Guess Who's Coming to Dinner??

So you've chosen a date, and you've found that perfect venue, but now, you must decide on who will join you to celebrate your new life as Mr. & Mrs. 

Weddings used to be simple affairs; bride, groom, minister and a few witnesses would gather in the Bride's home, vows would be exchanged, a bite of cake consumed, and the happy couple would ride off into happily ever after!

My Paternal Grandparents marry in Vermont 1920's

Now it seems the clarion cry is BIG. We invite everyone we've ever remotely known. We have sleepless nights over the folks we may have offended! But think about this...if you invite 200 people to your wedding, and talk with each guest for just one minute, you'll need three hours and twenty minutes, and you'll never eat, drink, dance or breathe!!

Don't invite EVERYONE!

We had 60 guests at our daughter's wedding, and found even that number left us longing for more time with our dear friends and family, who traveled a long way to be with us. For that kind of intimacy you need to keep the numbers down to the immediate family and four or five friends for the bride and groom.

Long tables and a meal served family style for 60

So, think about your personality as individuals and as a couple. If a fun, crazy, dance marathon is your idea of a good time, go for the crowds if your budget allows (because we all know that 3 couples on a dance floor does not a party make!). If you want a relaxed, food oriented, family friendly sit down meal, then go for the 60-80 crowd. When an intimate relaxed affair appeals..head off for a destination wedding with just the very closest circle of friends. 

Stick to YOUR style and you can be confident you'll have a celebration to cherish for a lifetime!