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.

6 Tips for Planning a Summer Wedding

Venue: The English Country Barn in Magnolia, NC

Photographer: Paige Lee Photography

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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 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 Navigate through the Drama of Creating a Guest List

Yes, No, Maybe..

“Oh no, We’re over the Guest Count!”

Do you know what the hardest task is for all couples planning a wedding? You guessed it creating the guest list. From our recent and past couples, it normally takes about 2-3 months for them to complete this task. I know, I know….2 to 3 months you say. However, between you and your fiancé’s guest list and your parents guest list (yes, your parent’s list), this is why this task takes so long to complete. So we have put together some tips so this task won’t be so daunting.

1. Start by compiling a list of everyone you would like to attend your wedding and I do mean everyone.

2. Be sure to include your entire wedding party

   • the couple

   • bridesmaids (maid and matron of honor)

   • groomsmen (best man)

   • parents

   • grandparents

   • ushers

   • hostesses

   • flower girl

   • ring bearer/sign holder/bell ringer

   • officiant

   • vendors (photographer, videographer, dj, planner and assistant). This vendors will be there either all day or part of the day and need a meal.

3. Cut, Cut, Cut…..(so who do I cut)

   • Missing in action family members (if you haven’t talked with them in years your wedding is not the event to reconnect, wait to do that at the family reunion)

   • Friends you haven’t spoken to years (we suggest if you haven’t spoken to them in a few years is okay not to invite them)

   • Work Friends ( you can’t invite everyone from work, we recommend inviting them to the showers that way they can celebrate this special occasion with you.

4. Consider making your wedding an Adult Only event

A lot of times we over analyze “the list” but honestly this is your day. You shouldn’t be worried about what someone is going to say if they don’t get an invite. We hope these tips are helpful and help you through this process.

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.

From Miss to Mrs.

Ladies....The big day has come and gone. You've returned from your honeymoon as Mrs and you realize that you have to legally change your last name. You were caught up with planning the wedding that you never looked into what you needed to do to change your name. So we've put together a few steps to help you.

Step 1. Get your original marriage license: You can usually pick this up from the register of deeds office located in your county. We suggest waiting at least 2 weeks to pick up so it has time to be recorded after the wedding. You may also call your local register of deeds to see if its ready for pick up.

Step 2. Apply for new Social Security Card: You will have to have your original marriage license and a valid picture ID to apply for a new card. You will have to apply for a new card by filling out an application. There is no charge for applying for a new social security card. You can visit your local Social Security Administration office or go online. Click here to download the a change application form. You may also click here to read the frequently asked questions for name changes.

Step 3. Apply for a new Driver's License: You have to apply for a new social security card in order to get a new driver's license. You also must have your original marriage license. There is a fee to get a new driver's license. Click here to visit the DMV website.

Step 4: Changing names for bank accounts: Check with your banking institution to learn the policies on changing your name and required documents needed.

Step 5: Change all other paperwork: Bills, School Information, Doctor offices, magazine subscriptions, etc. Check with each company on  policies and required documents needed for changes. Policy and documents will vary based on individual companies.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, 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.

Things to consider before saying "yes" to being a bridesmaid

You meet your best girlfriend out for lunch and she gives you the best news,"OMG, I'm getting married!" As you two scream with excitement and you congratulate her she asks you,"Will you be a bridesmaid?" Before you give her an answer you may want to consider what comes along with that role.

With the help of a few of our past and present brides, we give you 5 things to consider before saying yes.

1. Time: You are going to share your time. Dress shopping, putting together wedding favors and invitations, running wedding day errands, attending bridal showers and more.

2. Expenses: Dress, shoes, jewelry, makeup, hair, nails, bridal shower, bachelorette party, bridal party apparel, and possible out of town expenses.

3. Meeting all deadlines: You may not understand why you have to purchase your dress 6 months prior to the wedding but trust us there is a reason why. Most bridal salons will tell you bridesmaid dresses need to be ordered 3 to 4 months prior to the wedding date. There are a lot of factors in this reasoning ( colors, season, is it a popular dress, etc.).  Also keep in mind to allow time for any alterations.

4. Being a Team Player: It's the bride's big day! Give opinions and suggestions when asked. Don't get upset if the bride decides on something that you don't agree with. Try not to push back when asked to do certain things like wear a particular hairstyle, cover any tattoos, and more.

5. Offering Support: There is nothing like having support from your friends. 

Let's face it when asked you are super excited and honored. However, you must consider if you will be able to do everything that's asked of you. No one knows your life better than you. It's okay to say, "I will not be able to be a bridesmaid in your wedding but don't forget to send me my invitation."

The bride is usually your best friend, friend, or family member and its ok to decline. I'm sure the bride will understand.

Now, if you say. "Yes, count me in!" Remember its the bride's day so try not to add an additional stress that isn't necessary.

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

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated byCertified 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.

Are you planning a nautical theme wedding?

Photo from company website

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!