More often than not an elaborate 200-guest wedding started out as a simple 50-person affair with the couple’s closest family and friends. Due to the urging of parents, family members and well-meaning friends, a once modest guest list can grow into a less manageable soiree! But how do you decide who to invite and whom you can “respectfully” exclude from the invites? Our photographer and elopement team had the honor of capturing this beautiful couple Stephanie and Eric who opted to nix the guests list all together and elope in Central Park. But if you aren’t as lucky as these newlyweds there are a few pointers to keep in mind for keeping your guest list as small as possible. Check it out!
This your first marriage and everybody (and their mama) wants to attend. You may feel obligated to invite high school friends, hair dressers, heck maybe even the dog walker. But before you send out those RSVP’s here are a few pointers about guests you shouldn’t feel obligated to invite from the pros over at Style Me Pretty.
Coworkers: You probably spend more time with your “work family” than you do with your real family, so it’s normal to feel obligated to invite your coworkers to your wedding. But unless you spend time together outside of the cubicles, its pretty safe to assume your colleagues won’t be expecting an invite to your wedding.
Kids: This is a tricky one. For the most part weddings are “adult events” and unless you are having a brunch wedding, it may be best to leave the under 18 crowd off the invite list. Lots of couples are afraid of offending the parents by not allowing children at the reception but they may actually appreciate a night out on their own and thank you for it!
Plus Ones: Outside of married couples and your close family and friends, don’t feel obligated to allow each invited guests a plus one option. For starters you end up paying for someone you may barely know, or have never met and your guests may even feel obligated to bring a date out of fear of being the only one flying solo. Let your guests know you would love to see them at your wedding but unfortunately don’t have room for an additional person.
Our all-inclusive elopement team had the honor of being a part of Stephanie and Eric’s big day. They contacted our studio seeking an alternative to a City Hall elopement. Our all-inclusive Central Park elopement packages allow couples to concentrate on getting married while we handle the details! Our team can even arrange for hair, make up and flower delivery!
Our NYC elopement photographer started with the pair, as they got ready at the Park Hyatt. The two got ready together and made their way over to Strawberry Fields in Central Park (near the famous John Lennon “Imagine” Memorial). Eric surprised his bride by decorating their ceremony space with rose petals as Rev. Samora of Common Grounds Ceremony officiated the wedding and announced the two married!
Afterwards our NYC elopement photographer captured intimate portraits of the newlyweds throughout Strawberry Fields in Central Park before they headed to a romantic dinner for two.
We were honored to be a part of their union and the exclusive guests for their beautiful elopement! We wish them a lifetime of happiness.