Special events and weddings are stressful enough without having to worry if you can afford to invite your long lost fourth aunt.  Where should you draw the line?  These decisions can be as rough as choosing the perfect dress or which caterer to choose. When considering who makes the guest list cut consider these five rules of thumb.

1)  Keep your budget and venue in mind: Analyze your situation from afar.  How big is the space and how many people can actually fit.  If your venue cites a maximum capacity of 100 and your guest list is 150, it is clear that at least 50 guests need to be cut.  This guideline will help you stay in budget.  If you could only afford 100 people than you certainly will not go over after your cuts are made.

2)  Keep it equal:  There is normally more than one person associated with the planning of a special event.  Consider a wedding; it isn't fair to cut the aforementioned 50 people from the groom's side and only his side.  Keep it 50/50. 

3) Consider cutting by category:  Start by dividing the guest list into groups.  Start with immediate family, close relatives, mutual friends, family friends and so on.  Even though sometimes we would like to, you're probably not going to cut any of your immediate family from the guest list!  Start with the category that has the least affiliation with you.  Work up the list from there.  This should simplify the process.

4)  Live in the now:  If you haven't seen someone in 15 years, don't feel obligated to invite them.  If there's room that's great, but if there's not it becomes a simple decision.  

5)  Stick to your gut:  Once you make your initial cuts don't over think them!  You cut those people for a reason.  Remember that this is your special day, not someone else's.