Because inviting everyone you know sounds great… until you see the catering bill.
So, you’re planning a wedding in stunning New Zealand—maybe on a mountaintop in Queenstown, a vineyard in Marlborough, or a chic city venue in Auckland. You’ve picked the location, started daydreaming about the dress, and then… BAM! The guest list hits you like a rogue bouquet toss.
Who do you invite? Who do you not invite? And how do you say “sorry, no plus-one” without causing a family scandal? Relax, grab a coffee (or a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir), and let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Dream Big… Then Get Real
Before writing a single name down, take a deep breath and envision your perfect day.
- Do you picture an intimate wedding with just your closest friends and family?
- Or a big, all-out celebration where even your childhood neighbor gets an invite?
💡 Quick Reality Check: If you’re planning a destination wedding in New Zealand, expect about 60-70% of invited guests to actually attend—especially if they’re flying from overseas.
📍 Planning a Queenstown wedding? Check out The Lake House Queenstown for an intimate lakeside setting.
Step 2: Set a Guest Limit (and Stick to It!)
Your final number depends on three major factors:
✔ Budget – More guests = higher costs for catering, drinks, seating, and invites.
✔ Venue Size – A boutique lodge in Wanaka? Probably not the place for 200 people.
✔ Wedding Vibe – If you want a relaxed, intimate feel, a smaller group will be best.
💡 Insider Tip: Most New Zealand wedding venues have strict guest limits. For example, Kauri Bay Boomrock near Auckland is perfect for a mid-sized guest list.
Step 3: The Sorting Hat – Who Makes the Cut?
To stay organized, sort guests into categories:
🎉 Must-Haves – Immediate family, best friends, the people who’d rescue you from a bad Tinder date.
🤷 Would-Be-Nice – Extended family, old uni mates, work colleagues you actually like.
😬 Wildcards – That cousin you haven’t seen in 12 years, your mum’s yoga instructor, your ex (please, just no).
💡 Ask Yourself: “Would I take this person out for a fancy dinner and pay for their meal?” If the answer is no, they probably don’t need an invite.
Step 4: The Plus-One Dilemma
Nothing inflates a guest list faster than plus-ones. Here’s how to handle them:
✅ Spouses and long-term partners – YES
✅ Fiancés and serious relationships – PROBABLY
❌ Tinder dates and “someone I just met at a bar” – HARD NO
💌 How to Word It:
“Due to space limitations, we’re keeping our guest list intimate and unable to accommodate plus-ones unless specified on your invitation.”
📍 Want a venue perfect for elopements and small weddings? Check out The Lookout Lodge in Wanaka.
Step 5: Family Politics – The Tricky Bit
Ah, the part no one wants to deal with. Here’s how to avoid drama:
✨ Parents’ Guest Requests: If your parents are financially contributing, they may expect to invite some of their friends. Set a fair limit and stick to it.
✨ No-Kids Wedding?
Phrase it kindly:
“We love your little ones, but we’ve decided to have a child-free celebration so everyone can relax and enjoy the night!”
✨ What About Work Friends?
Unless they’re close to you, you don’t have to invite them. A polite, “We’re keeping it to close friends and family” should do the trick.
Step 6: Send Out Invites (and Manage RSVPs Like a Pro)
📅 When to Send?
- 6-9 months before for international guests.
- 4-6 months before for local guests.
💌 Great NZ Wedding Stationers to Check Out:
🔎 Expect this: Some people will RSVP late, some will bring a plus-one you never approved, and someone will ask, “Can I bring my dog?” Just stay firm and stick to your list!
Final Thoughts: Your Wedding, Your Rules
At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating with the people who matter most. Whether that’s 20 guests on a remote mountaintop or 150 guests in a vineyard, the right people will be there.
And once your guest list is sorted… let’s talk photography! 📸
I specialize in capturing authentic, joy-filled moments at New Zealand weddings, from Queenstown’s epic landscapes to Auckland’s elegant venues. Your wedding deserves breathtaking photos that tell the real, beautiful story of your day.
🔗 Explore my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
📷 Check out my photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s connect! Contact Me
Because when it comes to your wedding, you deserve unforgettable moments and zero stress. Let’s make magic together! ✨
