As you get further along in planning your special day, you start to realize that while the day is all about you… it’s not only about you. You most likely have guests coming to celebrate your union!

Here are some things you’ll need to consider for an optimal outcome on your special day.

Joining Family & Friends Together

Always consider how people get along. Consider this: if Uncle Ben smashed Uncle Don’s nose over wedding cake when your cousin got married, perhaps find a way to celebrate with them separately before your wedding day. Even if wedding war is not on the horizon, you’ll want to keep the peace by making sure your guests are seated in arrangements that will please them all. Try to think ahead - keep your more radical friends away from the near-centenarian of the family so no one is offended!

Comfort

Keep the location of your celebration in mind as you plan your guest list. If you happen to know that you’ll be getting married at a venue that’s not wheelchair-accessible, you need to consider who you invite. You can avoid a lot of embarrassment with a well-placed phone call upfront, instead of extending an invite and having a disaster on your hands as people try to figure out how they’ll get around. On that same note, if you plan to have your ceremony outside in the islands, then maybe that’s not a great time to invite your elderly relatives. Try to be considerate.

Kids

Kids are always tricky! Some people love them, some people prefer to party without them. You’ll need to decide if your wedding will be child-friendly. Will you allow babies while exchanging vows? Are you planning to have an open bar? Maybe you just want to implement an age limit. All of these are things you need to consider and set rules around so your guests can plan appropriately.

Your Enjoyment

I said it wasn’t only about you, but that doesn’t mean your feelings should get lost in the sauce! For example, if you love kids and have some special youngsters in your family that you want near you on your special day, then people who don’t enjoy children probably shouldn’t come.

This post certainly isn’t meant to be contradictory, but instead to help introduce a sense of balance. Don’t make your wedding all about others or yourself. This day is about a community celebrating the union of two people they love and care about.

Most importantly, they want you to be happy.