A Complete Guide to Creating the Ultimate Wedding Guest List

Fergie Medar Photography

The moment for which you have been dreaming of has finally arrived. Friends and family alike have been waiting for what seems like decades for this precious moment in time. It is the moment for which you finally say, “I do” to the beau of your dreams. And as the sparkle of the moment and reality settles, it becomes apparent that setting the date was the easy part. Conquering the guest list will be one of the greatest challenges of all. 

How exactly does one account for their dreams, hopes, and loved ones from every cornerstone of life into this one extraordinary moment? Here to guide you are 10 of Designed by Delsie’s favorite tips to create the ultimate guest list for your next soiree.

Leah Haydock Photography

Do Not Invite Too Many People 

For a variety of reasons, 10-15% of your guests will not be able to make it to your wedding; however, it is important to have a backup plan in case all the guests that you invite do show up. You may be more popular than you think!  Also, it is important to consider the total number of guests that your venue can accommodate, especially if your rain contingency plan is different from the good weather plan. 

Fergie Medar Photography

Delsie’s Signature ABC Method 

Delsie’s Signature ABC Method will help you and your spouse-to-be prioritize your potential guests in a way that will help you organize your list without compromising your emotions too much during the process. This method is particularly helpful if you have  already booked a venue and need to match the capacity of the venue. This method should be reconsidered if you are hosting a micro wedding with less than 40 people so that you can be even more intentional with your guest list.

• A List: Immediate family, close friends, first cousins/aunts/uncles, and grandparents

• B List: Extended family members, friends whom you connected with within the past year 

• C List: Co-workers, guests whom you have not connected with in over a year

Ashley Olafsson Photography

Consider Family Dynamics

A wedding is the perfect opportunity for families to come together, but with many dynamics to consider, this vision may require a more strategic approach. Family dynamics can impact various parts of the wedding day, and they are particularly important to consider when making seating arrangements and determining the processional order.

It is also common for today's families to include blended members from previous relationships, such as step children and new marriages. A wedding is a perfect opportunity to establish unity amongst all parties. While conversations may be difficult, be sure to have them early on and with all members to ensure that all viewpoints are incorporated in a way that feels organic and sentimental to your loved ones.

HR Marsan Studios

Consider Guests with Disabilities

Be sure to inform your planner in advance so that appropriate accommodations can be made. Required accommodations can include choices from table and chairs to venue accessibility. It is crucial to keep this in mind from the beginning of the planning process.

HR Marsan Studios

Consider Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Work with your chef to create a balanced meal that considers allergies and dietary restrictions of your guests as well. It is a good idea to include hot and cold varieties, gluten and dairy free options, and vegetarian and vegan choices. 

HR Marsan Studios

Add Plus Ones - Consistently

Plan a rule and stick to it. We recommend that you only invite plus ones if the couple has been dating for over 6 months, they live together, or they are engaged or plan to wed.

As an expert in culinary arts and hospitality, Designed by Delsie is an industry leader in creating events that will captivate your guests in the most extraordinary way. We will guide you through the process of crafting a dynamic food and beverage program to create an unforgettable experience that is as authentic as your personal love story.

Fergie Medar Photography

Implement a Policy for Children

Many people might assume their children are invited, and it is very possible that you want all the kids at your wedding. However, if you want a kid-free atmosphere on your special day, it might be useful to implement a cut-off age (i.e. over the age of 14 or 18). If you choose to do this, it is a good idea to relay this on the wedding website. Many people also might choose to exclude their flower girls, ring bearers, and other special children in their lives regardless of the rule they institute for guests.

Fergie Medar Photography

Give Adequate RSVP Time

Give an RSVP date of four weeks prior to the event. If a guest does not RSVP in time, call them to inquire about their response. It is crucial to acquire final details for this at least 1-month prior to the wedding because final counts for vendors, escort cards, and seating charts all rely on this information. 

Dawn Temple Photography

Consider the Guest Experience 

Be sure to create a wedding website with all information for easy access to the guests. This can be distributed via your save-the-date, invitation, and by word of mouth. It is very helpful for guests who might have forgotten their invitation to have all the day-of details at their fingertips.

Fergie Medar Photography

Book Hotel Blocks

Consider 1-3 hotels from which out of town guests can select. It is helpful to get courtesy room blocks at hotels across different tiers. Include a boutique hotel, major brand hotel, and an economical hotel. 

HR Marsan Studios

A unique guest experience creates an immersive world at your event that your guests will likely talk about for years to come. We know at times this can be a difficult choice to rectify with your dream wedding vision, and we hope that this article helped you determine how to navigate how to include your loved ones on your guest list.

The excellent quality of professionalism and work ethic with Designed by Delsie was beyond exceptional. Pearl worked tirelessly, in style of course, with an effort that was effortless. She was such a joy and pleasure to work with that I would say yes to any event that is spear headed by her. She uses only the best and expects only the best and it shows by her passion and dedication in what she does. The client was overwhelmed with joy and was extremely happy with the work that we did. All of the attendees were also more than satisfied with the work that we put out and it gives me nothing by great joy working with the best and exceeding our clients expectations. Designed by Delsie is your Go-to for any event that you may have. Pearl is phenomenal and if exceptional, luxury service is what you desire than look no further than Designed by Delsie. Your satisfaction will be exceeded.

- client

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