Office Invites are Where Wedding Budgets Go to Die
Let’s be honest: your wedding ceremony is the most personal, intimate moment of your life. It is the beginning of your journey as a married couple. So why do so many couples feel the need to fill their guest list with people they only know in the context of copy machines, Zoom calls and fluorescent lighting? Although we spend a huge portion of our lives with our colleagues, that doesn’t always mean they belong in your inner circle when you say I Do.
TL;DR:
If you wouldn't stay in touch after leaving your job, skip the invite. Your wedding budget and your peace of mind will thank you.
Guy at Bella Collina waiting for the ceremony to begin
1. The Work-Friend vs. The Life-Friend
I want to be very clear: some of the most beautiful friendships start in the workplace. There are absolutely cases where a coworker becomes a dear, lifelong friend. The kind of person who is there for the highs and lows, not just the lunch breaks. If you have a colleague who has become a staple in your life, they absolutely deserve an invite. Do not even hesitate on that.
But let’s be real: you probably aren't reading this post because of those three people. You are reading this because of the other twelve people in your department who you feel guilty about leaving out.
2. The Exit Interview Test
If you handed in your resignation tomorrow, would you still be texting this person six months from now? It is a tough question, but it is the most truthful one. For the vast majority of coworkers, the relationship is built on shared proximity, not a deep personal connection. If the friendship wouldn't survive a job change, it probably shouldn't be taking up an expensive seat at your wedding.
3. The Living Room Reality Check
Guy celebrating with a couple after their ceremony at The Pinery
Have they ever been to your house? Have you ever called them—not messaged them on Teams, but actually called their phone—just to talk? If your only socializing happens during a Friday happy hour or in the office breakroom, you are friendly colleagues, not intimate friends. Your wedding is a personal milestone, and the people in the seats should be those who have seen your real life, not just your professional life.
4. The Boss and The Whole Team Trap
Unless your boss is a genuine, weekend-hanging friend, the answer to an invitation is almost always no. You should never feel like you are being observed or evaluated on your wedding day. Similarly, you do not have to invite the entire team just because you are close with two people. You are allowed to have favorites in your personal life. Most coworkers will be relieved they don't have to navigate the logistics of an event where they only know the people they see at work anyway.
5. Giving the Gift of a Free Saturday
When you invite someone out of obligation, they often feel a heavy burden to attend out of obligation. You are essentially assigning them a task for their day off. By not inviting an acquaintance from work, you are actually giving them a gift: a free Saturday and the money they would have spent on a gift and an outfit. If you aren't truly close, they will be happy to congratulate you on Monday morning and leave it at that.
Outdoor reception area at Harmony Gardens in DeLeon Springs, Florida
The Final Word
Obligation is a joy-killer. It bloats your budget and dilutes the intimacy of your ceremony. As your Orlando wedding officiant, I want you to look out at your guests and see nothing but love and deep connection. Don't let your wedding become an extension of your office life. Save those seats for the people who truly champion your story.
Ready to see what a professional signature experience looks like? Contact Guy today and let’s start crafting your story
About Guy: I’m Guy, the heart and bowtie behind Guy Thee Wed. As a former school principal, I spent years mastering the art of running the show with calm, authority, and grace. Today, I use those same skills to ensure your ceremony is seamless, legally sound, and perfectly paced. When I’m not crafting signature ceremonies in Orlando, you’ll probably find me hunting for my next favorite bowtie or exploring Central Florida’s best hidden gems.