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.

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!