Creating Your Dream Wedding Guest List: Who Should Make the Cut?

So, you’re having the big wedding?
Planning your wedding is such an exciting time, filled with love, laughter, and, let's be honest, a fair share of decisions to make.
One of the biggest? Figuring out who gets a front-row seat to witness your special day.
Your guest list is more than just names on paper - it's about surrounding yourself with the people who mean the most to you and creating unforgettable memories. In this blog post, I’ll dive into some helpful tips and considerations for narrowing down your dream wedding guest list.

Immediate Family:

Let's start with the obvious - your immediate family. These are the folks who have been there since day one, through thick and thin.

Embrace those who've been by your side, whether it's your parents, siblings, grandparents, or chosen family - the ones who have shaped you into the incredible person you are today. Including them in your wedding celebration is a no-brainer because it's all about joining two families together!

Extended Family:

Ah, the tricky part: deciding which extended family members to invite. I totally get it - it's impossible to accommodate everyone. But here's the deal - think about those cousins, aunts, and uncles with whom you've shared some fantastic memories. If they've been a significant part of your life and you'd genuinely miss their presence, add them to the list. And remember, it's all about venue capacity and the atmosphere you envision for your big day.

Close Friends:

Your best friends deserve a special place at your wedding. These are the friends who have seen you at your best and worst, who have been your rock through thick and thin. Whether they're your childhood buddies or your uni crew, including them in your wedding celebration will only amplify the joy and love in the room.

Mutual Friends:

Your love story didn't happen in isolation - there were friends who witnessed the sparks fly and cheered you on throughout your journey. These mutual friends are the ones who have become an important part of your relationship, and having them there on your wedding day will make it all the more special. They're the ones who will be thrilled to see you take this next step and will continue to be your biggest cheerleaders.

Work Buddies:

Let's not forget about those awesome colleagues who have become an extended family of sorts. If you have a close-knit work environment, you might consider inviting a few select work buddies who have become friends. They've witnessed your personal and professional growth. Including them in your wedding can be a fantastic way to honour those friendships that have grown beyond the work space.
If you’re trying to get numbers down - it’s very common to not invite anyone from work.

Common Interest Mates:

Celebrate your shared passions on your big day! Including friends from your sports team, running group, who you surf with or members of your creative collective adds an extra layer of joy and camaraderie to your wedding.
These like-minded individuals have been by your side through victories and challenges, and having them witness your special moments makes the celebration even more meaningful. Surround yourself with those who understand and appreciate your hobbies, interests and sporting pursuits, making your wedding a true reflection of your unique connection and shared experiences.

Plus-Ones and Special Considerations:

Ah, the plus-one conundrum. It's essential to consider your budget, venue capacity, and the overall vibe of your wedding. While it's customary to extend plus-ones to guests in committed relationships or married, you may need to be mindful of your constraints.
Pick a rule for friends with new partners - and stick to it so it’s fair. It's okay to set some boundaries and communicate your intentions kindly to avoid any misunderstandings.
Just remember, it's your day, and the focus should be on you and your partner.

Kids:

It is completely up to you if you have kids as guests at your wedding, but just keep in mind that some of your friends who are new parents, might not be willing to leave their kids in someone else’s care, so you need to be ok with them choosing to not attend.

Dogs:

Do it if you can! Cause I want to tell them I love them.

Conclusion:

Creating your dream wedding guest list is a delicate balancing act.
Remember that it's about sharing this special day with the people who have played significant roles in your lives and who will continue to be there as you embark on your journey as a married couple.

Your guests are witnessing you make some pretty incredible promises to one another, and through witnessing that, they are helping you remain true to those promises. 

Surround yourself with love, laughter, and those who genuinely care about your happiness. With a well-curated guest list, your wedding will be an unforgettable celebration for both you and your loved ones.

Brent and Tiana’s wedding was at the incredible Deux Belettes in Dalwood, just west of Ballina and it it was all expertly managed by Hayley Cravigan and these gorgeous images were captured by Joe and Roo Wedding Photography.