The Never-Ending List...

Unless you're one of those rare brides whose parents happen to be made of money, you've got another stresser coming... the guest list. Three little words (two really, if you leave out the 'the') that seem extremely innocent at first glance: just a simple list of people whom you love, care for, and hope can participate in your special day. Not so hard, right? Just write down the names of the people that you want with you on the most special day of your life. Easy... and yet anyone who's ever been in this position knows that the compilation of names on that piece of paper can multiply even faster than 'study group' snacks can disappear. (And that's fast. Super fast.)
The problem is simple: you are way more popular than you thought. No, really- I would never lie to you like that. Your thought progression will go something like this... At first, it's a simple list of close mutual friends and immediate family. Totally doable. And then it's your best friends from high school. Great. Those girls from your college suite. Sure. That group of people that he worked with. Maybe. The great-aunts and fourth cousins that have always been included in family events like this. Intimidating. Current coworkers, rec leagues, neighbors, and all of their dates. Completely ridiculous. This is never going to work.
And the simple truth of the matter is this: you simply can't invite everyone that you know. Yes, your great aunt Martha is probably going to be offended that she wasn't necessary to your ceremony. And yes, your husband may be a little upset at the fact that his junior-high tennis partner was dropped. But that's okay; he'll get over it. In today's world, brides typically have to choose between a 500 person attendance or the steak and champagne dinner. And sometimes it's a hard choice, but you want your wedding to be memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved. (For my husband and I, the sacrifice of our family and friends just wasn't worth a stunning reception hall or a Hummer limo getaway.)
Don't let this stress you out too much. Rule people out by categories: all coworkers (even bosses), all family that you haven't seen in the past five years, all Packers fans, etc. Make a decision together and stick with it. People will understand. (Except for perhaps that football prejudice... better hold off on that one.) Your guest list and your budget go hand-in-hand; everything from the cake cost to the party favor bill to the equipment rental fee is directly correlated to your number of guests. The only thing that those dreaded numbers won't effect is the fact that you'll be somebody's wife at the end of the day. But when it comes down to it, I guess that's all that really matters.