Tips to cut your wedding guest list

Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when it comes to managing the guest list. If you're finding it challenging to keep your guest list under control, here are 15 tips to help you trim it down without hurting anyone's feelings.

1. Set a Firm Budget

Before you start writing down names, decide on a budget. This will help you determine how many guests you can realistically afford to invite.

2. Choose a Venue with Limited Capacity

Selecting a venue that has a set capacity can naturally limit the number of guests you invite, making it easier to stick to a smaller list.

3. Create a Priority List

Divide your guest list into categories such as must-invite, would-like-to-invite, and optional. Focus on the must-invite group first.

4. Limit Plus-Ones

Consider inviting plus-ones only for guests who are married, engaged, or in a long-term relationship. This can significantly reduce your list.

5. Skip the Children

Decide to have an adults-only event. While it might be a tough decision, it can greatly reduce the number of attendees.

6. Keep It Intimate

Invite only close friends and family. This can create a more personal and meaningful celebration.

7. Eliminate Work Colleagues

Unless they are close friends outside of work, consider not inviting colleagues. This can help maintain a manageable list.

8. Reevaluate Your List

Go through your list several times. If you haven’t spoken to someone in over a year, consider removing them.

9. Send Digital Invitations

By using digital invitations, you can subtly convey the message that your wedding is a smaller, more intimate affair.

10. Avoid the "Obligation Invite"

Don’t feel pressured to invite someone just because you were invited to their wedding. Focus on who you genuinely want to celebrate with.

11. Cut Distant Relatives

If you haven't maintained a relationship with extended family, it's okay to leave them off the list.

12. Consider Separate Events

Host a smaller ceremony and a larger reception, or vice versa. This way, you can invite your closest circle to the ceremony and a larger group to the reception.

13. Limit Friends’ Partners

If your friends are not in serious relationships, consider inviting them without a plus-one.

14. Communicate with Honesty

Be open with friends and family about your decision to have a smaller wedding. Most will understand and appreciate your honesty. 

15. Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your instincts when deciding whom to invite. It’s your special day, and you should be surrounded by those who truly matter to you.

By following these tips, you can create a guest list that reflects your vision for your wedding day while staying within your budget and maintaining the intimacy you desire.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina.

 Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning offers Wedding Day Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Partial Wedding Planning Services, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, and Event Design Services for all your Social Events.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events
in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding

Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

5 Tips for your to help cut wedding budget

Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet financially daunting task. However, with a bit of creativity and strategic planning, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Here are five tips for cutting your wedding budget:

1. Prioritize Your Must-Haves: Before diving into the planning process, sit down with your partner and create a list of your top priorities. This could be anything from a specific venue, a favorite photographer, or a live band. By identifying what matters most to you, you can allocate a larger portion of your budget to these areas and find more cost-effective options for the less critical elements.

2. Trim the Guest List: One of the most effective ways to reduce costs is by limiting the number of guests. A smaller guest list means you'll spend less on catering, invitations, and even the size of the venue. Consider inviting only close family and friends and perhaps hosting a more intimate celebration. This approach not only saves money but also creates a more personal and memorable atmosphere.

3. DIY Decorations and Favors: Embrace your creative side by making your own decorations and wedding favors. DIY projects can be fun and significantly cheaper than purchasing ready-made items. From handcrafted seating charts to personalized party favors, there are countless tutorials and ideas available online to inspire you. Plus, these personal touches can add a unique charm to your wedding day.

4. Choose an Off-Peak Date: Wedding venues and vendors often charge premium prices during peak wedding seasons, such as summer and early fall. To cut costs, consider booking your wedding during the off-peak months or on a weekday. Many venues offer discounts for off-peak dates, and you'll likely find more availability and flexibility with other vendors as well.

5. Simplify the Menu: Catering can be one of the most significant expenses of a wedding. To save money, opt for a simpler menu with fewer courses, or consider a buffet-style meal instead of a plated dinner. You can also explore less traditional catering options, such as food trucks or a potluck-style reception, where guests contribute a dish. These alternatives can be more budget-friendly and add a unique twist to your celebration.

By implementing these tips, you can keep your wedding budget in check while still creating a beautiful and memorable event. Remember, the most important aspect of your wedding is the celebration of your love and commitment, and that can be achieved without overspending.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina. Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning offers Wedding Day Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Partial Wedding Planning Services, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, and Event Design Services for all your Social Events.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Wedding Coordinator VS Venue Coordinator

In wedding planning, recognizing the difference between a wedding coordinator and a venue coordinator is crucial, as each plays a unique and vital role in making your special day runs smoothy.

A wedding coordinator, often referred to day-of coordinator, is hired by the couple to manage the overall logistics and coordination of the wedding. This professional is involved in the early stages well before the actual event, helping to organize timelines, vendor contracts, and the intricate details that bring the couple's vision to life. On the wedding day, the wedding coordinator ensures that all elements, from the ceremony to the reception, are executed flawlessly. They handle unexpected issues, manage the schedule, and provide support to the couple and their families, allowing everyone to enjoy the day without stress.

In contrast, a venue coordinator is employed by the wedding venue itself and their primary focus is on the logistics related to the venue. Their responsibilities include overseeing the setup and breakdown of the event space, ensuring that the venue's rules and regulations are followed, and coordinating with their in-house staff. While they can be incredibly helpful with venue-specific questions and needs, their role does not extend to managing external vendors or the broader aspects of the wedding day. They are essentially the liaison between the couple and the venue, ensuring that the space is ready and that everything runs smoothly from the venue's perspective.

In summary, while both coordinators are essential for a successful wedding, their roles do not overlap. A wedding coordinator offers comprehensive support tailored to the couple's specific needs, whereas a venue coordinator focuses on the venue-related details, ensuring that the space accommodates the couple's plans. Having both professionals involved can provide a seamless and stress-free wedding experience. Click here so we can help you on your special day.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina.

 Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning offers Wedding Day Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Partial Wedding Planning Services, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, and Event Design Services for all your Social Events.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Real Event: 80th Birthday Celebration | The Hilton Greenville, NC

We had the pleasure of planning an 80th birthday celebration for our client’s mother. Shawn contacted us on an evening in Spring looking for a local event planner who could plan his mother’s birthday celebration due to him living out of state.

During the initial consultation Shawn informed me that he wanted a non-traditional birthday party for his mom, who would be turning 80. He let us know that his mother had never had a birthday party before, and it was very important to him that she have one. He gave me all the details of the plans he already started implementing and once we were booked, we started doing what we do best. From booking our vendors to assist with florals and entertainment, we worked alongside The Hilton in Greenville, NC to ensure that the room layout, catering services, and all the details that Shawn requested were up to par.

On the day of the event, Bonnie arrived and smiled the entire night. She was thankful that Shawn loved her so much to make ensure she had a birthday celebration with her close family and friends.

Contact us Today so we can help you plan your event. Click Here

Vendor Team

Venue & Catering: The Hilton, Greenville, NC | Florals: Cheryl Floral Design | DJ: DJMixTic | Photographer: Bryant Creative Services | Planner & Balloon Garland: Exquisite Events Wedding & Event Planning

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina.

 Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning offers Wedding Day Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Partial Wedding Planning Services, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, and Event Design Services for all your Social Events.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

How to get married in Greenville, NC

Congratulations on your recent engagement! Are you looking to get married in Greenville, NC? Whether you are planning a wedding or deciding to get married at the courthouse, there is one thing you will need to make it official, no matter which one you choose and that’s a MARRIAGE LICENSE!

Check out the steps below in getting your marriage license.

Steps to Getting a marriage License in Greenville, NC

The prospective applicants must come into our office together with the following:

1. Have identification and Social Security Card. A. Driver’s license, DMV identification card or Passport. B. Social Security card, W-2 showing full number or previously filed tax records. If an individual is not eligible to obtain a Social Security number, then an affidavit must be completed.

2. If divorced, have the date (month and year) of divorce. If divorce is final within the last 30 days, must bring certified copy of divorce decree. If previous spouse is deceased, you will need a certified copy of death certificate if within the past 30 day. Must know date of death (month and year).

3. If 16 or 17 years old, current picture identification (see 1 A above), a certified birth certificate, and a parent with current picture identification (see 1 A above) to sign the license in our office. If parents are divorced, bring parent that has custody along with a certified copy of the custody papers. Age difference must not be more than 4 years between parties.

The fee is $60.00 (effective September 1, 2009) which is payable in cash only; $30.00 of this fee will be forwarded to the State of North Carolina to be used for family violence programs. Five dollars ($5.00) of the cost is forwarded to the NC Children’s Trust Fund.

There is no waiting period in North Carolina; however, license must be used within 60 days from date of issue as stated on license and returned to the county that issued the license.

Marriage licenses are issued between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays. Please allow at least 20-30 minutes for the license to be completed.

You may go online and complete the marriage application at www.pittcountync.gov. Select About Us, Departments, Register of Deeds, then click on the online application and complete. After completion, submit.

LOOKING TO ELOPE AT THE COURT HOUSE at the courthouse in Greenville, NC?

Call Pitt County’s Magistrate Office at 252-695-7395 to schedule an appointment. be sure to have your marriage license first.

A few questions to ask, if information is not given when scheduling the appointment are…

• How many attendees are allowed in the office besides the 2 witnesses?

• Am I able to have a professional photographer inside the magistrate’s office?

• Bride, am I able to have a bouquet in the magistrate’s office?

Photographer: Bryant Tyson Photography Raleigh, NC

Venue: The Greenville Convention Center, Greenville, NC

Floral Designer: Cheryl’s Floral Design Goldsboro, nc

Need Assistance planning your Perfect Day, complete our inquiry form below for a complimentary consultation.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina.

 Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning offers Wedding Day Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Partial Wedding Planning Services, Full-Service Wedding Planning Services, and Event Design Services for all your Social Events.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events
in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and worldwide.