Your wedding day is arguably the most important and memorable day of your life. And it’s for that reason why it’s vital the people there to see it are those who you love most in the world.

When family and friends surround you on your wedding day, it can make it all the more special, but, when there’s lots of them and a limit on the space, how do you know who to invite and where do you start in drafting your guest list?

Here are a few tips on how to get it right when working out who will be on your wedding guest list:

Bear others in mind

Sadly it’s often not as simple as just makinga list of your friends and close family, because, not only does the size of the venue play a major part, but, when parents, inlaws or grandparents have an input into the wedding plans (and especially when they’re paying towards it),they might have expectations of their own.

So, it’s always best to have a good chat with family members before you start and find out if they have any thoughts on who they would like to see there. Try to compromise if the expectations are a tad challenging, but don’t be forced into anything that you’re not happy with -remember, this is your wedding, afterall.

Begin with your dream list

A great way to start is by writing down everyone who you can possibly think of to be there at your wedding, from old friends to current ones. Lists can always be cut down, but to start with think of everyone you want there on your big day.

Then, when narrowing down your dream wedding guest list, try to ensure the number you’re aiming for is realistic for your wedding venue, as there’s nothing worse than going over the limit of invites and hoping some will decline.

Where to make the cut?

Deciding who you might take off the guest list is an unappealing thought, but a necessary evil. So, try and set yourself some rules, such as, crossing off names of those who:

• You don’t know
• You’re inviting only because you feel you should
• You no longer speak to (or haven’t in the last three years)

There’s also the option to make it an adult only wedding if you’re looking for ways to cut the numbers down and like the thought of not having hordes of children running around or screaming while you take your vows.

Have a back up plan

There’s nothing to say that once you’ve created your wedding guest list it has to be set in stone. There’s every chance that some people might not be able to make it, so have a backup list of people to invite, if you feel a bit sad about them not making the cut, or would like them to be there, but the venue just isn’t big enough.

Make sure you don’t send out invites to your back up list just before the wedding though – it makes it so obvious that they weren’t in the first round.

And finally, try your best to practise avoiding wedding invite guilt trips. While some people might take any opportunity to tag along to a good knees up, remember, this day is all about you!