Tips for Creating and Trimming Your Wedding Guest List 

Begin by listing everyone you’d ideally want to celebrate with, from family and friends to coworkers and acquaintances. At this stage, don’t worry about the final number—just jot down names to give you an idea of your starting point. 

Planner Tip: Divide the list into categories (e.g., immediate family, extended family, close friends, colleagues) to keep things organized. 

Determine how many people you can realistically host based on your venue’s capacity and your budget. Thanksgiving Point offers a variety of venue sizes, so knowing your preferred space can help guide this decision. 

Planner Tip: Multiply your per-person catering cost by your guest count limit to get a rough idea of how your guest list impacts your budget. 

Once you have your dream list, identify the people who absolutely must be there. This typically includes immediate family, your wedding party, and closest friends. Mark these names as non-negotiable. 

Ask yourself these questions for each guest: 

• Have I spoken to or seen this person in the past year? 

• Are they an important part of my life currently or in the near future? 

• Would I feel disappointed if they couldn’t attend? 

If the answer is “no” to most of these questions, consider moving them to a “B-list” or cutting them from the list altogether. 

Communicate with family members early about guest list expectations. If parents are helping financially, they may feel entitled to invite additional guests. Be clear about how many people each side of the family can invite to avoid misunderstandings later. 

Your B-list includes guests you’d like to invite if your RSVP numbers are lower than expected. Send your primary invitations first, and if you receive declines, move to your B-list. 

Planner Tip: Send out invitations early to allow enough time for this process. 

Not every guest needs a plus-one. For single friends, consider whether they’ll know other attendees and feel comfortable on their own. 

If you’re opting for an adults-only wedding, be sure to clearly state this on your invitations. Thanksgiving Point offers a family-friendly atmosphere, but your big day is about your preferences, and it’s completely your choice to allow children at your wedding, reception, or luncheon. 

Example Wording: “We respectfully request no children at the reception.” 

Trimming the guest list can feel personal, but remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love. You’re not obligated to invite every coworker, distant cousin, or childhood friend. Focus on creating a meaningful day with the people who matter most. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider working with a wedding planner. Thanksgiving Point’s team of experienced planners can help you navigate guest list challenges and ensure that your day is as stress-free as possible. 

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