Go Ahead And Ask Me {Why the Long Guest List?}

When I began my journey as a bride to be nearly 2 years ago (wow!), I scoured the internet, looking for every possible way to have a wedding on a shoe string budget. I would spend hours googling, "Weddings under $5,000," "Weddings under $10,000," "How save money on a wedding venue," "Cheap wedding decor," .... the list goes on and on.

However, they all had one thing in common. Suggestion number one: "Cut back on your guest list." And every time my heart would sink because that was the one thing that we absolutely did not want to do. 

I find it absolutely crazy and downright disturbing that the best advice someone can give on how to have an affordable wedding is to eliminate the most important part-- your guests. If you have 100 people in your life that you want to "share in the joy as you exchange marriage vows and begin your new life together" (that line is totally in my wedding invitation, yes I have memorized it, LOL ;), then by all means invite them! If you have 200 people, invite them! As long as they are people that you LOVE and when you picture that day, you picture them there as well.

Obviously, one should remain within reason. Inviting people you haven't seen in years, or inviting people because you feel like you have to, or inviting people just to receive their gift is not appropriate.

For Tyler and I, a large part of our guest list is comprised of our church family. We knew from the beginning that we were going to have to find a way to accommodate them. And with the Good Lord's help, we did!

I was recently asked how I could know that many people. How could I possibly want that many people present at such an intimate event? How in the world would each invited guest feel special when they are one of so many others on a guest list several pages long?

 In the words of our wedding program:

"Dear Cherished Friends and Family,

The big day is finally here! We know it's been a long time coming. Each of you were invited to be here today because you have molded us into the couple that we are today. It may have been something you said, it may have been a piece of advice given, it may have been something you did when you thought no one was watching...big or small you have all made an impact on our lives. We want to personally thank each of you for your love and support over the last 7 years. Thanks for watching us grow up together. We couldn't have done it without YOU!

Love,

Lauren and Tyler"

Make a little more sense to you now?

I just could not imagine a wedding without all of those people who have loved on us, prayed for us, and prayed with us over the years. If it weren't for them, where would we be?

So, if you're out there and you're stressing out like I was, take a deep breath. It can be done, and has been done before. It won't be easy. You'll have to shop around, and beg, and barter, and get more creative than you ever thought you could...but you can totally do it. 

Remember, priorities. People you love or a 7 tiered cake? People you love or a 5 course dinner? People you love or a reception covered in roses?

Love. Always choose love!