Asking, or not asking someone to your wedding can cause a entire family break down if you let it.

So what's the best way around this?

Let me tell you a few tips I've learnt over the past 2 decades of photographing weddings and events.

Think of massive parties you've attended where the guests don't get a chance to talk to the Bride and Groom and the intimate gatherings where large chunks of time are spent hanging out with each person.

Now ask yourself, which one sounds more appealing?

Then, ask yourself these 5 questions to figure out who to invite to your wedding celebration.

1: Have you seen them in the past few years?

As you get older, you go longer and longer times without seeing each other, so depending on your age, the time frame importance will vary here.

2: Have both of you (Bride and Groom to be) met them?

If friends and family haven't made the effort to attend events which you may have held or both been invited to, it sure makes it easier to cut them off the list.

3: Do they live overseas?

Sometimes this answers the question for you pretty quickly, if they can afford to travel to see you then that's fabulous- but most people would probably prefer not to be invited so they don't have the guilt of having to say no.

4: Couples- Have you met their partner?

Have you had a chance to meet the partner in the time they've been together? Then again, perhaps they shouldn't be on the list.

5: Seating limit.

Do you have a set limit on how many people you can have at the venue? 

Once again, the venue has helped you decide.

(bonus tip) 5A: Happiness.

Will the person/s make the wedding more fun? Then they should be on the list!

Now that you have this guest guideline, sort out what you can afford and if you need to cut back a few more, you could always go with the new trend and make it a kid-free wedding?