Micro weddings and elopements have become quite a popular choice (especially within the last two years), and they aren’t going away any time soon! With that being said, sometimes it can be a bit difficult to determine where to draw the line when it comes to a guest list. Remember that this is your wedding — you aren’t required to invite anyone at all, if we’re being honest! But in case you’re struggling to finalize the invitee list, here’s a few ways to narrow it down for an intimate ceremony.

Review the Relationships

Would you be offended if you weren’t invited to their wedding? If the answer is yes, then send an invite their way! If not, then move them off the main list to focus your attention on those guests that truly need to be there. Sometimes putting yourself in someone else’s shoes can help clear things up so you can make a decision. 

Keep to the “One Year Rule”

Once you start building a guest list, it’s easy to start adding names of childhood friends who haven’t seen you since college, co-workers that you chat with at the water cooler and second cousins that you try to avoid at all family gatherings. We like to keep things simple — if you haven’t seen them or reached out within the past year, move those names aside to make room for close friends and family. 

Make it a Kid-Free Ceremony

Though it may seem awkward to put “adults only” on your invitation, it’s actually more common than you think! Oftentimes, this allows moms and dads to have a night away just the two of them, and gives you the chance to comfortably open up some guest list spots. Plus, nobody will have to keep an eye on the kiddos throughout the night and can truly just enjoy and celebrate!

Keep Plus Ones to a Minimum

While you may want to extend a plus one option to everyone on the list, reserve those spots for family and friends that fall into one of these categories: married, engaged or have been in a serious relationship for at least six months. This can be tough, but all of your close friends and family should understand when you’re planning an intimate wedding.  

Organize Your List Into Different Categories

Sometimes it’s easier to draw a line and cut names off the list when you can bunch them into a group. When you’re writing things out, you can lump together certain extended family members and friend groups — also a great way to make sure you aren’t missing anyone! When cutting groups, make sure that you aren’t splitting up any couples and keep family equal on both sides.

Communicate Clearly and Prepare for Potential Hurt Feelings

It wouldn’t be a wedding without a little drama. There are some people that may not agree with your decision to keep things small or cut certain people off the guest list. The most important thing is to communicate clearly with any guests that have questions to make sure there’s no surprises on the big day — no kids at all, no plus ones or room for others. Make sure envelopes are addressed accordingly!

Wondering how you can still incorporate those that couldn’t be there in-person on your wedding day? You can always plan a dinner or small gathering after the wedding to be able to celebrate with them. Or you can have them attend virtually! With the rise of Covid-19, virtual guests have become popular with the help of Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime and more. Curious about a virtual stream for your ceremony? We’re happy to chat about all the details while planning your incredible elopement or micro wedding!