• Home
    • Map Gallery
    • Wedding Gallery
    • Save the Dates
    • Laser Cut
    • Wedding Invitation Guide
    • Custom Invitation Gallery
    • Day Of
    • Signage & Seating Charts
    • Table Numbers
    • So much more...
    • Birthdays
    • Business Events
    • Funerals
    • Carlson Craft Invitations
    • Basic Invite
    • Holiday Cards
    • Shop
    • Monograms
    • Etsy
    • Map Gifts
    • Blog
  • Our Process
    • Make an Appt
    • Terms and Conditions
    • FAQ's
    • About CW Designs
  • Business Design
Menu

Graphic Design | CW Designs | Custom Wedding Maps | Invitations | Save the Dates | Wedding Stationery

230 East Hunt Street
McKinney, TX, 75069
Phone Number

Your Custom Text Here

Graphic Design | CW Designs | Custom Wedding Maps | Invitations | Save the Dates | Wedding Stationery

  • Home
  • Maps
    • Map Gallery
  • Weddings
    • Wedding Gallery
    • Save the Dates
    • Laser Cut
    • Wedding Invitation Guide
    • Custom Invitation Gallery
    • Day Of
    • Signage & Seating Charts
    • Table Numbers
    • So much more...
  • Events
    • Birthdays
    • Business Events
    • Funerals
  • SHOP
    • Carlson Craft Invitations
    • Basic Invite
    • Holiday Cards
    • Shop
    • Monograms
    • Etsy
    • Map Gifts
  • Blog
    • Blog
  • Our Process
  • Consultations
    • Make an Appt
    • Terms and Conditions
    • FAQ's
    • About CW Designs
  • Business Design

Finalizing Your Guest List

February 8, 2016 Jeremy Sullivan
Wedding Seating Reception

One of the biggest obstacles facing our clients when ordering wedding invitations is how many people they are going to invite. Pulling together a guest list can be hard and messy process, but with a few guiding principles it can be a lot less stressful.

Focus on Guest List before Money.

Pulling together a guest list without financial constraints allows you to really focus on the people you want at your wedding, not those you may feel pressure to invite. Think about those that have played an important role in your life, relationships you wish to rekindle, and most importantly, the people that bring love into your life. The result is hopefully a walk down memory lane and a mindset of what your wedding day should be about, fun, love, and new beginnings.

Set Realistic List

After the fun of pulling together the list, let it sit for a week. Do not edit the list in the meantime, use this period to think about what kind of wedding you want. Plus, daily emotions often cloud our judgement so let it breathe. Put yourself in your wedding day, are you overwhelmed? are you and your partner fine with all the attention? are there potential conflicts that can arise from guests and conflicting personalities? Do you want an intimate ceremony with an afternoon luncheon? a traditional ceremony and reception? a destination wedding? Make sure your lists lines up with your wedding day expectations, and start pairing down to meet those expectations. Hopefully, you have one shot at this, so take it seriously.

Pay to Drive

Now that you have YOUR guest list, it is time to line that up with your families. Now despite your hard work and thoughtfulness there are bound to be differences. Communicate the reason for your guest list, but leave room for your moms friend from book club or your dad's golfing buddy. You want them to be happy! Now, it is time to start talking money... If you are lucky enough to have parents or family members flipping the bill you will have to open up that eye of the needle, just don't let it turn into a hula-hoop. There are some that say your parents should get a shot at 25% of the guest list combined. Again, communicate your feeling and expectations. Ultimately, you should come to an agreement through reasonable discussion and by placing a tactful emphasis on this is YOUR wedding day, 25% or not. Remember, if you want more control you can always pony up for the privilege, but that doesn't mean you get to rule the list like a dictator. Remember, your parents are proud of you and want to show you off! Your mother gave birth to you and your dad endured errant crotch shots while teaching you to swing a bat, it's the least you could do.

Bottom line

Build a guest list based on love and expectations, not money. More often than not you will pair down that list without having to use money as the reason. Be sensitive to your family and their wishes, but don't let them dominate the process no matter if they are paying. Ultimately, communication is the key to a great wedding day and a more enjoyable marriage.

Tags wedding invitations, guest list, wedding map, love, money, budget, helpful
← Invitations... A breakdown.McKinney Bridal Show 2016 →
 

Hello. I’m Carol.
Nice to meet you.

SULLIVAN+2019-49.jpg

I approach my design work with a deep sense of empathy, always taking the time to truly understand my clients’ visions, needs, and emotions. I believe that great design is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating something that resonates with the people it’s made for. By listening carefully and connecting with my clients on a personal level, I’m able to craft designs that feel both meaningful and authentic, ensuring every project reflects their unique story and style.


 
 
cw designs logo 2020-38.png
book a consult now
Ready to celebrate Melissa and George’s love in paradise! 🌴✈️ This custom passport invitation suite perfectly sets the tone for their dreamy Cabo San Lucas wedding. With personalized details and tropical vibes, it’s the perfect way to in
🌲🗺️ Excited to share this beautiful National Park-inspired seating chart, table numbers, and escort cards! 🌿✨ Perfect for the nature-loving couple, these custom designs bring the beauty of the great outdoors to your special day. Each piece feature
We’re excited to unveil this one-of-a-kind wedding program newspaper for a stunning couple tying the knot at The French Farmhouse in Texas! 📰💍

This beautifully designed program captures their unique love story and adds an unforgettable touch
Meet Carol
Etsy logo-01.png

CUSTOM WEDDING MAPS • WEDDING INVITATIONS • SAVE THE DATES • TOTES • EVENT STATIONERY

Copyright CW Designs by Carol Wilmot Sullivan • Contact me: carol@cws-designs.com | 972.694.5700