The Beginner's Guide to Wedding Planning

Guest List

It is imperative to know your guest count before you start planning. Talk to parents on both sides and make sure you have a well-rounded count of your maximum number of guests. An average "unavailable to attend" rate is 10 percent for in-town guests, 20 percent for out-of-town guests.

Cost saver: A small, intimate wedding is always less costly and more personal than a 200-plus guest list for dinner.