How to build your wedding guest list
Start before you book a venue - the number of guests decides the size of venue, the catering bill and most of your budget. A simple way to begin:
- Agree a rough total with your partner (and anyone contributing to the budget).
- Write down the must-haves first: immediate family, grandparents, closest friends.
- Add the second circle: extended family, friends you see regularly, partners of guests.
- Decide your rules once - plus-ones, children, work colleagues - and apply them to everyone.
- Keep a "maybe" group for if numbers allow, and invite them after the first replies.
Why a guest list app beats a spreadsheet
A spreadsheet is fine until replies start arriving. Then you're copying RSVPs from texts and emails, counting meals by hand and keeping three versions in sync with your partner. In BrideSpark, guests' replies update the list themselves, you both see the same list, and the headcount, meals and seating are always current.
Already have a spreadsheet? Import it - BrideSpark reads your column headers and shows a preview before anything is added.
Free, with no guest limit
Many guest list tools cap the free version at 50 or 100 guests. BrideSpark has no limit and no paid plan - add every guest, household and plus-one.