Use our free Wedding Guest List template or withjoy guest list template to help you track your wedding invitations and RSVP’s. Estimate costs for your rehearsal dinner and reception based on the number of people attending. You can also easily modify this template for other types of events and dinners.
Wedding guest list spreadsheet
If you are sending invitations to families, record the number of people you are inviting. Then, after you receive your RSVP, record the # of people attending both the rehearsal dinner and the reception.
Enter the cost per head for the dinner and reception. The total cost is calculated based on the number of people attending.
For the dinner, record known dietary restrictions and make seat assignments, if necessary.
After the reception, use your wedding guest list to help you record the descriptions of gifts received, so that you can mention the gifts in your thank you notes.
Also use it as the knot guest list template
Not only can the size of your guest list impact the venue you choose, but it is also the biggest factor when it comes to stretching your budget. The number of guests you host has a direct impact on your budget, so it’s important to compose your wedding guest list with that in mind.
If you’re fortunate enough to receive help guest list the knot paying for your wedding from family, consider how that will impact the guest list. Many times, when parents or grandparents contribute financially to your wedding budget, they may assume that the investment will include a say in the invite list on your big day. Decide early on in the wedding planning process about how you want to account for that input. Will you give them 25 percent of the guest list? 50 percent? Will you split it three ways between each set of parents and yourselves? Include everyone in these conversations and settle on a guest count allocation that works for all parties involved.
Create an A-List
The first step in working through your guest list includes working collaboratively as a couple to create an A-list of people who you absolutely want in attendance. This can include your immediate family, your wedding party, childhood friends and others who you’re close to.
“First, make your absolute list,” suggests Kara Ghassabeh, a wedding coach who helps couples navigate the nuanced relationships that come with wedding planning. “Write down the people you can’t imagine not having there. Think about the people who have been there for you over the years in significant ways, the people that shaped you, influenced you, inspired you, stood by you, walked alongside you and shared significant milestones with you. Think about the people that matter the most to you, however you define it.”
Depending on how large your family and social circles are, this list could be 10 people long or it could be 50. Either way, it gives you a feel for how many more spots you have on your list to fill given your overall budget.
Add to Your B- and C-Lists
With your must-invites in place, you two can work through the list of extended family members and friends who you will undoubtedly invite, but who may not make the cut if you end up with an intimate, pared-down wedding. Ghassabeh says these are the, “‘nice to include’ list––those more social, business, distant connections that would be so much fun to share your day with but who you don’t have the strongest, most significant bond with.”
