It goes without saying. If you’re holding a wedding, there will be guests.
Well, actually, I have conducted more than one ceremony where we were only three, so it’s actually not a given! Still, let’s ignore those exceptions for the purposes of this article!
We can assume that it’s great to be able to invite who you want, and great to be invited.
But is it always that straightforward?
Being a Guest
With the best will in the world, you may receive an invitation for a date that causes you issues. How easy – or worthwhile – will it be to juggle dates around to accommodate this wedding? Especially if you’re not particularly close to the engaged couple?
What if you have children, and they are not invited? Or what if you have a significant other who has been overlooked?
And it’s not unreasonable that money may be tight for you. You may find it hard to afford a lovely present, the expenditure on smart clothing, and travel costs, etc.
These are factors to be taken into account before you jump at the invitation.
Inviting your Guests
The thought of having all your favourite people together to celebrate your big day with you is most appealing. However, you must take into consideration your budget. How many people can you actually afford to invite? How do you choose who makes the cut? Do you introduce conditions, such as “no children”? Do you omit a “significant other”?
How inclusive do you make the occasion? Do you supply all food and drink, or organise a cash bar after a certain amount of hospitality?
You’re going to have to think about how you entertain your guests – they may have gone to quite some inconvenience to support you. What can you afford to offer that they will enjoy?
Guests are going to expect to buy you a present. Are you going to produce a Wedding List to guide them? How affordable will the items listed be?
Summing up
Of course, none of these potential problems may arise. You may know who you want to invite and be able to do so. They may be delighted to be asked and be very happy to attend. But the world doesn’t always move smoothly, so it’s as well to be aware of difficulties that may arise.
To chat about any ceremony, do have a word with me.
photo: mckinley_rodgers.com