Wedding guest dilemmas and how to solve them

Common wedding guest list dilemmas and how to solve them

Are you worried about how everyone you know will fit into your wedding? You are not alone. For many couples, the wedding guest list can churn up all sorts of dilemmas, awkward conversations and family tensions.

 

Wedding guest lists

When it comes to your wedding guest list, balancing relationships, budget, and venue capacity can be tricky. Communication is key, and talking with your partner to work out everyone’s roles is crucial. We’ve got a few suggestions to help make the process easier.

Couples face many challenges when they begin wedding planning, and a significant cause of anxiety can be deciding who’s coming and who isn’t. This is just the scenario where poor communication can cause stress and further problems. 

When creating your guest list, try not to get too overwhelmed. The amount of planning required may make it seem easier to elope. However, staying focused on what the day means to you is essential. 

Who’s paying?

Your guest list problems may be dictated by who pays for the wedding. If your parents or future in-laws are footing the bill, it is only reasonable that they may want to invite people too. However, if you and your fiancée are funding the big day, you can share the guest list equally. It is important to include your parents still to keep everyone happy. Why not compromise and allocate a few spaces on your guest list for their suggestions?

Plus ones

You will not be able to please everyone, and deciding who to leave off the list is tricky. With your extended families invited, the spaces for friends and plus ones may be limited. You need to make sure your guest list represents the most influential people in both of your lives. This may mean setting some boundaries together and negotiating. There’s no set wedding etiquette, so why not consider each plus one individually?

Evening guests

Don’t feel obliged to say yes to everyone as this is not practical. If you want more people to be included in your special day, you could invite some friends as evening guests. It is advisable to send out separate invitations to them with details of the celebrations.

Family tensions

Weddings bring together guests from all aspects of your lives. The gathering of family members can result in tension. To help things run smoothly when sending out invitations, you could acknowledge they may be uncomfortable, but you would appreciate their presence. On the other hand, you could inform family members who have been invited beforehand, so no one is surprised when they arrive.

Seating plans

Alongside a guest list, you will have a seating plan to consider. A little thoughtfulness about positions at the reception will prevent you and your guests from unnecessary tension and ensure everyone enjoys a more relaxing meal. If this is getting too complicated, why not consider a buffet at the reception, so guests feel able to move between groups.

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Plan Your Wedding Day

Our wedding packages offer luxury and flexibility to suit a range of budgets. We clarify what costs are included and are priced per person, and we have affordable wedding packages available, including welcome drinks, evening food, and hotel stays. If our packages don't seem quite right for you, we will happily create a bespoke package to make your wedding both individual and unforgettable. 

Weddings at Future Inn Bristol

From an intimate feel to a grander affair (up to 200 guests), the wedding suites are on the hotel's top floor with fantastic views over Bristol city centre. There is even a small terrace balcony to take in some air and enjoy the scenery. Please speak with our wedding planners, who can advise you on weddings in Bristol on 0117 304 1010 or meetings.bristol@futureinns.co.uk.

WEDDINGS IN BRISTOL

Weddings at Future Inn Cardiff

Our wedding venue in Cardiff Bay has various suites to choose from, all of which are on the ground floor. Choose from an all-day wedding celebration, wedding breakfasts, or evening-only events. Appointments must be booked with Martin in advance. They can be contacted on 02920 487111 or meetings.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk. Ask about their Welsh-themed wedding breakfast menu, too!

WEDDINGS IN CARDIFF

Weddings at Future Inn Plymouth

You are welcome to speak with our highly experienced Wedding Coordinators, Ellie or Ben, on 01752 701000 or meetings.plymouth@futureinns.co.uk. Our wedding venue in Plymouth has been nominated for several wedding awards over the last few years, so you are in knowledgeable, safe hands. The wedding suites are all on the ground floor, and guests love the outdoor space for photographs in the summer months.

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