Remember that this is a day that should be reflective of the couple and encourage your bride or groom to make decisions based on what is authentic to them, even if it is in opposition to traditions that are important to you. Though we understand how difficult it can be for a parent, who is often paying for the wedding, to sign off on a vision that they don’t agree with, we have had many parents acquiesce to the vision of the bride and groom, knowing it’s their day – and they have not had any regrets. 

It’s important to respect the party funding the wedding and to accordingly be respectful regarding input and number of guests added to the master list. We have had our fair share of groom’s parents insist on inviting everyone on their list while contributing nothing, forcing the bride and her family to cut from their list. It’s a shame when the bride and groom have to cut their friends from the guest list so that the parents can have attendees that the couple has never met.