Creating your guest list for a destination wedding doesn’t have to be stressful! With the right system, you can get organized and have a clear plan in no time. Here are five simple steps to help you put it all together.
1. Get Organized
Start with a master list of everyone you plan to invite. Then, open a spreadsheet (Excel, Google Sheets, even a notebook works) and create three columns to help you visualize everything: A, B, and C. This will give you a better idea of how many guests might attend and how many rooms you’ll need to reserve!
2. Identify Your “Yes” Guests
The A List is for the people you know will absolutely be there. Think bridal party, parents, grandparents, and your closest friends. These are your must-haves! The guests who wouldn’t miss your wedding for anything.
3. Remove the No’s
The C List is where you place guests you feel you should invite, but you know won’t be able to attend. This might include old friends, extended family, or coworkers. You’ll still send them an invitation, but it’s safe to assume they won’t travel.
4. Identify the “Iffy” Guests
Your B List includes the guests who would love to be there, but you’re not sure if they’ll be able to make the trip. These are your maybes. On average, about 50% of invited guests attend a destination wedding. That means you can usually invite a few more people than you would for a traditional hometown wedding, knowing not everyone will come.
5. Estimate Your Guest Count
Now it’s time to do the math! Add everyone from your A List plus about half of your B List. This gives you a realistic estimate of how many guests you can expect, which also helps determine how many rooms to block, chairs to set out, and slices of cake you’ll need.
6. Loop in Your Destination Wedding Specialist
Once you have a rough idea of your numbers, connect with your destination wedding specialist right away! They’ll start the reservation process, help with your room block, and look for group perks or upgrade opportunities.
And that’s it! A simple, stress-free way to create your guest list and set the foundation for the rest of your planning. Want to see an example? We have a sample list! Ready to start planning your big day? We'd love to hear from you, let's get started!
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