How to Plan Your Wedding Guest List Like a Pro (in 3 Simple Steps)
- ldownes09
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Struggling with your guest list? You’re not alone. It’s one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning—but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here's how to streamline the process and make confident decisions from the start.
1. Start with Your Venue & Final Budget
Before you even think about names, get clear on two key pillars:
Your venue capacity: how many people it can realistically accommodate.
Your final budget: more guests = more food, more drinks, more everything.
💡 Pro tip: It’s easier to scale your guest list once you’ve nailed these down.
2. Build a Rough Guest List: Must-Haves vs Nice-to-Haves
Create two simple columns:
Must-invite guests: immediate family, lifelong friends, and VIPs.
Nice-to-have guests: colleagues, extended relatives, or friends you haven’t seen in a while.
Ask yourself: What role does this person play in our lives right now? Would our day feel incomplete without them there?
This step helps you prioritise without pressure.
3. Consider the Guest Dynamics
It’s not just about numbers—it’s about vibes. Think about:
Past or potential conflicts between guests
Whether inviting someone might create tension or stress for you or your partner
If each guest truly aligns with the experience you want to create
💡 Remember: You’re inviting people into your most personal moment—it’s okay to be selective.
Bonus Tip:
Keep a shared spreadsheet or use a guest list tool to track RSVPs, dietary needs, addresses, and +1s all in one place. (And yes - With Everly helps with that!)
Want to see this explained on video?
Check out this quick YouTube short where I break down these guest list planning tips — perfect if you prefer video advice or a refresher on the go!
Ready to take the stress out of planning?
Did you know you can use With Everly to seamlessly plan your wedding day digitally? Choose from stunning wedding website templates, send matching digital invites with a built-in RSVP manager, and organise your guest list all in one place. Plus, we offer a curated gift list and a zero-fee cash gift registry to make gifting effortless.
✨ Join With Everly today and start planning your perfect wedding with us!
