Natosha Graham 11/1/24 Natosha Graham 11/1/24

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.

Natosha Graham 7/1/24 Natosha Graham 7/1/24

6 Tips for Planning a Summer Wedding

If you're a bride dreaming of an outdoor wedding or reception in North Carolina, we offer several tips that will assist you as you embark on the wedding planning journey. These tips are also beneficial if you're planning an outdoor soirée in North Carolina.

*Venue:* *The English Country Barn in Magnolia, NC*
*Photographer:* *Paige Lee Photography*

6 Tips for Planning a Summer Wedding

Be prepared for the weather. Summer weddings = Summer temperatures. Provide your guests with cooling options to beat the heat. Water stations and fans are a great way to cool off in the summer heat.
Check with your vendors especially DJs, photographers, and videographers to see if they provide services during extreme temperatures. We’ve heard of equipment overheating due to high temperatures even when under a tent.
Book a venue that offers an inside location (with AC) as a Plan B (rain and high temperatures) may result in implementing the backup plan.
Be sure when choosing decor, that they can also with stand high temperature and outdoor elements. Remember paper stationary will blow away if not weighted down
Consider booking a waterfront venue. Waterfront venues may offer a cool breeze off of the water. A few of our favorite waterfront venues are Amelia Grove and Copper Ridge on the Neuse both located in New Bern, NC as well as The Beaufort Hotel located in Beaufort, NC.
Hire a professional wedding or event planner to help assist you with your wedding day or soiree. Click here to chat with us!

To ensure that your guests have a fabulous time at you outdoor wedding and event, you may want to book during the cooler months April, May, early June, September, and October.

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

Natosha Graham 6/1/17 Natosha Graham 6/1/17

Are you planning a nautical theme wedding?

This past month we had the pleasure of touring 4 amazing venues located in Beaufort, NC and New Bern, NC. From spectacular views of the water to the hardwood floors and chandeliers, I'm sure one will fit your wedding day vision. We all know the second decision you make for your wedding is the wedding and reception venue, you know after you've hired your wedding planner first of course. So today we will be blogging on The Boathouse at Front Street Village.

We had the pleasure of touring this amazing waterfront venue with Annette Jacocks. This venue offers a panoramic view of Shackleford Banks for your guest to enjoy when arriving for your wedding. It also offers the convenience of have the wedding ceremony and reception at the same place because they have an amazing chef and staff to prepare the menu of your choice. They also have a covered deck on the second floor in case it rains so no need to reserve a tent for your Plan B. Oh, we forgot to mention they also include nautical decorations if you would like to use. From golf carts to trolleys to transport guest, you can't go wrong with this venue. For more information visit their website at www.frontstreetvillage.com or contact Annette Jacocks at 252-838-1524.

Stay tuned for our next venue blog post!