by Bridget Webber

Created on: November 17, 2007   Last Updated: August 13, 2008

It is not unusual nowadays for couples to choose to have a small wedding. The cost of getting married both financially and emotionally can be very high when a larger wedding is planned. Many couples find the organization of a big wedding stressful and the price of it could leave them in debt, which is not an ideal way to start married life.

If you have chosen to have a small wedding then the chances are that you have just had to leave some friends and relatives off of the guest list.

Some of these people may be understanding, but no doubt a few will feel snubbed. So what can you do to smooth things over? Here are some tips to help you retain good relations.

1. Explain to those who you did not invite that you would have loved to but it wasn't possible. If it was for financial reasons then tell them so.

3. Invite them to a party to celebrate your recent wedding. This will make people left off of the list feel included and wanted. It will also give them a chance to feel a part of this special event and to celebrate with you.

The party need not be an expensive affair, especially if overspending was what you were trying to avoid.

If your house is big enough then you could hold it there. Alternatively you could all go to a night-club together or another type of dance and have fun together.

4. If the party idea doesn't appeal then you could all go out for dinner in a restaurant. Make it politely clear that individuals are paying for themselves if this is the case. It will save you any embarrassment when the bill arrives.

5. Hold a barbecue. This could be on the beach or in your back garden. Guests can always bring a dish each with them or food to go on the barbecue so that you don't have to fork out for the expense all by yourselves.

6. It may be that finances were not your main concern when choosing to have a small guest list after all. Perhaps you don't like crowds of guests and truly wanted to make your wedding very private. If this is the case then giving others left off of the list a further chance to celebrate with you may not be the ideal answer for you.

The truth is that the chances are then, that those who still feel snubbed after you have explained that you only wanted a small wedding are probably not your best friends or closest of relatives. Those who know you well and care for you will understand, given time and will just be happy for you.

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