Guest list Dilemma

Think of everyone that you genuinely want to be there and who you have contact with today.

I don't have advice on narrowing your guest list down, but I do suggest starting off by figuring out the closest people in your lives.

We listed our immediate family members first, and also included our wedding party. From there, we branched out to extended family and family friends and close friends! It helps to find a venue first so you will know how many your venue can hold!

There is so much time between then and now that I would just make your guest list like normal and if you end up having to narrow it down then people will understand given the circumstances.

Make a list of your absolute must have people. These are the ones your day will not feel right if they are not there.For some, that is immediate family only with no friends in attendance. For others, that is mainly friends with a few relatives.


The first to cut is anyone invited with the sole obligation of pleasing others. These are parents' friends/coworkers/other acquaintances who are not a part of your lives. Also just because someone is family, regardless of how close or distantly related, they are not required to be invited if there is no relationship.
Once you get that narrowed down, then you can look for a venue that will easily hold them with a 6ft distance. But also keep in mind that capacity restrictions can change anytime. Once you send save the dates 6+ months out, you cannot revoke them.

Great tips mentioned above!


This is kinda different from guest list but just wanted to mention because I didn’t think of it and it does add to the budget, but you may be responsible for paying for vendors meals or they’ll get the hour to get food. I would keep this in mind when going through proposals and coming up with budget.

I would wait before trimming your guest list. Your wedding is still a year away, and as you said, a lot can change as far as Covid goes. I would worry with your guest list a little closer to your wedding.

View Quoted Comment I totally forgot about this! Thank you for the reminder!

I would wait to trim your list. You still have a year & so much can/will change by then.

Honestly I would keep that number for a guest list as of right now because things should be much better by December. That's not something I would worry too much about until like September.