To keep guest list down, you have to draw the line

Q. We're trying to keep our guest list under control, but we can't agree on whom to cut. One option is to invite our single friends without a guest, but I'm worried I might offend some people. Any ideas?

A. If you're thinking of cutting dates from your list, your best bet is to establish a rule across the board, and stick with it — whether the deciding factor is engagements, cohabitation, length of relationship (more than one year?) or whether you've ever met the significant other. That way, if anyone complains, you can explain your guest-list dilemma, and that you had to (fairly) draw the line somewhere.

In an ideal world, you'd be able to accommodate everyone, letting every single friend and relative bring a date, if desired. If money is the bottom line (and when isn't it?), explain that you'd prefer to invite your nearest and dearest without dates rather than crossing them off your guest list altogether. Then, carefully consider where you seat them at the wedding; you may want to seat them with other unattached friends so they won't get stuck with a bunch of lovebirds. Who knows — someone might make a match at your wedding!

Carley Roney, co-founder and editor in chief of The Knot, the nation's leading wedding resource, advises millions of brides on modern wedding etiquette at www.theknot.com.