How Do You Decide Who To Invite To Your Wedding in Lake Tahoe?

Planning your dream Lake Tahoe wedding comes with its fair share of excitement and decisions. After all, how do you decide who to invite to your wedding? Creating a wedding guest list can feel like piecing together the most important puzzle of your big day — but we’re here to help! At Epic Thyme, we know how special this moment is, and we’re all about making the process as smooth and meaningful as possible. Whether you're wondering who to invite to a wedding or just looking for tips to narrow down your list, we’ve got you covered with advice tailored to your unique celebration.

Who To Invite to a Wedding: Guest List FAQs

When it comes to who to invite to your wedding, you might find it can feel like a balancing act of etiquette, relationships, and budget. Deciding who makes the cut and how to handle tricky situations can be overwhelming, but we're here to help with answers to some common questions.

What Percent of Your Guest List Comes to the Wedding?

On average, about 75-85% of your invited guests will attend your wedding. However, this percentage can vary based on factors like location, time of year, and travel distance. For destination weddings in Lake Tahoe, the turnout might actually be higher, especially for guests from California or the West Coast. Tahoe’s allure often gives people the perfect excuse to make the trip! Keep this in mind when planning your guest list and estimating your headcount.

Is It Common To Say “No Kids” at a Wedding?

Absolutely! It’s not uncommon for couples to request an adults-only wedding. Whether it’s due to space limitations, budget concerns, or simply wanting an event tailored to grown-ups, couples often decide to exclude children. Most people will understand your decision, especially if you communicate it clearly and tactfully.

How To Politely Say “No Kids” at a Wedding?

Telling your guests that the wedding isn’t kid-friendly can feel awkward, but there are kind and clear ways to get the message across. Here’s how to do it:

• Include this on your invite or wedding website: “We respectfully request an adults-only celebration.”

• On your RSVP card, specify the number of seats reserved for each group or family.

• Add a light-hearted note on your website to ease the tone, such as, “While we love your little ones, this is a night just for the grown-ups to celebrate!”

Who Typically Gets a Plus One for a Wedding?

When it comes to plus one etiquette wedding rules, there are a few common guidelines to follow. Those who are married, engaged, living together, or in a long-term relationship often get a plus one. Close family members or members of the wedding party might also be given the courtesy of bringing a guest. Ultimately, who gets a plus one at a wedding depends on your budget and venue capacity, but keeping it fair and consistent makes things easier for everyone.

Is It Rude Not To Give a Plus One for a wedding?

Not at all! Following plus one etiquette wedding rules doesn’t mean you need to give everyone the option of bringing an extra guest. If someone isn’t in a serious relationship, inviting them solo is perfectly acceptable. Just make sure this decision is applied evenly to avoid misunderstandings about who gets a plus one at a wedding. Transparency is key, so clearly list the invited guest’s name on the invitation to avoid confusion.

How Do You Say Invited Guests Only to a Wedding?

If you’re keeping your guest list tight, you can still word things politely while setting boundaries. Here are a few examples:

• “We kindly request that only those listed on the invitation join us for our special day.”

• “Due to space limitations, we are unable to accommodate additional guests.”

• “We can't wait to celebrate with you! Please note this invitation is only for the named recipient(s).”

• “To ensure a more intimate gathering, we are keeping the celebration limited to invited guests only.”

Creating a wedding guest list doesn’t have to be stressful. With clear communication and a thoughtful approach, you can set the tone for a joyous and unforgettable celebration.

5 Tips for Creating a Wedding Guest List

Making a wedding guest list can feel like one of the hardest parts of wedding planning, especially when you’re figuring out who to invite to a wedding in a beautiful destination like Lake Tahoe. How do you decide who to invite to your wedding without feeling overwhelmed? We’ve got some tips that’ll help you stay organized while creating a special, stress-free day.

1. Start With a VIP List

The easiest place to begin is with your inner circle. This includes immediate family, your best friends, and anyone who has to be there, no exceptions. For a Lake Tahoe wedding, focus on those who mean the most and are likely to be excited about traveling to such a unique destination. Write down every name that comes to mind when you think of your closest supporters, then go back and check with your partner to align on mutual VIPs. If there’s a disagreement about anyone, try focusing on why the relationship matters to each of you.

2. Consider Your Venue Capacity

Your Lake Tahoe wedding venue likely has a specific cap on how many guests it can accommodate, so it’s really important to prioritize accordingly. Ask your venue for a definite number of seated guests allowed for ceremonies and receptions. Then, once you’ve made your initial list, review it with this number in mind. For example, if your venue maxes out at 120 people but your list is sitting at 150, you’ll know it’s time to pare it down before sending invitations.

3. Think About Your Budget

Each guest on your list adds to costs like catering, drinks, and even transportation if you’re covering travel from a staging area to a remote Lake Tahoe venue. (This is why some couples opt for a small wedding vs a big one.) To keep your budget on track, assign an estimated cost per guest (including everything from food to favors) and then multiply that by the number of attendees. Seeing the total spend can be an eye-opener and might help you scale back. If decisions get tough, consider creating an A-list (must-have attendees) and a B-list (people to invite if space and funds allow).

4. Break It Into Categories

Divide your potential guests into clear categories, which will make the process feel less overwhelming. Here’s a simple organizational structure when creating a wedding guest list:

• Immediate Family: Parents, siblings, grandparents, and anyone who plays a significant role in your life. These are the first people to include.

• Close Friends: Think about those friends you talk to regularly or who have been by your side through major milestones.

• Extended Family: Cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives. Prioritize those you see often or have close bonds with.

• Coworkers: Stick to those who feel like actual friends rather than purely professional contacts.

• Acquaintances and Others: Neighbors, distant friends, or people you don’t see often can round out this category.

Rank these groups by priority, starting with immediate family and close friends as your non-negotiables. Then, where necessary, consider cutting from lower-priority groups (like coworkers or acquaintances) if your guest count gets tight. Tools like WeddingWire or Zola can help you manage these lists digitally, making it easier to track RSVPs and make adjustments in real time.

5. Leave Room for Flexibility

Your guest list needs a little breathing room! Unexpected situations, like reconnecting with an old friend or accommodating a relative’s request to bring a partner, can pop up as you get closer to the date. Plan for a buffer (e.g., save 5-10 spots) by setting your RSVP deadline well in advance. If your Lake Tahoe wedding requires guests to make travel arrangements, this flexibility also allows you to send a few late invites to B-list guests if others decline.

5 Tips for Cutting Down a Wedding Guest List

When you’re creating a wedding guest list, it’s easy to feel like it’s getting out of hand. Figuring out who not to invite to your wedding can be just as challenging as deciding who to include. How do you decide who to invite to your wedding without hurting feelings, but still keeping it manageable for a Lake Tahoe setting? Here’s how to pare things down thoughtfully and tactfully.

1. Pass Over People You’ve Lost Touch With

A good rule of thumb is to focus on people you are currently close to. If you can’t remember the last time you spoke to or saw someone, they may not need to receive an invite. For example, if you have a distant cousin living out of state and the only updates you’ve had from them came through social media, it’s likely safe to skip them. Think about relationships that are meaningful to you and your partner today. For a destination wedding, this is even more practical since not everyone will want or be able to make a trip to Lake Tahoe.

2. Skip Plus Ones for Casual Acquaintances

Offering plus-ones to your entire guest list can inflate your numbers fast. To keep things intimate, stick to plus ones for guests who are married, engaged, or in long-term relationships. For single friends or acquaintances, include their names specifically on the invite to avoid confusion. For example, write “Alexandra Smith” rather than “Alexandra Smith + Guest.” Most people will understand plus one etiquette wedding decisions like this, especially if venue space is tight or travel logistics are complicated.

3. Say No to Obligatory Invitations

It’s easy to feel pressure to invite people out of obligation. Maybe it’s that coworker you rarely chat with, or the neighbor who once babysat you years ago. Remember, this is your day! Politely skip anyone whose absence wouldn't genuinely affect your day. For example, if your parents suggest inviting a long-ago family friend, explain that your guest list is limited to those you have an active relationship with and thank them for their understanding.

4. Keep Coworkers to a Minimum

Navigating the coworker guest list can be tricky, but a general rule is to stick with those you are actually close to. For example, if you hang out with a colleague outside of work or they supported you during a tough project, they may belong on the list. For others, consider a group outing or an after-work celebration instead of a wedding invite. With a picturesque Lake Tahoe setting, a smaller circle will keep the day feeling special and personal.

5. Strive for Balance Between You and Your Partner

Finding balance when making a wedding guest list means that each of you feels equally represented. Start by dividing your list evenly, then compare notes. If one of you is already at capacity while the other has extra room, decide together how to reallocate spots. Strive to avoid “must-haves” being overly weighted toward one person’s side. For example, if one partner’s family is larger, they may need to reduce extended invites to leave room for the other partner’s closest friends. Open communication can help you both prioritize the relationships that truly matter.

Let’s Make Your Wedding Unforgettable for Whoever You Invite!

As you bring together the people who mean the most, remember that this day is about you and your partner’s love story. If you’re planning a wedding in beautiful Lake Tahoe, we’d love to help make your vision a reality! At Epic Thyme, we’re passionate about creating unforgettable moments and taking the stress out of wedding planning. Contact us today to start building the perfect day for you and your guests!