Planning a wedding can be daunting, and one of the most difficult decisions is deciding who should get an invitation. You may feel like you have to invite everyone you know, but that doesn't have to be the case. Here are a few steps you can take to determine how many guests you should invite to your wedding.
Set a Budget
Your budget is a major factor in determining how many people you can invite. There is a lot that you need to account for, from cake and flowers to dresses, food, venues, and the list goes on. However, setting a budget does not have to be overwhelming. Planning early and researching options can help make the process easier. First, decide how much money you are comfortable with spending overall, taking into account any deposits or payments that may have already been made. Then prioritize what is most important to you - is it a fancy dress? A special venue? With your priorities in mind, start putting together a list of estimated costs involved. After crunching the numbers, you should end up with a better idea of how many guests you can invite without breaking the bank.
Decide Who Is Essential
Once you have a rough idea of how many people you can afford, start making a list of essential guests. This includes immediate family members, close friends, and other important people in your life. By starting with this list, it will be easier for you to narrow down how many people can be invited while remaining within your budget. To play it safe, you should also consider any additional costs that may arise in case you need to accommodate more guests than originally planned.
Account for Food Costs
You don't want to run out of food on your big day, so it's important to plan ahead and estimate how much food you'll need. This will depend on the number of guests attending, as well as how many courses you're serving (appetizers, main course, dessert). If you're unsure about how much food you'll need, consult with a caterer or restaurant who will be able to provide more accurate estimates for each dish. Additionally, if you're hosting a buffet-style reception rather than a sit-down dinner, make sure that there is enough variety and quantity of food so that everyone can find something they like. Make sure to also account for allergies and dietary preferences to ensure that there is something for everyone on the menu!
Budget for Dinnerware
Depending on how many guests you plan to invite, planning dinnerware for your big day can get pretty pricey. The cheapest option is to use dinnerware that you already own; however, it may not match your wedding decor, and you probably won’t want to change your wedding theme just to match your plate set. On the other hand, buying fine china for a wedding is expensive, especially if you plan to invite a lot of guests. Even renting traditional dinnerware can be a hassle, since there are labor costs associated with cleaning and returning the dishes after use. There’s also the risk of guests shattering your champagne glasses or fine china—and you definitely won’t want to deal with that mess on your special night!
Keeping those factors in mind, it is becoming increasingly popular for couples to use disposable dinnerware at their weddings. They're an affordable option that will save time and money because they don’t require any additional cleanup after use—just toss them in the trash! And at Select Settings, you don’t need to sacrifice style for convenience. Check out our dinnerware sets for our selection of gold and silver plates that will elegantly match your wedding decor—and as a bonus, they come with matching utensils, napkins, and cups! For a more festive theme, take a look at our neon shot glasses, jello shot cups, and party plates. If you’d prefer a more eco-friendly option, consider using our compostable plates, which are made from sugarcane fibers and won’t get soggy from wet foods. When you combine the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and wide range of styles available for disposable dinnerware, using them at your wedding is the way to go, especially if you’re planning to invite a lot of guests.
When budgeting for dinnerware, keep in mind that the table setting can play a role as well. Formal place settings typically include several dishes such as salad plates, dinner plates, soup bowls, water glasses and wine glasses. On the other hand, informal place settings may only feature one plate per guest along with cutlery and drinking glasses. Additionally, if you plan on having several courses throughout the evening (like appetizers followed by soup/salad followed by entree), then multiple dish sets may be necessary depending on how many people will be attending the wedding reception. Make sure that you take all of these factors into account when determining how many guests to invite.
Planning is Everything
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming so it's important that couples take things step by step when making decisions about their special day. Determining how many people should be invited is one of those decisions that require careful consideration and planning. By following the steps mentioned above, you can feel confident in your ability to stay within your budget without leaving anyone important out of your celebration!