(And How to Keep It That Way)
Now listen here, cupcake—this isn’t the town hall sock hop. It’s your big day, and that means no plus-fours, no second cousins twice removed, and certainly no one’s new boyfriend we’ve never met. Keeping your wedding guest list to around 100 people? That’s not just practical. It’s pure planning perfection.
So toss on your prettiest polka dots, pour a bubbly, and let’s chat about why less is more (and more is chaos in heels).
💍 Why 100 Guests is the Sweet Spot
- 💸 Budget-Friendly: Fewer mouths = less moolah. You can actually afford that dreamy hors d’oeuvre station and fancy cake layers without selling the jukebox.
- 👗 Intimate Vibes: You’ll actually get to see and talk to your guests, not just wave like a debutante on a parade float.
- 📸 Better Photos: Your photographer won’t have to play Where’s Waldo to capture the important people in the crowd.
- 🎉 Quality Over Quantity: Wouldn’t you rather spend your day with folks who really matter instead of inviting someone just because they once lent your aunt a mixing bowl?
✂️ How to Cut That Guest List Like a Pro
Pull out the red lipstick and get ruthless (but sweet). Here’s how to slice and dice your guest list with grace:
1. Set Your Core List
Start with immediate family and lifelong besties. These are your ride-or-die darlings.
2. Use the “Would You Grab Coffee?” Test
If you wouldn’t willingly meet them one-on-one, maybe they don’t need to witness your vows.
3. Limit Plus-Ones
Married or long-term partners only, sugar. No plus-ones for folks you’ve never met or who were added just because someone didn’t want to ride solo.
4. No Work Guilt
Unless you’re besties with Barb from HR, your coworkers probably don’t need a seat next to Grandma.
5. Create Tiers
Tier A? Invited right away. Tier B? Waitlist-style, if space allows. Tier C? Sorry, Charlie.
🙅♀️ How to Politely Say No to Plus-Ones
We love a confident queen or king, but sometimes folks get ideas that they can bring a friend, date, or their cousin who’s “in the area.”
Here’s how to politely rein that in:
Example 1:
“Oh sweet pea, we’re keeping it cozy with close friends and family—so we’re sadly not able to accommodate plus-ones.”
Example 2:
“We’re aiming for an intimate day with just 100 of our nearest and dearest, so we’re keeping the guest list tight.”
Example 3:
“We’d love to include everyone, but our venue and budget just won’t stretch. We hope you understand, darling!”
Stick to your RSVP cards and address invites clearly. “Ms. Betty Baker” doesn’t mean “Ms. Betty Baker + Date + Favorite Neighbor + That One Guy From Trivia Night.”
📉 So How Many Guests Actually Show Up?
Statistically speaking, honey, you’re lookin’ at around 75% to 85% of your invited guests making it. That means if you invite 100, you can expect about 75 to 85 smiling faces (If you want 100 to show, invite about 135).
Out-of-town folks, scheduling conflicts, or unexpected hiccups mean not everyone will hit the dance floor.
👉 Cherry Pop Tip: Always send invites early, and keep your RSVP deadline firm but friendly. And always have a plan for a few last-minute “Sorry, we can’t make it” messages!
🎯 Bottom Line? Fewer Guests, Bigger Impact
You’ll laugh more, stress less, and spend more time with the people who truly adore you—not just the ones who heard about your cake flavors and came sniffing around. A smaller guest list lets your wedding feel like you—not a conference for 200 people who may or may not remember your name.
And if you’re feeling all tied up in tulle and RSVP drama, you know what to do…
💋Ready to Trim the Fluff and Keep the Fabulous?
Cherry Pop Events will help you curate your perfect guest list, plan with poise, and host a wedding as unforgettable as you are. Serving SoCal couples with sass—book your free consultation today.
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