Guide To Inviting Guests To Wedding Wire

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and one of the most challenging aspects is deciding who to invite. WeddingWire offers a range of tools and resources to help couples navigate this process, from managing guest lists to sending out invitations. WeddingWire's Guest List Tool, for instance, allows couples to keep track of mailing addresses, RSVPs, and menu preferences, making it easier to manage invites and share information with relevant parties such as caterers and wedding planners. The platform also provides guidelines and tips for creating a guest list, including prioritizing and trimming the list to fit the couple's vision and budget. Couples can also find advice on WeddingWire's forums, where they can connect with other couples and discuss topics like plus-one etiquette and how to politely inform guests about restrictions on extra people. WeddingWire also offers a range of stationery design services and custom invitation options to suit different styles and themes, ensuring that couples can find the perfect way to invite their guests to their special day.

How to add people to Wedding Wire

To add people to Wedding Wire, you'll need to use the desktop version of Wedding Wire. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Log in to your WeddingWire account
• Hover over your name in the top right corner
• Click 'My Settings' from the drop-down list
• Click on the "Manage Settings for" dropdown and select "+ New User"
• Select a role for that user (e.g. fiancé, mother, mother-in-law)
• Enter user information (name, email, and country are required)
• Click "Save Settings" at the bottom of the screen

After you add a user to your account, an email will be sent to that individual with instructions on how to complete their account registration process and create a password. If they do not receive the email, reach out to WeddingWire support.

You can also link accounts with your partner in your settings. Here's how:

• Log in to your WeddingWire account
• At the top right-hand corner of the page, click the drop-down arrow
• Click ‘Settings’ in the menu that appears
• Click ‘Settings’ in the left menu if it’s not already selected
• Scroll down to the ‘Linked Accounts’ section, and enter your partner’s email
• Your partner will receive an email from WeddingWire, which they’ll use to complete the link process

How to create a wedding guest list

Creating a wedding guest list can be a challenging task, but with some careful consideration, you can do it! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a wedding guest list:

Step 1: Decide on the Wedding Style and Size

Firstly, think about the type of wedding you want. Do you want an intimate wedding with only your nearest and dearest, or a big celebration with hundreds of guests? Are you planning a destination wedding or a local one? Do you want an adult-only celebration or will there be children? These decisions will impact your guest list, as well as other aspects of your wedding planning.

Step 2: Discuss with Family and Fiancé(e)

Have conversations with your fiancé(e) and both sets of parents to determine how many guests you can afford to invite, and how many people you want to celebrate with. Traditionally, the people paying for the wedding will get to invite more of their friends and relatives. However, if the couple and parents are splitting the budget, dividing the guest list into thirds is a fair option: one-third for the couple, one-third for the bride's family, and one-third for the groom's family.

Step 3: Prioritize and Create a Draft List

Start drafting your guest list by prioritizing the people you want to be there. This could include immediate family, wedding party members, close family, extended family, and friends. If you are inviting children, decide whether you will invite only nieces, nephews, and godchildren, or whether you will include other children as well.

Step 4: Consider Plus-Ones and Co-Workers

Decide whether you will allow plus-ones for single or unmarried guests. A common rule is to invite a guest's partner only if they are married, living together, engaged, or have been dating for a certain period (e.g., six months). You may also want to consider inviting co-workers, especially if you have a small team or a close relationship with them outside of work.

Step 5: Finalize the List and Stick to It

Once you have a draft list, review it to ensure it fits within your budget and venue capacity. If necessary, trim the list by starting from the bottom of your priority list and working upwards. It is important to stick to your maximum number of guests and not invite more people than the venue can accommodate.

Step 6: Manage RSVPs and Back-up Invites

Expect that some guests will not be able to attend, so create a back-up list of people you would like to invite if spaces become available. Send out invitations early, and consider sending "save the date" cards to ensure guests can attend. Keep track of RSVPs and meal choices, and be prepared to fill spaces with back-up guests if needed.

Step 7: Use Tools for Organization

Stay organized by using tools like WeddingWire's Guest List Tool or an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of mailing addresses, RSVPs, menu preferences, and other important information. This will make it easier to manage your guest list and share details with your stationer, calligrapher, caterer, and wedding planner.

Creating a wedding guest list can be a challenging task, but with careful planning and consideration, you can create a list that fits your vision and budget. Remember to stay organized and flexible, and don't be afraid to make tough decisions. Happy planning!

Plus-one etiquette

Figuring out your guest list can be one of the toughest parts of wedding planning. Here are some tips to help you navigate plus-one etiquette:

• Married, engaged, and cohabiting guests: Traditionally, spouses, fiancés, and live-in partners of each guest should receive an invitation. Even if you've never met them or they are not your favourite people, your guest is part of a package deal. This also applies to the bridal party—skimping on plus-ones for the wedding party is a no-go.
• Significant others: According to etiquette experts, the general guideline is that if a guest is married, engaged, living with, or seeing someone exclusively for more than a few months, their significant other should be invited. If the relationship is truly complicated or hard to manage, you don't have to invite the partner, but you should communicate this to the guest.
• Recently reunited couples: If your guest recently got back together with an ex or has reunited after a separation, ask them how they prefer the invitation to be addressed and if they would like their partner invited. Explain that you need a final answer by a certain deadline.
• Divorced couples: If you're friends with both individuals and it won't cause any drama, you can invite them both. However, if they're going through a bitter divorce, you may have to make some decisions, such as considering if either of them is in a new relationship. If one of your divorced friends is newly engaged, it's only right to invite the new fiancé. If budget is a concern, you can politely explain that you can't include their significant other.
• Singles: You don't have to give plus-ones to all single guests. However, if a single guest doesn't know anyone at the wedding or has to travel, it would be a nice gesture to give them a plus-one. Another option is to seat them with friends or other guests you think they would get along with.
• Be direct and honest: If drama arises, it's best to be direct and honest. Explain your reasoning and that while you'd be honoured by their presence, a plus-one won't be possible due to budget or venue restrictions.

How to politely tell guests they can't invite extra people

When it comes to weddings, it's not uncommon to encounter guests who assume they can bring extra people or those who ask to bring a plus one. Here are some tips and examples to help you politely inform your wedding guests that they can't invite additional people:

Be Clear and Direct:

It's important to be clear and direct when communicating your wishes. On your wedding invitations, RSVP cards, and wedding website, explicitly state the names of the invited guests. You can also pre-fill the names on the RSVP cards to reinforce the message. This way, there is no ambiguity, and guests are less likely to assume they can bring extra people.

Emphasize Budget and Venue Constraints:

Explain that due to budget limitations or venue capacity, you are unable to accommodate additional guests. Here are some examples of what you can say:

• "We're so sorry, but due to budget constraints, we're keeping our guest list small."
• "Our venue has a strict capacity limit, so we've had to scale back our guest list."
• "Unfortunately, our venue doesn't have the space to accommodate plus ones."
• "We're paying for the wedding ourselves, so we have to keep the guest list small."

Intimate Wedding Concept:

If you're planning an intimate wedding with only close family and friends, gently let guests know that you're keeping the celebration small. Here are some ways to phrase it:

• "We've chosen to have an intimate wedding with just close family and friends. We'd love to celebrate with you at a later date!"
• "Thank you for your interest in our wedding. We're keeping the numbers small to have an intimate celebration, but we appreciate your kind wishes."

Address Plus-One Requests:

If guests specifically ask about bringing a plus one, be polite but firm in your response. You can say something like:

• "I'm sorry, but due to budget limitations or venue capacity, we can't accommodate plus ones."
• "We're happy to announce that we're allowing each guest to have one plus one. If you're planning to invite someone, please let us know their name by [date]."

Be Consistent and Prompt:

Ensure that you apply the same rules to everyone to avoid any confusion or hurt feelings. If someone asks about bringing an extra guest, kindly but firmly decline, and be consistent with your response. It's also important to address these situations promptly to prevent any further assumptions or misunderstandings.

Offer Alternative Ways to Celebrate:

While you may not be able to accommodate everyone at the wedding, you can suggest alternative ways to celebrate with those who aren't invited. For example, you can plan a post-wedding get-together or an "anni-ception" to include those who couldn't make the initial guest list. This way, you can still celebrate with a larger group of friends and family without exceeding your wedding budget or venue capacity.

How to choose wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding style, so it's important to choose them carefully. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect wedding invitations:

Choose a Wedding Theme and Colour Scheme

Decide on a theme and colour scheme for your wedding. This could be based on the style of your venue, your shared interests as a couple, or a particular colour palette. You can browse wedding invitation designs online to get a sense of what type of invites will suit your theme and colour scheme. Pinterest is a great place to start, where you can search for ideas related to your chosen theme.

Consider Your Venue and Season

If you're struggling for inspiration, look to your venue for guidance. Embrace the defining features, such as the colour and style of the décor, and choose invitations that reflect the ambience of the venue. If you're getting married in a countryside venue, rustic invitations with floral designs could be perfect. The time of year can also provide inspiration – bright colours and floral invitations are ideal for spring or summer, while cool colours and festive motifs suit a winter wedding.

Think About Your Budget

Wedding stationery can be expensive, so it's important to consider your budget when choosing your invitations. Prices vary depending on the paper type, format, and any bespoke design elements. Remember, you only need one invitation per household, not per guest. Ordering your invitations in advance can also help to cut down on postage costs, as you may be able to use second-class stamps.

Pick the Right Shape and Size

The shape and size of your invitations will impact the postage costs, as well as the overall look and feel of your wedding stationery. Common sizes include 5 x 7 inches, 4 x 8 inches, and 6 x 8 inches. There are also various shapes to choose from, such as tri-fold, gatefold, flat, square, bracket, round, ticket, and scalloped.

Select the Right Paper Type

The paper type you choose will dictate the look and feel of your invitations. Popular options include cotton fibre, felt cardstock, matte, glossy, parchment, vellum, glassine, handmade paper, recycled paper, and linen. Consider which type will work best with your wedding theme and budget.

Add a Personal Touch

There are lots of ways to make your invitations more personal. You could use your names or initials to create a wedding insignia, or opt for photo wedding invitations featuring a romantic snapshot of you and your partner. You could also seal your envelopes with matching stickers or tie a piece of vintage lace around each invitation.

Don't Forget the Details

Remember to include all the essential information on your invitations, such as the location, time, hosts, your full names, dress code (if there is one), and RSVP information. Avoid crowding the card with too much text – leave details about directions and post-wedding activities for your wedding website or separate enclosure cards.

Order Extra Invitations

It's a good idea to order extra invitations in case you need to resend any, put some aside as keepsakes, or invite additional guests. Ordering a few extra envelopes is also a wise move, in case of addressing mistakes or returned invites.

Proofread Carefully

Before your invitations are printed, you'll receive a proof to check over. Ask friends and family to read through it too, to ensure that no mistakes are missed. Pay close attention to details like the wedding date, time, and spelling of names.

Send Them Out in Good Time

Aim to send out your invitations around three to four months before the wedding, or earlier if you're hosting a destination wedding. This will give your guests plenty of time to organise travel and accommodation.

Frequently asked questions