SHORTLISTING CANDIDATES

Once you have figures for all six of the groups, a quick cross-check with your budget will help to indicate how many guests you can afford at both the day and evening.

Of course whilst the figures may not be 100% accurate, at least they will allow you to determine whether you are able to invite the whole of your department at work along with their partners, or just your mate who sits opposite you!

The Views of Your Partner

Above everything else, you must remember that this day is for you and your partner, and it really is only your two opinions that matter. However, unless you and your partner share identical views about every single friend and family member (and the chances of that are slimmer than a supermodel!) then herein lays problem number one.

We all have family and friends who are adored by everyone they meet, but sadly a lot of us also have family and friends who are, how should we put it, an acquired taste. You may love them, but there is a strong chance that your partner might not.

There is no hard and fast rule about how to get around this, other than to discuss your views like adults (you know you can do it!). Unless you have a really good reason, then you really shouldn’t prevent someone your partner wants to attend from coming, but conversely do you really want someone there who you can’t stand the sight of? Compromise is always the best solution, so if possible restrict anyone who falls into this category to the evening reception only.

The evening reception tends to be a much more crowded affair with far less chance of lengthy one to one’s with whoever it is you are trying to avoid. If the individual in question simply has to attend the full day, then it’s time to put your thinking cap on. For starters, make sure your Ushers know where to seat them – towards the rear of the congregation and preferably in the corner is a good bet, and likewise at the reception place them on a table as far away from the top table as possible, preferably with their back to you.