When it comes to weddings, there is one thing that will almost always present difficult, frustrating or downright awkward situations – The Guest List.

Since it’s impossible to please everyone, finalizing your guest list may feel like an impossible task. In theory, “the more the merrier” would be great for a wedding… But, unfortunately, there’s such a thing as the bill. So if you’d rather not host an extremely expensive event, not everyone will be able to attend. Eventually you’ll have to make some cuts, and when that time comes, here are a few things to consider.

1. Are you issuing the invitation out of obligation? Just because someone invited you to their wedding does not mean you are required to invite them to yours.
2. Would you spend a great deal of money on this person and/or want to spend that much time with them?
3. If you no longer speak to this person in 15 years, would you look back on your wedding day and think “I’m really glad they were there for my wedding?” If you wouldn’t feel this way, chances are they’re not that important to your big day.
4. Are you inviting this person because you really want them to attend, or just because other guests want them there? Couples will often invite friends of friends to their weddings when they are not close to them. Just because their presence may make some of your friends happy is not enough of a reason to invite them. The day is about YOU and if you’re already not that close, could not inviting them really make it worse?
5. Would you care if they didn’t show up? If you don’t think you would notice or mind if they didn’t attend, don’t invite them!
6. And when it all comes down to it, is your wedding (one of the most important days of your life) really something you feel the need to share with this person?

Make sure to really consider these points when deciding who will attend your big day. And when it comes to delivering the news, an honest answer is best – “We would love to invite everyone, but we had to make cuts to our list.” This is always better than using a line like “It’s just family and close friends” or “We’re having a small wedding.” These statements can be hurtful if the person finds out they were not the truth.

Just remember that your wedding is about you, and some people will simply have to accept that.

Good luck and happy cutting!