Guest list: Narrowing it down from 3487423489723, to 200.

Ok, I don't really know THAT many people...

Kyle and I have just started the preliminary list of our wedding guest list. It feels like we are starting super early, but the reality is that we aren't going to be able to get it done in one day; it's also important to remember that most venues book at least 9-12 months in advance, and we would like to give them a somewhat accurate number. (We hope to get somewhere booked this April/May)... Some of the problems I am encountering:

1) Who do you cut? Every time I skim the list and look to cut it down, I cringe...I know that some people discourage children from attending, but the thing is I have a lot of little people who are valuable in my life, these include children of close family and friends and children that I have taken care of and have a special bond with.

2) What about the idea of having everyone included at the ceremony and then a select list for the reception? In my opinion, I have learned that this is tasteless, and I would feel awkward doing that. "Sorry, we aren't close enough for you to have a seat at the dinner table, but feel free to be included in one of the most personal days of our lives"... Ok, I know I'm getting a little bit dramatic and I understand this is a legit option due to budget these days (and sometimes space of the venue); I just don't think this would be something I'm comfortable with.

3) Seating arrangements, oh where to start? Do you try to put people all together from different friend groups? What about those friends/family you have that are coming to the wedding solo, or may not be a part of a big group of people. We haven't even started on the seating arrangements yet, and I'm a little bit afraid.

Some of the things I hope to achieve from having a "big" wedding.

1) I hope that our day is showered and surrounded by the love and support of the people that we love, and that it can be a day of celebration.
2) Seeing people that I haven't in a long time/don't get to see very often. I know that the wedding day will be a blur, and I hope to enjoy it instead of feeling rushed through. I know I won't be able to "catch up" with all those who have made the effort to come and support us, but I hope Kyle and I are able to express our thanks and plan some extra time (before?) the wedding to spend time with loved ones.

Some ideas that we have for our guests:

Kyle and I would love to do a gift basket for some of our guests who have traveled a long ways to come to our wedding. (We have some guests coming from the States, and a couple from Europe/South America). This will include local goods, recommendations of places to eat/entertainment/sight-see.

We are planning on having post cards on the reception tables instead of a traditional guest book. Someone will mail them to us at our new place so we can read/display them. 

Our guest favors are going to be tins of loose tea (earl gray, our fave) and then bags of coffee (some delicious roast, most likely Starbucks!) This isn't necessarily what they will look like, but it gives you an idea. 

Anyhow, this is where I sum it up. No matter what I know that we will be surrounded immensely by those who love us, and I am elated to be planning this special day.

Love Heidi

ps: I hope to hear any tips/advice from my readers for putting together a guest list.