Guests & invitations4 min read
How to make (and cut) a wedding guest list without drama
A-lists and B-lists, plus-one and kid rules, family allocations and the questions that make cutting easier.
Free tool · Guests & invitations: Guest count & cost calculator
See how many guests are likely to attend from your must-invite, would-love and nice-to-have lists — and what each version costs.
Family, closest friends, wedding party — including partners.
Extended family, friends you see often.
Colleagues, old friends, parents’ friends.
$
Catering averaged about $80 per person in The Knot’s 2026 study, before drinks, rentals, service and tax.Must invite only
Invited70
Likely to attend64about 92% of invitations
Guest-dependent cost$9,660
Tables needed9at 8 per table
Must + would love
Invited110
Likely to attend97about 88% of invitations
Guest-dependent cost$14,580
Tables needed13at 8 per table
Everyone on the list
Invited140
Likely to attend118about 84% of invitations
Guest-dependent cost$17,730
Tables needed15at 8 per table
Attendance rates are planner rules of thumb, not guarantees: plan and budget for everyone you invite saying yes. Book a venue that fits the full list.
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How to use it
- 01Enter how many people are on each tier of your list, including partners.
- 02Choose whether the wedding is local, a short trip or a destination.
- 03Compare the three scenarios for attendance, cost and tables.
Good to know
How many invited guests actually come?
Planners often estimate 75–85% for local weddings and fewer for destination weddings. Always make sure your venue fits everyone you invite.
How do I cut my guest list?
Set rules for partners, plus-ones, kids and coworkers, and apply them evenly. Our guest list guide walks through it.
Read with this tool
The thinking behind the numbers.
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Guests & invitations3 min read
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