How to Estimate Your Destination Wedding Guest Count

Planning a destination wedding? Congratulations! There's nothing quite like saying "I do" with your toes in the sand, the ocean as your backdrop, and all your favorite people around you. But when it comes to destination weddings, one of the trickiest parts can be figuring out how many of those favorite people are actually going to show up. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some practical tips to help you estimate your guest count!

Pre-COVID vs. Post-COVID: The New Normal for Wedding Attendance

Before COVID, destination weddings had a pretty predictable attendance rate. You could expect about 25-50% of your invitees to make the trip. But now, things have changed. Post-COVID, people are itching to travel, and your wedding might just be the perfect excuse for them to dust off their passports. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see 50-75% of your guest list actually RSVP with a big, enthusiastic "YES!"

The 50-75% Rule: A Quick and Easy Estimate

Once you have your invite list, a good rule of thumb is to expect that 50-75% of those people will actually make the trip. So, if you’re inviting 100 people, you can estimate that about 50-75 will be there to celebrate your special day.

Who’s Definitely Coming?

Let’s be honest—there are some people you just know are going to be there. These are your ride-or-die folks: immediate family, your bridal party, your tight-knit friend group, and those who are always waiting for the perfect excuse to jet set. You can count on these people, so start by adding them to your “Definitely Coming” list.

Making Your Lists: Most Likely Coming vs. Most Likely Not

Now comes the fun part—breaking down your guest list! Split it into two categories: "Most Likely Coming" and "Most Likely Not." The "Most Likely Coming" list includes your core group of family and friends who wouldn’t miss your wedding for the world. The "Most Likely Not" list might include distant relatives, coworkers, or those who have hinted they’re not big on travel.

But remember, surprises happen! Sometimes people on your “Definitely Coming” list won’t be able to make it because, well, life happens. And sometimes someone from the “Most Likely Not” list will surprise you with a cheerful RSVP. These little curveballs usually balance each other out, so don’t stress too much.

Save the Date—and a Deposit!

If you’ve got plenty of time to plan, it’s a great idea to send out save-the-dates about a year (or more) in advance. This gives your guests ample time to plan, save, and get excited. To get an even better estimate, ask your guests to book their room with a refundable $100 deposit well in advance. This little bit of commitment will help you see who’s really serious about attending. Sure, that number might come down a bit as plans change, but it’s a solid starting point to work with.

Conclusion

Estimating your destination wedding guest count doesn’t have to be stressful. With these tips, you can get a pretty good idea of who’s coming, who’s not, and how to plan for an unforgettable day. And remember, no matter who shows up, it’s going to be the perfect celebration of your love, surrounded by those who matter most. So sit back, relax, and start counting those RSVPs!