Creating Your Wedding Guest List: A Guide

The guest list might be one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning. Here's how to navigate this potentially sensitive task with grace.

Start with the Non-Negotiables

Before you begin, both partners should independently list people they absolutely must have there:

• Immediate family
• Best friends
• Anyone you'd be devastated to miss the day

This is your "A list" — these people are coming no matter what.

Consider Your Budget and Venue

These practical factors will determine your maximum headcount:

• Budget: Each guest costs money (typically $150-250 per person for food and drinks alone)
• Venue capacity: Your dream venue might have a limit
• Atmosphere: Intimate (50 or fewer), medium (50-100), or large celebration (100+)?

The Guest List Tiers

Tier A: Must Invite

Immediate family, wedding party, closest friends. These people would be deeply hurt not to be invited, and you'd feel their absence.

Tier B: Should Invite

Extended family you're close with, good friends, colleagues you socialise with outside work.

Tier C: Nice to Invite

Acquaintances, distant relatives, work colleagues. If budget and space allow, but not essential.

Common Guest List Dilemmas

"Do we have to invite plus-ones?"

You should invite plus-ones for:

• Anyone in a serious relationship (living together, engaged, married)
• Anyone who won't know other guests

It's okay not to offer plus-ones to single guests who will know plenty of people there.

"What about kids?"

This is entirely your choice. Options include:

• All children welcome
• Only children in the wedding party
• Only children of immediate family
• Adults only

Whatever you decide, be consistent and communicate clearly.

"My parents want to invite their friends"

If parents are contributing financially, it's reasonable for them to have some input. Suggestions:

• Agree on a specific number of spots they can fill
• Suggest they host a separate celebration for their friends
• Compromise by including their closest friends only

"Can we invite people just to the reception?"

This is generally considered poor etiquette in Australia. If budget is tight, it's better to have a smaller guest list where everyone attends everything.

How to Handle Not Inviting Someone

• You don't owe anyone an explanation
• Avoid discussing the wedding around people who aren't invited
• If asked directly, a simple "We had to keep it small" suffices
• Consider having a casual post-wedding celebration for a wider group

Tracking Your Guest List

Use a spreadsheet or tool (like Hitched!) to track:

• Names and contact details
• Which partner they're connected to
• Invitation sent date
• RSVP status
• Meal preferences
• Plus-one details