Whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering with close family and friends or a larger celebration, selecting your guest list and guest count can be one of the most challenging parts of planning your wedding. Your guests share one of the most special days of your life with you and your partner, so it is very important to agree on this list together. Your guest list should be decided right away as it will determine other factors like venue capacity, food choices, guest experiences, and overall budget.
Keeping your guest list and information in a spreadsheet like Google Sheets or Excel is helpful to keep track of the information and to easily send it to your stationer for addressing save-the-dates and invitations!
Spreadsheet Columns
Column 1: Guest Names
Column 2: And Family or And Guest
Column 3: Street Address
Column 4: City
Column 5: State
Column 6: Zip Code
Column 7: Number of Guests Invited
Column 8: Number of Adults Attending
Column 9: Number of Kids Attending
Column 10: Dietary Restrictions
Column 11: Food Choice
Column 12: Assigned Table Number
The B-List
Some couples choose to have a secondary guest list of people to invite once they hear back from those unable to attend from their initial list. There are varying opinions on this option, but it’s truly up to you and your partner if a “B-List” is something you want to consider.
If you do plan on mailing your invitations in stages, we recommend sending your initial invitations earlier than usual so that your second round of invitations isn’t sent too close to the wedding day. Consider asking guests to reply online via email or your wedding website to expedite the process.
If you are concerned that someone may find out they are on your B-List, it is recommended not to have family or friends that know each other on the two separate lists.
Save-the-Dates
Save-the-dates are sent to guests to announce your wedding, allowing them to mark their calendars and make preparations to attend your special day. These are separate from your invitations and typically include details like your names, wedding date, the city and state where the wedding will occur, website URL, and a note that an invitation will follow. We recommend working with your stationer to create a unique and personalized save-the-date to show off your engagement photos, your personality or interests, and a nod to your wedding style and color palette! Some unique ideas to consider include retro postcards, magnets, scratch-offs, puzzles, tickets, or even a wooden save-the-date!
Invitations
Wedding invitations are your official announcement to your guests, inviting them to share in the joy of your special day. They are a crucial part of your wedding stationery suite and set the tone for the event. Unlike
save-the-dates, which serve as an early heads-up, wedding invitations provide detailed information about the ceremony, reception, and all the essential logistics. Your wedding invitations typically include your names, wedding date, venue details, RSVP instructions, and sometimes additional inserts like accommodation information and directions.
Working closely with your stationer or designer, you can create personalized invitations that reflect your unique style—whether it’s classic, rustic, modern, or themed to match your wedding colors and motifs. Consider adding special touches like custom illustrations, elegant calligraphy, or even incorporating elements from your love story into the design.
Remember, your wedding invitations are not just a piece of paper; they are a cherished keepsake that captures the essence of your love story and the beginning of your journey together as a married couple.
BearMoose&Fox | Emily Jean Photography | Haley Hundt Photography | Madison Dahlquist Photography |
Rhonda Rogers Photography | Skyler & Vhan Photography
Invitation Wording Ideas
1
With great pleasure
Quinn Everly
and
Parker Brooks
invite you to join them
at the celebration of their marriage
Saturday, July 18, 2026
4:30 PM
Venue
City, State
Dinner and dancing to follow
2
Together with their families
Quinn Everly
and
Parker Brooks
invite you to the celebration
of their marriage
Saturday, July 18, 2026
at 4:30 in the afternoon
Venue
City, State
Reception to follow
3
Mrs. Jessica Everly
Mr. William Daniels
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Brooks
Request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their children
Quinn Morgan
and
Parker James
Saturday, the eighteenth of July
Two thousand twenty-six
At half past four in the afternoon
Venue
City, State
Black tie
4
You are invited to
the wedding of
Quinn & Parker
On Saturday
The eighteenth day of July
Two thousand twenty-six
At half past four in the afternoon
Venue
City, State
Reception immediately to follow
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