We often hear that a smaller guest list keeps the cost of a wedding down, but exactly how?
Photo: bjearwicke
The Breakdown
Invitation – $5
Food and Drink – $40
Chair – $10
Favor – $5
Table setting (including prorated price of renting one extra table and one extra centerpiece): $15
TOTAL: $75 per guest
Budget weddings usually average around $40-50
Fancier weddings are upwards of $150-$200
Most people shoot for a smaller guest list of 75 – 100 and end up with twice as much – 150 – 200.
Lets start with 75 guests and see where that leads us
For 75 guests, the cost is $5,625
Add 25 guests for a total of 100, the cost is $7,500 for an increase of $1,875
Add 125 guests for a total of 200 guests, the cost is $15,000 for an increase of $9,375
Also consider, a fancier wedding with a $150 per person cost and a small guest list of 50, it will total to about $7,500. Therefore, decreasing your guest list can also enable you to have a luxurious wedding for the same as an average wedding of 100 guests.
So how can you keep the guest list small?
Consider who is important to your life
The mindset is kind of like, “If you were trapped on an island and you could only bring five people…” It really forces you to be selective. If you don’t think you’ll see them again in five years, don’t invite them.
Family versus Extended Family
This is where most of the drama arises. You want to invite Uncle Joey’s wife’s brother because he’s family. But honestly, did you attend their wedding? If no, then no go. If yes, well, do you think they really want to come to your wedding? Did they even remember you going to their wedding?
Avoid “and guest”
This option is if you absolutely must invite all your friends. Since your friends will have mutual friends to keep them company, they don’t need to bring a guest. Every “and guest” is one less person you actually want to invite. If you choose this option, stress the importance of it on the invitation. There is no shame in telling people you are on a very strict budget and that an additional person will be a financial burden.
Keep the engagement on the DL / Act like the guest list has already been made
As much as you want to announce your engagement, try to tone it down as much as possible. You’ll end up with your fair share of “So when’s the wedding?” and consequently, “Where’s my invitation??” Simply say, “We’re planning a small wedding with just family.” Of course you’re planning a small wedding with family – doesn’t mean you won’t end up with friends ;)
Take the advice with a grain of salt and apply it best to your own wedding.
Related Articles on the Web
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Featured Wedding: A Very Small Guest List
