A guest list should not be a spreadsheet you maintain. It should be a list that maintains itself. The usual approach — a file where you note who was invited, who replied and who has a dietary requirement — becomes a job in its own right.
What the list needs
- Name and connection: your side, their side, friends, colleagues
- Status: attending, tentative, not attending
- Dietary requirements
- A photo, for seating
Why the connection matters first
Tables are arranged by who knows whom before anything else. Grouping by connection at the start does most of the seating work before you begin seating.
From list to seating chart
Only confirmed guests appear in the seating list. Tentative guests do not take up a seat, so you are not left with gaps to fill.
Frequently asked questions
Does the list update itself?
Yes. Each reply changes that guest’s status immediately, with nothing to type in.
Can I add guests after sending?
Yes. The same link works for everyone; just share it with anyone you add later.
Can I give the caterer the information?
Dietary requirements are collected into a single list ready to hand over.