Once you set a date you are ready to start to tackle the big question. Who will you invite to the wedding? This starts to become a very difficult decision to make. You have a budget and you need to stick to it. As we know the more people invited to the big day the more money you will spend. You also must consider splitting the list between yourself and the groom. Then there is your mother's and father's friends. And it grows bigger by the second.

I would advise you to write down everyone who you would like to attend. Then go through the list and be realistic about the people you are inviting. If you only see them once a year then they get crossed off the list and maybe added to the list for your housewarming. After you have finished this step then see how many people are left. If that did not get the list down to a workable level then go to the 6 month rule. If you have not seen or talked to them in 6 months remove these people from the list and invite them to your first cookout as husband and wife. Oh, one last thing I forgot to inform you is that you should give each set of parents at least 10 of their friends to invite.

I know this sounds like a difficult task but hard decisions have to be made. This does not mean you do not love these people but sometimes life gives us lemons and we have to make lemonade. People will understand and forgive you after realizing that your finances may not allow them to come. The advise I will give you is do not ask these people to show for the ceremony only. If you can not afford for them to enjoy the party it is not worth their time. A wedding should consist of the 3 F's - Fun, Friends & Family, and Food. Do not stress it will be a great ocassion.