Who Really Gets an Invite?
Ah, the guest list. The magical scroll that determines who gets to witness your big day… and who gets to stalk it through Instagram stories in silence....or not.
Whether you're planning a wedding, a birthday blowout, or an epic retirement bash for your favorite office plant, one thing’s for sure: choosing your guest list is part strategy, part Hunger Games.
Here’s your (slightly dramatic but wildly helpful) guide to picking guests without losing your mind or getting disinvited from Thanksgiving.
1. Start with your VIPs
These are the ride-or-dies. The people who know your Starbucks order, have seen you cry-ugly at 2am, and will still love you even if your wedding playlist includes Nickelback.
2. The “We Talk Sometimes” Crowd
This is where it gets tricky. These are the coworkers you like, your friend’s boyfriend you barely know, and that one cousin who’s been “finding themselves” in Bali for 3 years.
Ask yourself:
Have they ever fed you a French fry?
Would you hug them in public?
If no to both—next.
3. The “Obligations” List (aka, Politics in High Heels)
Parents want to invite their friends. Your future in-laws want to bring their entire yoga class. Your boss asked if they’re getting an invite... awkward silence.
Here’s the truth: You are not an emotional Airbnb. If someone hasn’t played a meaningful role in your life (or, fine, contributed a lot to the open bar), you’re allowed to say, “Sorry, we’re keeping it small!”
Pro tip: Blame the budget. Everyone respects the budget.
Remember: No pity, no guilt, no shame. It’s your day.
4. The Plus-Ones Dilemma
Your single friend wants to bring her situationship. You don’t even know his last name. Do you: a) Allow it because you love her? b) Say no and risk emotional fallout? c) Pretend the caterer only made exactly 73 ravioli?
Trick question. The answer is: Your event, your rules. Plus-ones are a privilege, not a right. If your venue is tight and your cousin’s Tinder date can’t remember your name— it’s a no from us.
5. The “Will This Person Cause Drama?” Filter
If someone brings chaos like it's a plus-one, leave them off the list. You don’t want your signature cocktail overshadowed by a signature meltdown.
Yes, it’s YOUR day. No, you don’t need a surprise karaoke performance by your ex.
6. The Social Media Test
Still unsure about someone? Picture them in a photo on your wedding day. Would you:
Genuinely smile?
Regret it later?
Immediately start cropping them out?
Trust your gut. And if you're still not sure, just send them a save-the-date for your imaginary vow renewal in 2038.
In Conclusion: Be honest, be strategic, and most of all: protect your peace (and your catering bill). So ask yourself- Have I spoken to them in the last year? Will they make the wedding more fun? Will this person be a part of our life as a couple?
Consider cutting anyone you’ve never met, children, ghosts of friendships past, coworkers you kinda sorta don’t talk to.
Because at the end of the day, this is your celebration—not a networking event for people who once liked your Facebook status in 2016.
