STRESS-FREE PLANNING Q We’re recently engaged and struggling with the wedding guest list already – where do we start? David Leathem, CEO of The Weddings Group and owner of Swynford Manor, says: Crafting your wedding guest list can be one of the trickiest parts of planning your big day, often complicated by family politics and unspoken expectations. You want to keep everyone happy, but ultimately this is your celebration to share with all the people who really matter to you. With so many details to coordinate, from the venue hire to flowers and décor, don’t let your guest list become another source of stress. The venue Before you even think about a guest list, the first step should be securing your dream venue. Whether you’re envisioning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, your venue needs to be able to comfortably accommodate your guests. Start by checking the capacity limits for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception. Most venues charge per guest, which can help guide your decision on how many people to invite while staying within budget. Be sure to confirm how many guests can be included at different stages throughout the day and what the associated costs are. In many cases, the venue’s capacity can naturally help you refine your guest list, especially if space is limited. Start from the inside It may seem obvious, but the best way to ensure no one is overlooked is to start with your immediate family and work outwards. Consider both sides of the family, including any significant others they might have. Next, add your closest friends, especially all of those in your wedding party. Once your must-have guests are accounted for, you can start expanding your list to include colleagues, school friends and family friends. Keep in mind that, on average, 20 per cent of invited guests won’t be able to attend. While this gives you some flexibility, don’t rely on people dropping out to make tough guest list decisions for you! Organisation Once you’ve considered all the important people in your life, it’s time to categorise your guest list. A great way to stay on top of things is by organising your guests into a spread sheet, Venn diagram or simple list divided into three groups: 1. Must-haves These are the people that you simply couldn’t imagine your day without – immediate family, closest friends and your wedding party. While this list may seem obvious, writing it down is essential for keeping track of final numbers. 2. Important but flexible This group includes people you’d love to celebrate with but may need to cut if space is limited. If your venue has a strict capacity, this list can help you decide who will be invited to the full day and who might only join for the reception or evening of the celebration. 3. On the fence These are people who you may feel obligated to invite or aren’t sure if they will be within your final count. It’s good to have this list to refer back to as you reassess final numbers, and it can serve as a back-up if some guests can’t attend. Breaking your list into these categories will give you a clearer picture who you’d truly like there, while making the process of narrowing down easier. The key to staying stress-free is to be organised, take it step by step and don’t let the numbers overwhelm you! www.swynfordmanor.com www.facebook.com/swynfordmanor www.instagram.com/swynfordmanor SOMETHING DIFFERENT Q I wear a suit every day for work, so would want something more special for my wedding day, what do you suggest? Sholom Sandler, founder of TheSuitman&Co, says: For someone who wears a suit every day, the focus is usually on durability, comfort and maintaining a sharp, professional look. But your wedding day is different. It’s the one time you want to stand out in a way that feels truly special and memorable. That’s why many grooms opt for a tuxedo, with its sharper silhouette and sense of occasion that sets it apart from everyday tailoring. If your wedding is in the summer, or in a more relaxed setting, a white linen suit is another great option. Refined and easy-going, it makes a statement without feeling too formal. Unlike your daily suits, which are designed for repeated wear, a wedding suit is about capturing that one perfect moment, allowing for finer details and fabrics chosen specifically for the occasion. https://thesuitmanandco.com www.instagram.com/thesuitmanandco www.alexwysocki.com 78
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