depend on your budget, space constraints, and the overall vibe you want for your wedding. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each approach and make a decision that you and your partner are comfortable with.

Family expectations: Will family members want a say in the guest list?

Deciding on the number of people to invite to a wedding is a complex task, and family expectations can play a significant role in this process. Here are some insights and suggestions to help you navigate family expectations and make informed decisions about your backyard wedding guest list:

• Involve your family early: It is essential to loop your parents and in-laws into your wedding plans early on. Show them your vision and ideas, and respectfully listen to their concerns and wishes. This open dialogue will help manage their expectations and avoid unnecessary friction down the line.
• Understand the financial dynamics: If your parents or in-laws are contributing financially to your wedding, it is customary to give them a say in the guest list. The general rule is, "If you pay, you get a say." However, it is essential to set clear boundaries and decide on a specific number of invites allocated to each set of parents.
• Maintain consistency: Communicate and enforce consistent rules for your wedding guest list. For example, if you've decided on a child-free wedding or have specific guidelines for plus-ones, ensure that these rules apply across the board, including your parents' and in-laws' guests. Clear and consistent communication will help avoid confusion and hurt feelings.
• Be fair and equitable: Strive for fairness and equity when dividing the guest list. Traditionally, the list is split into thirds: one-third for the bride's parents' guests, one-third for the groom's parents' guests, and the remaining third for the couple's guests. While this may not work for every family dynamic, keeping things as equal as possible can help minimise drama and hurt feelings.
• Consider cultural dynamics: In some cultures, such as Asian weddings, the dynamic shifts dramatically. There is often an overwhelming desire to please parents, and it is common to invite distant relatives or friends who may not have been seen in years. In such cases, creating categories of guests, such as "must-haves," "would-love-to-haves," and "nice-to-haves", can help manage guest numbers while keeping your parents satisfied.
• Set clear boundaries: While it's important to consider your family's wishes, remember that it's your wedding. Set clear boundaries and be firm in your decisions. If you feel pressured to invite people you don't want to, kindly stand your ground. Your wedding day is about celebrating your love and surrounding yourself with people who truly matter to you.

Frequently asked questions