HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-03-02, Page 13THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017. PAGE 13.
2017 Bridal Showcase
Study finds big ceremonies can lead to happier weddings
Making the cut
Wedding guest lists can spiral out of control. Use some
simple metrics to keep the count reasonable. (Ms photo)
MS — Weddings are a time to
celebrate, and many couples hope to
invite as many people as possible to
share their excitement. A 2014 study
by researchers at the University of
Denver found that couples who
invite at least 150 guests to the
wedding may have happier
marriages. The study examined 418
people who were single at the
beginning of the study and married
five years later. It found that 47 per
cent of those people who had gotten
married in front of at least 150
guests had "high-quality marriages",
while those with 50 or fewer guests
fell short.
While guests make weddings
more enjoyable, and may increase
the propensity to enjoy a more
successful marriage, couples must
be practical and consider their
wedding budgets when creating their
guest lists. The average American
wedding includes 120 guests,
according to a 2015 Newlywed
Survey released by WeddingWire.
Couples who are finding it difficult
to create and pare down their guest
lists can employ the following tips.
• Create initial lists: When jotting
down potential guests' names, write
down everyone you want to invite,
regardless of budget. Then list the
must -have guests for the wedding.
This should include the family and
friends with whom you interact on a
regular basis. Create a separate
column for guests who don't make
the must -have list.
• Separate friends from friends'
friends: If you don't see people
outside of events set up by mutual
friends, you should not feel obligated
to invite those people to the wedding.
They are more likely friends of your
friends and not your close friends.
• Know the guest list ceiling:
Catering halls or reception rooms
often can only accommodate a
certain number of people. Know this
number before making a final list.
The Limits of the space may serve as
the catalyst for trimming the guest
list.
• Consider co-workers carefully:
Think about whether you'd still be
friends with your co-workers if the
company dissolved tomorrow. If not,
you should not feel obligated to
invite them.
• Have we met? If you don't
remember interacting with a person
(your parents' long -lost friend from
high school) or the person has never
met your significant other, then they
probably can be cut. If parents insist
on inviting someone you barely
remember, they should help defray
the costs.
• Cut out the kids: Even though
children's dinners costs may be
lower than that of adults', inviting
children can significantly increase
the guest list. A no -child policy at
the reception can save money.
The Huron County Museum is available
for your wedding rental needs! We offer a variety of
flexible spaces for groups of most sizes.
Looking for the perfect place to take your engagement or
wedding photos?
Don't forget the Museum and Gaol!
For more information
email museum@huroncounty.ca
or call 519-524-2686
www.huroncountymuseum.ca
• Avoid uncomfortable
situations: Unless you have
remained particularly close, keep
former boyfriends and girlfriends off
of the guest list.
• Ask for an unbiased opinion:
Give the editing pen to someone else
if you cannot make a decision. This
person may help weed out
extraneous guests.
Paring down a wedding guest list
can be a difficult process, but
couples should work together and
respect each other's concerns when
creating their final list.
Looking for a fun and unique
wedding cake?
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