According to experts, the best way to save money on your wedding is by reducing your guest list.

• Your headcount influences many wedding expenses, including meals, invitations, and favors.
• According to Shane McMurray, CEO and co-founder of The Wedding Report, the most effective way to save money on your wedding is by reducing the number of guests.

Your headcount influences many wedding expenses, including meals, invitations, and favors.

According to The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding ceremony and reception in 2023 was $35,000, which is a $5,000 increase from the previous year.

According to Shane McMurray, CEO and co-founder of The Wedding Report, the most effective way to save money on your wedding is by reducing the number of guests.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, engaged couples shifted from grand celebrations to intimate weddings, according to Lauren Miller, owner of Tiny Wedding Collective, a wedding planning agency in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland.

Since 2006, the average guest count at weddings has been decreasing, with the lowest average count occurring in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions, according to The Wedding Report.

Miller noted a surprising upside to the pandemic.

""According to Miller, the pandemic allowed people to have small weddings. However, having a tiny wedding is now possible without a pandemic," Miller stated."

According to The Wedding Report, the average guest list in 2023 was 134 people.

Couples are cutting wedding costs by leveraging "something borrowed." Some couples are avoiding discussing financial issues. Some couples are having "micro weddings."

Narrowing down the guest list can be difficult.

According to Jessica Bishop, founder and CEO of The Budget Savvy Bride, planning a wedding with your partner is the first significant group project the two of you undertake together.

Miller stated that the secret to avoiding hurt feelings among guests is to establish a rule and consistently adhere to it.

Experts suggest various methods for reducing your wedding guest list without alienating family and friends.

1. Create a guest-list hierarchy

Shannon Tarrant, co-founder of the Wedding Venue Map, advised couples to consider the cost of their wedding when choosing a venue, suggesting they ask themselves, "Would you buy that person a $200 dinner?"

Experts suggest that engaged couples prioritize their guests by categorizing them into two to three lists.

• Tarrant stated that A-List individuals are those who would be conspicuous on your wedding day if they were absent, emphasizing their significance as your most esteemed VIP guests.
• Tarrant stated that the people on the B-List are those who you would love to have attend, but you would be okay if they declined the invitation. Miller elaborated that the B-List could include close co-workers or extended family members.
• Bishop suggested that the C list be considered an extension of the B list. She encouraged individuals to reflect on when they had last had meaningful one-on-one time with someone.

Although they are on a lower-priority list, we are still inviting them at this point," said Tarrant. "We are just beginning to organize individuals with a different perspective.

After determining the budget list, you can effectively construct a financial plan.

Bishop suggested that if your parents are covering the expenses and contributing, they may have a specific number of guests they would like to invite.

Discussing the kind of wedding the bridal couple wants and what will be realistic is important if the parents are contributing financially.

2. Set plus-one rules

According to old-school etiquette, individuals who have been in a long-term relationship for more than a year should be invited, said Tarrant.

"In our current world, many etiquette rules are no longer followed," she stated.

Shannon Underwood, vice president and conference director of Wedding Merchants Business Academy, suggested grouping individual guests in a singles table to prevent them from feeling lonely or excluded.

""Consistency is key when it comes to the plus-ones, as you never want to feel like the only one without a date," Underwood stated."

Having guidelines can be helpful when setting parameters with a partner, said Bishop.

Tarrant stated that it is acceptable to have a candid discussion with solo attendees at a wedding. If the individual does not know anyone else or has no connection with any other attendees, they may bring a plus-one, she added.

Bishop emphasized the uniqueness of each wedding, stating, "There will likely be exceptions."

3. Pick a smaller venue

Experts suggest considering the venue when exploring the idea of hosting a smaller wedding.

Tarrant stated that people who want to plan smaller weddings often select larger venues, despite only intending to have 50 guests and a limited budget.

Experts suggest that selecting an intimate venue with a limited capacity can aid in maintaining a manageable guest list.

Plus, smaller venues can also bring down the overall spending.

"Savings are not limited to food and beverages," said Miller. "It extends to all expenses related to the wedding, including rentals and purchases."

4. Avoid save-the-date invitations

Sending save-the-date invitations can help control the guest count, but it may not be necessary since your closest family and friends are likely to have already marked the date on their calendars.

Tarrant said that although it's a bit sneaky, it can assist couples whose lists have become overwhelming, she added.

5. Have a separate, low-cost celebration

Another option for couples could be to have a small wedding and then host a separate, low-cost celebration with more guests, experts advised.

Bishop stated, "It provides the best of both worlds."

If the budget is limited, Underwood suggested having a low-cost one-year anniversary party at an affordable venue, which would not have all the additional features and details of a wedding.

She stated that ultimately, it's all about maintaining relationships and taking people's emotions into account.