College Friends At My Wedding: Who Should I Invite?

Deciding who to invite to your wedding can be a challenging task. It's important to consider your budget and venue constraints, as well as your relationship with your college friends. If you have limited seating, you may prioritize inviting close friends and family members. However, if your budget and venue allow, you can include college friends who are important to you and will bring you joy on your special day. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and ensuring that you are surrounded by people who love and support you.

How well do they know your partner?

When deciding which college friends to invite to your wedding, it's important to consider how well they know your partner. While it's not a deal-breaker if they haven't met your future spouse, it is a factor to take into account. Here are some things to think about:

If your college friends and your partner text, call, or meet up regularly, it's a good sign that they know each other well. This suggests that your partner is comfortable around them and vice versa. On the other hand, if they rarely communicate or only interact through social media, it might be a sign that they don't know each other very well.

Have they spent time together?

Consider whether your college friends and your partner have spent time together in person. This could include hanging out casually, attending social events, or even going on trips together. The more time they've spent together, the more likely they are to have a good relationship and a better understanding of each other.

Shared interests or experiences can create a strong bond between people. Think about whether your college friends and your partner have any similar hobbies, passions, or life experiences. For example, they might both be into sports, music, or travelling. Shared interests can provide a great foundation for meaningful conversations and a deeper connection.

Have they shown interest in getting to know your partner?

Pay attention to whether your college friends have made an effort to get to know your partner. Have they asked about your partner's life, hobbies, or interests? Have they shown curiosity about your relationship and how you met? This can be a good indicator that they value your partner's presence in your life and are interested in creating a connection with them.

Finally, discuss your guest list with your partner and ask for their input. Find out how they feel about inviting your college friends. If your partner is comfortable with the idea and thinks it would add to the celebration, then it's a good sign that your friends know them well enough. Their support and enthusiasm for including your friends in the wedding can be a positive indicator of their relationship.

Remember, the most important thing is to surround yourself with people who love and support you as a couple. Trust your instincts and don't feel obligated to invite anyone out of pressure or guilt. Your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment, so choose guests who will enhance that celebration.

How often do you see them?

When deciding which college friends to invite to your wedding, it's important to consider how often you see them and how close you are. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Regular contact: Consider how frequently you're in touch with your college friends. Do you text, call, or meet up regularly? If so, they may be considered close friends worth inviting.
• Time since last contact: If it's been a while since you've had direct contact, evaluate the reason for the lapse. Life circumstances, geographical distance, or simply growing apart can lead to less frequent interactions. Consider whether there is still a mutual interest in maintaining the friendship.
• Shared experiences: College friends often share unique experiences and memories. Reflect on the depth and significance of these shared experiences. If they hold a special place in your heart, it might be worth rekindling the friendship, even if you haven't connected in a while.
• Size and budget of the wedding: The size and budget of your wedding can also influence your guest list. If you have limited seating or a tight budget, you may need to prioritize inviting only those friends you are closest to and see more often.
• Impact on the friendship: Consider the potential impact of not inviting certain college friends. If you still value the friendship and want to maintain it, an invitation might be a meaningful gesture. However, if the relationship has naturally faded, you may decide not to include them.

Ultimately, the decision of who to invite to your wedding is a personal one. Trust your instincts and choose the people who will bring you joy and make your big day even more special.

Do you want to rekindle the friendship?

Deciding on your guest list for your wedding can be a stressful task, especially when it comes to friends from your college years. You may have had a tight-knit group of friends, or a large social circle, and it can be tricky to decide who to invite, especially if you have lost touch or had fallings-out. Here are some things to consider when deciding if you want to rekindle a friendship with a college friend and invite them to your wedding:

Firstly, it is important to ask yourself if you want to rekindle the friendship. If you are only considering inviting this person because you feel obligated, or because you want a large number of guests, then it may be best not to invite them. Weddings are an intimate celebration, and it is perfectly acceptable to keep the guest list small and only invite those you are close to. If you don't want to rekindle the friendship, you will save yourself and the other person an awkward encounter, and potentially some hurt feelings.

Time and effort

If you do decide that you would like to rekindle the friendship, consider if you are willing to put in the time and effort to do so. Are you willing to reach out and meet up with this person? Are you prepared to put in the work to build the relationship back up? If not, it may be best not to invite them, as a wedding invitation alone may not be enough to rebuild the friendship.

The reason for losing touch

Think about the reasons why you lost touch with this person. Was it due to a falling-out, or simply because you both moved to different places and started new lives? If there was a specific incident that caused the friendship to end, it may be more difficult to rekindle the relationship, and you may need to have an honest conversation about what happened and whether you can move past it.

The current state of the friendship

Consider the current state of your friendship. Do you still have some level of contact, such as liking each other's posts on social media, or have you completely lost touch? If there is still some level of interaction, even if it is minimal, it may be worth reaching out and seeing if the friendship can be rekindled. However, if you have completely lost touch, you may need to decide if you are comfortable reaching out after a long period of no communication.

The potential for future friendship

Look to the future and consider if you see this person being a part of your life going forward. Do you want them to be a part of your married life, and do you think they would fit in with your partner and other friends? If you see potential for a future friendship, it may be worth inviting them to your wedding as a way to rebuild the relationship.

Practical considerations

Finally, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind. If you have a limited guest list due to budget or venue constraints, you may need to prioritize those who you are currently close with. Additionally, if you have not spoken to the person in a long time, they may not feel comfortable attending your wedding, as it could be an awkward situation for them.

In conclusion, deciding whether to invite college friends to your wedding can be a difficult task, but by considering your own desires and the potential for rekindling the friendship, you can make an informed decision that feels right for you.

How many people can you afford to invite?

The number of people you can afford to invite to your wedding depends on several factors, including your budget, the venue, and the type of wedding you want.

Firstly, you should consider your wedding budget. The funds you have available will directly impact how many guests you can host. The more people you invite, the more you will spend on items like catering, invitations, and event rentals. According to a recent survey, the average cost of a wedding guest in the US ranges from $200 to $500+, with an average of $300. Therefore, a $30,000 wedding budget will look very different if you invite 80 guests versus 160.

Next, you should think about your chosen venue. Most venues have headcount minimums and maximums, so check the capacity of your venue to ensure it can accommodate your desired guest list size. Remember, you should always plan for 100% attendance, even if you expect some guests to decline the invitation. On average, you can expect 75%-80% of guests to attend, but it's better to be prepared for a full house!

Finally, consider the style of wedding you want. Do you want a large, lavish celebration with all your friends and extended family? Or do you prefer an intimate gathering with only your closest loved ones? The number of guests you invite will influence the vibe of your wedding. A small guest list of 10-20 people, for instance, can create a more personal and relaxed atmosphere, while a guest list of 150-200 people will be a grand affair with a lively party atmosphere.

So, how do you decide on a number? A good starting point is to create a preliminary list of all the people you would invite if budget was not an issue. Then, consider the practical constraints of your budget and venue capacity to narrow down your list to a manageable size. Remember, it's your special day, so choose a guest list size that feels right for you and your partner!

Do you want to invite people you haven't seen in years?

Deciding whether to invite people you haven't seen in years to your wedding can be a tricky question. On the one hand, you want to share your special day with those who are closest to you and bring you joy. On the other hand, you may be concerned about the cost and logistics of inviting too many people. So, what's the best approach?

Firstly, it's important to consider your relationship with these college friends. If you were once very close and have fond memories together, it's natural to want to include them in your celebration. However, if you haven't spoken in a while, it might be worth reaching out before sending an invitation. A simple text or call can help you gauge whether the friendship is worth rekindling and if they would be excited to celebrate with you.

Another factor to keep in mind is the size and intimacy of your wedding. If you're planning an elopement or micro-wedding with only your nearest and dearest, it might be best to stick to those you are currently close with. This way, you can ensure that everyone present is someone you deeply care about and want to share this intimate moment with. However, if you have the capacity for more guests and want to reconnect with old friends, a larger wedding could be a great opportunity.

Your budget and venue constraints will also play a role in your decision. Weddings can be expensive, and the cost per guest can add up quickly. Consider whether you would be happy to spend a few hundred dollars on a reunion with this friend. Additionally, your venue may have restrictions on the number of guests, so be sure to factor that into your decision-making process.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to invite college friends you haven't seen in years is a personal one. If you genuinely want to reconnect and believe they would add to your joy on your wedding day, go for it! However, if you feel obligated or are concerned about the practical implications, it might be best to keep the guest list focused on those you are currently close with. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love, so surround yourself with people who bring you happiness and support your relationship.

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