How Many People Should I Invite To My Wedding (My Experience)

Do you want to know how many people you should invite to your wedding? You should invite 150 people to your wedding.

During my wedding with my wife, the reception was designed for 150 people.

We invited 20% more than the number we had in mind.

20% of 150 means 30 more people. So we printed 150+30=180 passes.

For invitations, we printed 50% +10%. That is, half of 150 is 75 (which is 50%), and 10% of 75 is 8 (approximately).

So we printed 75+8=83 invitations, in the end we left it at 85.

The percentage of guests that usually miss a wedding is 11%. So it is always recommended to invite more people.

Invite 30 more people to the original number you have in mind to cover up for those that will miss the ceremony.

In this article, I will share with you more about the size of the wedding you should have.

Let’s go on now.

It is very important that you ask your guests to confirm their attendance, at least 15 days in advance, so that a few days before the wedding you are absolutely sure of how many people will attend and have time to make the necessary adjustments.

Any wedding with more than 150 attendees is considered a “large wedding,” while between 75 and 150 guests is considered an average-sized wedding.

Consequently, anything below 75 is considered small.

Ideas for small weddings

Just because your wedding is not so large does not mean it is less special.

It can be a small wedding of between 50 and 75 guests, or even with fewer than 50 guests.

Some couples even opt for a wedding of 15 people or less, often called a “mini wedding” or “micro wedding.”

Either way, one of the best small wedding ideas is to have a beach wedding.

This is simply staying at an all-inclusive beachfront resort for the ceremony.

A beach wedding will always be an excellent option if you want to have a small wedding.

How Much Do Wedding Planners Cost

The cost to hire a wedding planner is between $1500 to $9000.

A big difference, but that is also because many wedding planners offer different services.

Always compare the prices of the wedding planner by seeing what services they offer.

A wedding planner has a suitable package for almost every budget.

If you choose a wedding planner who really takes care of everything for you, but is also present at the wedding as a master of ceremonies, this will cost on average between $1500 and $9000.

This is based on 70 hours. It takes an average of 70 hours to plan a wedding and also be present at the wedding itself as a master of ceremonies.

Honestly, hiring a wedding planner is a life saver.

So many bridal couples have never planned a wedding (or event).

That is of course very exciting and also takes a lot of time next to your work.

To prevent that stress, a wedding planner is not an unnecessary luxury.

Many bridal couples think that wedding planners are only there for super luxurious weddings, but that is absolutely not true!

When Do You Send Out Wedding Invitations

The best time to start sending your invitation card is six to eight weeks before the wedding.

This will help your guests to keep their agenda free.

With a designer, it is important to start designing your invitation card half a year before your wedding, so you have time to work towards something beautiful together.

How to choose the right colors for your wedding card

Find something that suits your personality, for example, your wedding theme.

You can of course use all the colors you want, but make sure that everything you apply is in balance with each other.

This is how the most beautiful designs are created.

What to include in the invitation:

Not everything! Limit yourself to the details that really matter:

1. Names of the bridal couple.

2. Wedding date with year.

3. Location and time of ceremony, reception and party.

4. Contact details of the bridal couple and master of ceremonies.

5. Gift wishes.

6. Dress code (possibly with a short explanation).

7. RSVP.

8. Website with information about the wedding.

Your master of ceremonies can state the following in a separate letter with the invitation:

• Directions.

• Special gift wishes.

• Wishes regarding smartphones and social media.

What Hand Does Wedding Ring Go On

The wedding ring goes on the right or the left hand depending on your faith and country.

Traditionally, the choice of the hand on which to wear a wedding ring often comes from belief.

For example, Catholics wear their wedding rings on the left hand, and Protestants wear their wedding rings on the right hand

In France and Italy, it is worn on the left hand.

The wedding ring is worn on the right hand in Germany.

If you marry according to the laws of Islam, the right hand is often chosen, although nowadays Muslim couples also often choose to wear the wedding ring on the left.

In South Africa and North America, a wedding ring is usually worn on the left hand.

This tradition comes from the Ancient Egyptians, they wore the wedding ring on the left hand.

They believed that the left ring finger is the only finger that is directly connected to your heart.

This is called the ‘vein of love’ or the ‘vena amoris’.

Nowadays, you see that fewer and fewer people follow the official (religious) traditions and often opt for what suits them.

For example, if you are right-handed, you wear the wedding ring on the left, and vice versa.

The same goes if you have a specific job where you could damage your wedding ring.

In that case, wear your wedding ring on the other side to prevent any damage.

What Is Formal Attire For A Wedding

For weddings, there are different dress codes that can be indicated on the invitation to guide guests in choosing the right attire.

Here are common wedding dress codes:

1. Black tie: Black tie is a formal dress code for evening events.

Men are expected to wear a tuxedo with a black bow tie, black tuxedo pants with side stripes, a white shirt and formal shoes.

Women typically wear long evening dresses or formal cocktail dresses.

2. White tie: White tie is the most formal dress code for weddings.

Men wear a white tuxedo jacket, white shirt with a stand-up collar, white bow tie, black trousers with double side trim, white gloves and formal shoes.

Women wear long evening dresses of a formal nature.

3. Formal or evening wear: In a formal dress code, men are expected to wear a dark suit with a tie and dress shoes.

Women can opt for a long evening dress, a chic cocktail dress or an elegant trouser suit.

4. Cocktail: Cocktail attire calls for men to wear a suit or smart combination of a jacket and trousers, with a tie or bow tie.

Women usually wear a chic cocktail dress or an elegant skirt with a blouse.

5. Smart casual: Smart casual is a more casual dress code where men can wear smart trousers or chinos, combined with a shirt or sweater.

Women can choose a dress, a skirt with a blouse or smart trousers with a blouse or a sweater.

It’s important to follow the specific instructions and guidelines on the invitation and keep in mind the theme, location, and time of the wedding.

If in doubt, it is always best to contact the bride and groom or the organizers for clarification.

How Much To Spend On Wedding Gifts

The amount to spend on wedding gifts is $50 to $70. You can spend more if you wish to.

You can follow this guideline:

1. Colleagues or distant relatives should spend: 50 to 75 dollars.

2. Friends or relatives should spend: 75 to 100 dollars.

3. For close friends and family, or if you are invited for the whole day, you spend between 100 and 150 dollars or more.

If the items on the gift list are way over your budget or you really want to give the couple a big gift that you know they’ll love, work with a group of friends.

If you have already spent a lot of money on your dress and the bachelor party, then working with a group of friends is the best way for you.

Families, colleagues or friends can of course also give a joint gift.

If you’re giving cash, send it in ahead of time rather than bringing it to the wedding.

Some bridal couples even prefer that the money is deposited directly into their bank account.

Giving gifts that are not on the list is not a breach of marriage etiquette.

However, if you choose an off-list gift, make sure it’s something you know they’ll love.

Conclusion

How many people you will invite to your wedding is a very personal decision and should be discussed with your partner.

Make a list of pros and cons, calculate your budget to know what best fits you.