For many people, their wedding day is the highlight of their lives. However, this is also a costly day, and sometimes corners need to be cut. The simplest way to economize is to cut down on the guest list since this is the greatest expense of the majority of weddings because of catering expenses. Here are several useful etiquette tips for inviting wedding guests.

Frequently, the parents of the bride and groom will have friends and relatives they want to ask to the ceremony. Despite the fact that these people might not be highly important for the bride and groom to celebrate their special day, it’s good to honor the ones who are probably paying for the event and give them some involvement in the guest list. It’s seen as correct protocol for the bride and groom to designate a certain number of spaces for each set of parents to fill.

When it concerns the bride and groom, there’s a simple way to handle the guest list. The ones who are definitely going to be asked to the wedding will be placed on the “A” list. The “B” list will consist of those who the bride and groom would like to invite if room permits. After the invitations are sent and responses come back, the bride and groom can ask people from the “B” list once somebody from the “A” list has declined. This could be awkward to contend with if the “B” list individual finds out that they were sent their invitation much later. There’s a good chance, however, that nothing will be said.

One more means by which to cut down on the number of guests is by not permitting all the unattached folks to bring a companion. This can involve considerable legwork, since if somebody is believed to be single but they are in a meaningful relationship, then they ought to be allowed to bring their significant other. Check with friends and family before singling out a single guest and not allowing them to bring somebody meaningful to them to the wedding.

Finally, a number of couples are deciding to have ceremonies that do not include children. If every guest was permitted to take children, then the crowd would multiply considerably, and so would the expense. As you’re addressing the wedding invitations, include only the names of the couple you are inviting.

If someone replies and indicates they are bringing a guest when one wasn’t invited or a family replies with four attendees rather than two, there are techniques to deal with it graciously. It’s essential to phone these guests and explain the circumstances. First, ask the single person if the relationship is serious. If it is, then express regret for not realizing and include the date if space allows. In the case of the family, be resolute and tell the family that children aren’t invited and that it’s the same for each of the invitees. If they have any difficulty with this, then make an apology yet stay firm.

There’s a certain protocol involved in inviting guests to share your wedding day. Make sure your wedding invitations measure up by visiting the Wedding Invitation Etiquette site.