You’re not alone. We got you. In this guide, we’re breaking down how to make a wedding guest list that feels right for you.
We totally understand that creating your wedding guest list is one of the first big “whoa, this is real” moments in planning—and it can feel a little overwhelming. Who makes the cut? How many is too many? What if your mom wants to invite her book club?
START WITH YOUR DREAM WEDDING GUEST LIST
Before you worry about cost or venue size, take a deep breath and do this: write down every single person you’d want by your side if money didn’t matter. That includes:
- Close and extended family
- Childhood friends
- College buddies
- Co-workers
- Your favorite barista or dog walker (hey, no judgment)
Photo from: Loon Weddings
Leave space. You’ll remember people later, trust me. This is your “no limits” list. Just get names out of your head and onto paper, or better, into a spreadsheet. Google Sheets or Excel works wonders here for keeping track and making changes later.
Photos from: Loon Weddings
USE YOUR BUDGET TO SET A HEADCOUNT BOUNDARY
Here’s the part no one loves, but everyone needs: budgeting per guest.
Weddings cost money. A lot. Most folks don’t realize how quickly things add up until they multiply the number of guests by the average cost per head (usually $100). So let’s say you’re looking at 150 guests. That’s $15,000 just for food, drinks, and basics. Yikes, right?
Now reverse-engineer that. If your total budget for catering is $6,000, and your caterer charges $50 per plate, that leaves room for 120 guests max. That includes your vendors too, like your photographer and DJ. So plan accordingly.
Photo from: Loon Weddings
CREATE TWO VERSIONS OF YOUR LIST AND
TALK WITH YOUR PARTNER
Talk with your partner and decide on two lists:
- List A: Must-haves. The non-negotiables. Immediate family, best friends, your ride-or-dies.
- List B: The hopefuls. Extended relatives, college roommates, friendly acquaintances.
Tally each list. Multiply List A guests by $100 (or your caterer’s rate) and see where your budget stands. Then do the same with List B using a more modest rate—say $40 per person—for a scaled-down version. Now you can flex depending on your budget. Add from List B as wiggle room allows.
Photos from: Loon Weddings
Come Into An Agreement With Your Partner
This isn’t just your list, it’s your wedding. So make sure you and your partner are on the same page.
Ask each other:
- Do we want something intimate and fancy?
- Or big, fun, and relaxed?
- Who do we really want to spend this day with?
It helps to zoom out. Think about the feeling you’re going for, not just the people. Are you hoping to have deep convos and dance-floor moments with everyone there? Then a smaller guest list might be better for you.
Don’t Forget To Include Vendors
Quick reminder, your guest list should also include:
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Wedding planner or day-of coordinator
- DJ or band members
- Officiant
- Anyone else staying for dinner
Yup, they all need a plate too. It’s easy to forget this but your final headcount will depend on it.
Photo from: Loon Weddings
Photos from: Loon Weddings
MANAGING PLUS-ONES & FAMILY MEMBERS
This one can get tricky. Some couples give every guest a plus-one. Others limit it to couples who are:
- Married
- Engaged
- Living together
- Dating seriously for 6+ months
There’s no right or wrong here. It’s your day. It’s your budget. And it’s totally okay to draw the line where it feels fair and manageable. You can even add a short line on your RSVP card or wedding website like, “Due to limited space, we’re only able to accommodate guests listed on your invitation.”
Photo from: Loon Weddings
ONE LAST THING BEFORE YOU FINALIZE YOUR LIST
Making a guest list for a wedding feels big. Because it is. These are your people. The ones you want cheering you on, crying happy tears, tearing up the dance floor. So yeah, it’s a big deal. But if you approach it with honesty, teamwork, and a touch of humor, it gets easier.
Photo from: Loon Weddings
Remember, this wedding is about your love story. Keep the focus there. If needed, have your partner back you up in tough convos. Don’t forget your budget. Trust your gut. And know that no matter what, your wedding will be full of love.
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✅ Our Signature Wedding Planning Checklist
✅ A Step-by-Step Breakdown of The Wedding Day
✅ Top 10 Mistakes Made When Planning a Wedding
✅ Custom Built Wedding Planning Tools & Resources
✅ Tutorials On: Creating Your Wedding Budget
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