Weddings are such a joyous occasion that it is normal for you and your parents to want to share your special day with everyone! However, most of us can't afford a wedding in which we invite everyone. So, often comes the time for some difficult decisions over who should be cut from the guest list.

The first step is to go through your guest list and put an "A" or a "B" next to each name. The A's are the absolute "must invites" and the B list is everyone else.

The next step -- Cut the "B list". Ask yourself these three questions:

• Have I seen this person in the last 12 months?
   
• Have I spoken with this person in the last 6 months?
   
• Did I send this person a Christmas card last year?

If you answered "no" to all of the questions above, it's probably a good idea to cut this person from your guest list.

Still need to do some more cutting? Well, here are some more hints:

Don't invite your parent's friends, particularly if you don't know them very well.

There is ONE EXCEPTION to this rule. If your parents are paying for all or a majority of the wedding expenses, they may be entitled to "more" input regarding the guest list and other areas of the wedding planning.

• Don't invite old high school or college friends that you know you'll never see again.
   
• Don't invite second and third cousins.
   
• Don't invite business associates (unless of course, it's your boss).
   
• Don't invite children.
   
• Don't allow single people (those without "significant others") to bring a date.
   
• Don't invite people just because you were invited to their wedding. If you've lost touch with them... don't feel obligated to invite them to your wedding.

You may feel badly about cutting people from your guest list - but remember - this is the fastest way to save money on your wedding expenses!