If Covid has taught us anything in this past year, it’s how to go big with a smaller wedding guest list.

Micro weddings and elopements are no longer the exception to the rule and intimate gatherings have become the norm. But where does that leave your 200+ guest list? With restrictions still in effect in many places and vaccinations rolling out, narrowing down your wedding guest list may still be on your to do list. 

What a great problem to have though, right?! Too many loved ones you can’t imagine your big day without? When planning your wedding day there is already SO much to consider, and choosing your wedding guests can be stressful enough, especially when you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by a large community of friends and family. But if you've decided on a micro wedding or elopement thanks to large gathering restrictions, you'll likely be faced with narrowing down your wedding guest list this year.⁠

Here are 3 ways to narrow down your guest list for an intimate wedding: 
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1. One of the biggest questions you may have to ask yourself is: would you be offended if you weren't invited to this potential guests wedding?

If yes, send 'em an invite! If no, you may need to move onto the next. ⁠Putting yourself in their shoes will help give you a new perspective and may even make it much more clear who you absolutely have to have there on the big day!

2. Consider leaving kids at home

You may have littles in your wedding party, but encourage your adult guests and non-family members to enjoy the wedding day as a date night and find someone to watch the kiddos. ⁠Not only will this save on your wedding guest list, but it gives Mom and/or Dad a chance to celebrate without the responsibility of watching their littles. After spending over a year at home with their kids, they may even welcome a break!

3. Keep the plus-ones to a minimum!

Instead of allowing each wedding guest to bring a plus-one, reserve this for engaged close friends and family members or those in long term relationships. ⁠This can be oh so tough, but your closest friends will certainly understand capacity restrictions, especially if they aren’t in a serious relationship. 

While narrowing your wedding guest list will always be tricky, it’s important to remember your wedding day is about YOUR overall happiness! No matter how big or small, your guests will still have a great time, and what matters is what feels right to you. ⁠

Questions about planning an elopement on Mt Hood? Reach out!