I was recently interviewed for an article in the Northwest Herald, a paper in Illinois:

From tasting the cake to choosing that perfect first dance number, most wedding preparations are fun and exciting.

But there’s one task that can drive a seemingly normal couple to the brink of insanity – the guest list. For small weddings, which industry experts define as fewer than 100 people, the process is even more overwhelming.

“It’s really challenging,” said Ariel Meadow Stallings, author of the book “Offbeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives for Independent Brides.” “You feel like a bouncer at a club. You’re in charge of this VIP list.”

Read the full article.

My fiancé has a very small family, while my family is ridiculously huge … do you have any ideas on how we might be able to help his family (of about eight Polish immigrants with limited English speaking abilities) be not so intimidated by my family (of about 50 festive Mexican Americans)? We’ve already decided that having the guests split up into a groom’s side and a bride’s side is just ridiculous and we’re not having any of that. However, I am at a loss as far as how to diplomatically integrate our very different families. —Veronica

First, I have to take a second to say that Veronica and her fiancé Luke are one of the cutest couples I’ve ever seen at an Offbeat event. Look at how adorable they are in their matching little veils! So much of teh kyoot™!

But anyway, onto the question at hand: how to deal with enormously lopsided family guest-lists …

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