Start by writing down all your immediate family and close friends, and work your list out from there. Put down everyone you think is a possible invitee, you can score them off later, include work colleugues, friends and family who live abroad etc. There are some people whom you know will definitely not come to your Wedding due to infirmity, distance or prior commitments so you can invite them but count them out of the final numbers. Some guests you can also immediately classify as night guests only. For the rest, when it comes down to a numbers game, you and your partner will have to compromise and most probably, will have to make some tough decisions.

Children?
One decision you will have to make and stick to to, is whether or not to have
children present on the Day. This is a difficult one as some guests would prefer a child-free day whilst others, will want their children present. You will need to be firm if you decide not to have children present as there can't be one rule for some guests and one rule for others. If you do decide to have children present, try to look into the facilities that your chosen venue could provide, like a creche or babysitting for the evening.  

Children's entertainment is something to think about if you are having children at your Wedding. Children tend to get bored very quickly so parents have no time to relax and enjoy themselves. Why not have a children's entertainer, magician or clown. This not only allows you and your adult guests to enjoy the Wedding but it takes the stress out of what should be a delight: having children around on your day. Children's entertainment has really come of age today and there are so many varieties of entertainment to choose from: clowns or face painting for a few hours, or an entire children's Wedding party all of their own.

You could even provide an activity pack or book at each child's place setting which not only will keep them amused, but will double as a special gift. It's not hard to make children feel really special too at your Wedding.