R.S.V.P - The Right Strategies for Managing Your Guest List Like a Pro

Start with those you couldn’t picture your wedding without

Begin by listing friends & family members who you wouldn’t want to get married without to ensure they have a guaranteed spot. From there, expand to your ‘like to haves’.

Categorise Friends and Colleagues

Categorise friends and colleagues into tiers for example, your school or college friends may be in a different category than work colleagues. This helps when making tough decisions.

Think Long-Term

Consider the long-term relationships in your life. Will you still be in touch with this person in five or ten years? If not, they may not be a priority on your wedding day.

Be Mindful of Plus-Ones

Clearly define your plus-one policy. While it’s customary to allow guests in serious relationships to bring a date, consider limiting plus-ones if space is tight.

Create A & B Lists

Prepare two lists: an A-list for must-invite guests and a B-list for those you’d like to include if space allows. This way, you can adjust your guest count based on RSVPs.

Consider Venue Size

Choose a venue that accommodates the number of guests you have in mind. Ensure there’s enough space for dining, dancing, or whichever activities you have in mind without feeling crowded.

Communicate Clearly

Clearly communicate your limitations to guests. Let them know if space is limited and if, unfortunately, not everyone can be accommodated. Most guests will understand the constraints.

Respect Parental Input

If parents are contributing to the wedding, consider their input on the guest list. Be open to discussions but don’t let them take over, find a compromise that works for everyone.

Utilise Online RSVPs

Use online RSVPs to gather responses efficiently. This not only saves time but also allows you to track responses and make adjustments to the guest list easily.

Set RSVP Deadlines

Establish clear RSVP deadlines to finalise the guest list. This ensures you have plenty of time to make arrangements and adjust numbers as needed.

Ultimately though, it’s you who is getting married so the choice is down to you on your soon-to-be spouse. Remember that your wedding is a celebration of your relationship, so focus on inviting those who have played a significant role in your lives, who will be there to support and hype you, and who will add to the positive atmosphere of love and joy during the celebrations.

Love,
Rachel x