My fiancee and I sat down the other day to make out guest lists. We made two, a smaller list that included our close friends and family that ended with aunts and uncles and a few select cousins that are the only close family I have left on my mom's side. That list came up pretty even with guests from both of us. We made our larger list of who we would want to come if we had a bigger budget. My side ended up being about 25 to 30 more than his including all my cousins that I would want there with all of their children(we have a large family). I told him I was completely fine with the smaller guest list because I didn't want him to feel like it was very outnumbered. He doesn't have the best relationship with his dad and that side of his family and I'm afraid even if decides to invite them, they won't show up. I really apprieciate that fact that he is willing to invite all of the larger guest list, he says because he's become just as close to them as I am and he feels like they are family. I still feel like I should just go with the smaller list though, because even though he is okay with this, I'm not quite sure how his family will feel with this decision, especially since they are helping with some of the costs of the wedding. I may be overthinking this, and it hasn't helped that every article I read says that the guest list is split evenly three ways between the bride and groom, her parents, and his parents. Has anyone else gone through this? What would you do if you were faced with this issue?
Ever thine, ever mine, ever ours. - The Immortal Beloved Letters, Ludwig van Beethoven