If your wedding is coming up, one of the most important decisions you need to make is who you want to invite. The number of guests will play a part in many other factors, like the venue and catering, and can also be an issue for your families during planning. To make sure everyone is on the same page, follow these tips.

How to Plan the Guest List

1. Make Decisions Early

You might not have the guest list finalized before you book a wedding venue, but you should at least have a rough idea of which people you do want to invite and who will be making the final decisions. Often, if you're receiving financial help from your parents, they'll expect to have a say in the guest list. Make sure you've talked this over before accepting their contribution to avoid miscommunications later.

2. Cooperate

This event is for you and your future spouse, so you should both have an equal say in invitations. Work together to come to an agreement about the fairest way to portion out seats, which will usually be 50/50, though you may need to adjust if one person has a bigger family, for example. Also, check in with each other about which invitations are the most important and whether there's anyone who shouldn't be on the list.

3. Trim

First, list out everyone you could possibly want at the event so you won't forget anyone you would have liked to invite. Then ask your wedding venue how many guests you can have, and trim your list to fit.

Agree with your partner on rules for trimming people; for instance, you might agree not to invite anyone you haven't spoken to in the last two years.

While you can expect a few people to RSVP no, you shouldn't send too many more invites than the number of people allowed at your venue. Be judicious about offering plus-ones as well.

If you need a wedding planner to help you with these decisions, choose Envisions Weddings in Kahului, HI. Serving the island of Maui for almost 25 years, their experienced team creates luxurious, unique events that perfectly suit you as a couple. To get started, call (808) 874-1000, and visit their website for more ideas.