How-To: Completed Wedding Guest List

First get a total number of how many guests you can afford to invite. Then each of you can take half of the total and make up your lists.

Lists each of you can make:

1. If yours is a simple affair, you can just include close friends and family members on
   your list.
   
2. You may also have two lists, one for your close friends, and your family members and
   their close friends, and a second list for less intimate friends, coworkers, and
   associates. When necessary, the decision of cutting can be from the second list.
   
3. If you need to, you can make four lists. The first can be a list of your family members and their close friends, the second, a list of your close friends, the third, a list of your less intimate friends, and the fourth, a list of your coworkers and associates.
   Again, cutting can be made from the latter two of the four lists.
   

When these are made, and all necessary cutting done, you will need to compile the
completed guest list which includes both your own lists, and your fiance's lists
(remember to check if there are duplications amongst your mutual friends).

If you are hard pressed to have a shorter guest list, here are some suggestions:

1. Invite only your immediate families (grandparents, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters) and your close friends.
   
2. When inviting single guests who are not involved in a serious relationship, don't
   invite a second person to bring with them.
   
3. Your associates / coworkers may not have to be invited depending upon whether you
   have socialized with them in the past, and if it is expected of you to do so.
   There is usually some kind of office protocol that is understood, and often your
   coworkers don't expect to be invited unless you have a more social relationship with
   them. (In a smaller, more intimate office or department, your coworkers may expect
   invitations. Whether or not you invite your coworkers, it's a good suggestion for you
   to invite your direct supervisor. He/she may not attend, but your offer will be appreciated.)
   

Keep in mind that any time you have to cut people from your guest list, bad feelings
and conflicts may arise. Try to be fair and open to others' needs and feelings when
meeting the limitations of your budget.