The guest list drives your budget more than any other decision. Every extra name adds catering, seating and favors. Starting with a clear method keeps the conversation with both families calmer.
Build the list in tiers
- Tier 1: immediate family and the people you cannot imagine the day without.
- Tier 2: extended family and close friends you see regularly.
- Tier 3: colleagues, parents' friends and acquaintances.
- Invite tier by tier until you reach your venue capacity and budget.
Fields worth tracking
- Full name and how they prefer to be addressed on the invitation.
- Side (partner A, partner B, shared, parents).
- Party size, including children and plus-ones.
- Invitation sent date and RSVP status.
- Gift received, for thank-you notes later.
Handling plus-ones fairly
Pick a rule and apply it to everyone: for example, plus-ones for married, engaged or long-term partners only. A consistent rule is easier to explain than a list of exceptions.
Splitting numbers between families
Common approaches are an even three-way split (couple, each set of parents) or proportional to who is contributing financially. Agree on the method before anyone starts naming guests.
Review the list once more after RSVPs close. Declines often free a few seats for tier 3 guests you had to leave off earlier.