Your Options for Building A Guest List

Creating a guest list can be stressful! It’s difficult to figure out who to invite, and once you have the list, you have to make sure you have the correct contact information before sending save the dates and invitations. Let’s simplify the process. 

Below are our top tips on how to build a guest list and different ways to add these guests to your digital save the date or invitation. 

Tips for Creating a Guest List

• Start with everyone: When you begin crafting your wedding guest list, draft an initial list with absolutely everyone you would like to invite to your wedding.
• Categorize: Separate your guest list into immediate family, extended family, friends, and others.
• Distribute equally: Many couples want to make sure both families have a balanced number of guests. Another approach is to allow each parent group a set number of guests they can invite.
• Consider venue size: If you have a specific venue in mind, it may have limitations on the number of guests you can invite.
• Establish rules: Discuss whether you will or will not invite coworkers or children, for example.
• Divide your list: Sort your guests into must-haves and those you’d like to invite if space and budget allow. As your wedding planning progresses, this will give you quick visibility into how certain choices will impact who can be present on your special day.
• Plus-ones: Decide if you will invite plus-ones and for whom. Be consistent. Traditionally, plus-ones on a wedding guest list are reserved for married, engaged, or long-term couples who are over 21 years of age.
• Wedding party size: The size of your wedding party may affect your guest list, as you'll need to accommodate plus-ones and possibly children for your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
• Reciprocity: If you were recently invited to someone's wedding you might want to include them in yours.
• Vendors: Remember to include your vendors (wedding planner, photographer, videographer, and DJ) in your final headcount for the caterer. You do not need to include them on your guest list or send them an invitation, but their meals may impact your budget.

How to Add Guests to Your Save the Date or Invitation 

Now that you’ve determined who to invite to your wedding, it’s time to send these guests a save the date or invitation by text or email (no addresses or postage stamps necessary)! Lovebird offers several ways to build your guest list:

1. Add Guests Individually: Quickly add email addresses OR phone numbers one by one, ensuring no duplicate RSVPs.
2. Import Contacts: Import contacts from your email account or a spreadsheet file, with the option to edit the names post-import. You can only import phone numbers from a spreadsheet file. You cannot import phone numbers from your email account at this time.
3. Upload A File: Upload a CSV file of contacts for easy integration into Lovebird. See this article for more information.
4. Import from Webmail: Import contacts directly from popular webmail providers such as Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, and Hotmail.
5. Contacts: Access stored email addresses and phone numbers from previous Lovebird invitations or save the dates.
6. Add a List: Copy and paste a list of multiple email addresses or phone numbers at once, allowing for easy bulk additions. Note: You must separate these by commas, semicolons, or returns (ENTER). If you add phone numbers in this way, the name for each contact will just be a copy of the phone number. You can edit the names of those guests once added to your list.