One of the first big decisions you will face when planning your wedding is creating your guest list. It might seem simple—just invite everyone you love! But when you start juggling venue capacities, budgets, family expectations, and personal preferences, it can quickly become one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning.

Here’s our tried-and-true guide to creating your guest list without the stress:

1. Start with Your Ideal Number

Before you write down any names, check your venue’s capacity and your budget. This will help you determine your ideal number of guests. It’s much easier to work within a clear limit than to start listing names and realise you’ve gone way over.

2. Create Two Lists: A and B

Your A List includes the must-haves  — your closest family and friends, the people you couldn’t imagine getting married without.
Your B List is everyone else you would love to have if space and budget allow: colleagues, distant relatives, old friends you’re still fond of.

As RSVPs start to come in from your A list, you can then start to invite people from your B List as space allows — this method gives you flexibility without overcommitting.

3. Talk to Key People Early

If your parents or in-laws are contributing financially, they may expect a say in the guest list. Have an open conversation early to avoid surprises and potential stress down the line. Set clear boundaries about how many guests each side can invite, and try to find a balance that works for everyone.

4. Be Ruthless (But Kind)

It’s tempting to include everyone you have ever met, but remember: you are not obligated to invite old school friends you haven’t spoken to in years, or every plus-one. Think about who will truly add to the atmosphere and joy of your day.

A helpful rule of thumb: "If you wouldn’t go for a coffee with them now, they probably don’t need a seat at your wedding"

5. Consider the Plus-Ones

To keep numbers under control, you can create a rule around plus-ones. A common approach is to only offer them to guests who are married, engaged, or in long-term relationships. It may feel a bit awkward, but guests usually understand once it’s explained.

6. Use a Guest List Tracker

Spreadsheets, online tools like Google Sheets or wedding planning apps, are invaluable here. Keep track of names, addresses, dietary requirements, RSVPs and gifts all in one place — it will save you time and stress later.

7. Revisit and Refine

Your first draft doesn’t have to be final. As plans progress and responses roll in, you will naturally need to tweak your list. Give yourself permission to edit it — your wedding, your rules!

Final Thoughts

Creating your guest list is more than just logistics —  it’s about choosing the people you want to surround yourselves with on one of the most meaningful days of your life. Stay true to what matters most to you as a couple, and the rest will fall into place.

If you would like help managing your guest list, RSVPs, or any of the  planning details, we would love to chat! At Take a Pew, we are here to make your wedding feel effortless — so you can focus on what really matters: saying "I do" surrounded by love.