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The easiest way to do this is to make a list of all the people you potentially want to invite (this step can be a bigger list than you mean to have, it will get trimmed down) and divide them into thee categories: 1. cannot get married without you; 2. would like to get married with you; 3. do we have to invite you. It may seem strange or harsh to divide up your potential guests this way, but it will be worth it when your guest list isn't bigger than the venue you're reserving. (After making this list and dividing up your guests, be sure to talk to your fiancée about it so you don't accidentally put Grandma on list number 3) Having a clear, written down plan of your guest list before your save the dates go out will save a lot of headaches in the long run!
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Other important factors to consider when making your guest list are the potential for awkward situations amongst your guests, when the day is meant to be about you. Things like this that want to be avoided are guests inging an unknown plus one, exes snagging an invite, or even noisy children distracting your ceremony or running around your reception. One way avoid this is to not let yourself be pressured by family members or in-laws. And if all else fails, try the old fashioned method: he who pays the most, decides the most.
