💌 Bless Your Heart, But You’re Not on the Guest List

5 Awkward Wedding Guest Assumptions—and How to Handle Them with Grace, Grit, and Glamour

Now listen here, cupcake—planning a wedding is all tiaras and champagne until someone you haven’t talked to since high school comments,

“Can’t wait for your big day! I’ll save the date!” 😳

Oh no, honey. Not today, Satan… or Sharon from accounting.

As any Cherry Pop Events bride knows, your guest list is sacred real estate—every name on it should bring you joy, not anxiety. But when someone assumes they’re on the list and they most certainly are not, it’s time to channel your inner Donna Reed and drop the velvet hammer with kindness and class.

Here are five common scenarios and some darling ways to deliver the gentle-but-firm truth—with sugar on top.

🍸 1. The “We Went to College Together… Once” Assumer

Situation: Someone from your past pops up and assumes a seat’s been saved for them because you once split a pizza in 2009.

Sassy-yet-sweet response:

“Oh, I’ve loved seeing your updates! We’re keeping the wedding super intimate with just close family and a few lifelong friends—but I’m sending out lots of love and champagne wishes your way!”

💋 Cherry Pop Tip: Pre-write a few of these “regretful regret” messages and keep them ready to go. Ain’t nobody got time to spiral mid-seating-chart.

🎀 2. The Co-worker Who Thinks It’s a Company Party

Situation: You shared donuts in the breakroom once, and now she’s dreaming of catching the bouquet.

Verbiage for a gentle no-thank-you:

“You’ve been such a joy to work with! We decided to keep the guest list very personal—just family and longtime friends—but I so appreciate your support!”

💋 Cherry Pop Pro Move: Avoid “maybe” language. “We’re keeping it small” = good. “We’ll see” = emotional booby trap.

🍼 3. Your Cousin’s Plus-One… Plus Their Kids, Too?!

Situation: Cousin Linda RSVPs with her new boyfriend, his two kids, and possibly a hamster.

Tactful truth bomb:

“We’re so happy you’re coming! Just a heads up—our wedding is adults-only due to space and budget, but we’ll absolutely raise a toast to the whole crew!”

💋 Want someone else to do the dirty work? That’s what your Cherry Pop Events planner’s for. We’ve handled more awkward RSVP rescues than a Southern debutante has pearls.

👗 4. The Friend-of-a-Friend Tag-along

Situation: Your old friend texts, “Hey, can I bring my roommate—he loves weddings!”

Put on your prettiest ‘no’ smile and reply with:

“Oh, that’s sweet of you to ask! We’re only able to accommodate the guests we originally invited, but I’m so excited to celebrate with you!”

💋 Cherry Pop Reminder: It’s YOUR day—not a community picnic. Keep your circle sparkling and stress-free.

💍 5. The Distant Relative with a Guilt Trip

Situation: Aunt Marlene’s third cousin (who you’ve never met) starts asking what time the ceremony starts.

Kind but clear response:

“Oh, I wish we had room for everyone! We had to make some really tough decisions to keep it manageable. I hope we can catch up after the wedding over coffee—or cake!”

💋 Pro Tip from Cherry Pop: Blame it on the venue size, the budget, or your planner (we don’t mind!). Just don’t feel guilty for protecting your peace.

🎉 Final Thought: Your Guest List, Your Rules

Darling, not everyone will understand—and that’s okay. You’re not being rude, you’re being realistic. And trust us, a well-curated guest list makes for a far better time than a free-for-all full of awkward acquaintances and uninvited plus-ones.

Let your planner (hi, that’s us!) help with the hard stuff. From templated replies to wording your website just right, Cherry Pop Events knows how to keep the sass high and the stress low.

✨ Need help crafting your invitations, managing RSVPs, or just saying “no” with flair?
We’ve got the etiquette of a Southern belle and the backbone of a bouncer.

💌 Click here to book your complimentary consultation of planners today.

Because babe, setting boundaries is the new black—and you wear it so well. 💋

Cherry Pop Events