When planning a wedding—especially a destination celebration—it’s not uncommon to host more than just the big day itself. Maybe you’re thinking of a welcome party to kick things off or a post-wedding brunch to say your goodbyes in style. These bonus events are a great way to spend more time with loved ones (and get the most out of your travel plans!), but they also come with one tricky question: who gets an invite to what?

Navigating guest lists can feel like a high-stakes puzzle, especially when balancing budgets, venues, and the desire to include everyone without overcommitting. But don’t stress! With a little planning and some thoughtful decision-making, you can create a guest list for each event that feels intentional.

In this article, we’ve gathered advice from a handful of seasoned wedding pros to help you host multiple events. Here’s what they recommend when it comes to your approach.

Photo by Colton Simmons

Start with your budget

Before you decide who gets invited to what, it’s important to look at what’s financially realistic. Your budget will ultimately shape how many events you can host and how many people you can include.

• Prioritize What Matters Most: When making your guest list, focus on how much you can spend. If it makes sense to have one event be more intimate than the other, it’s best to know early on.
• Know Your Limits: Every additional event means more budget considerations—from catering and décor to venue rentals and transportation. Set a realistic cap on your spending for each gathering and plan your invites accordingly.
• Include Everyone When You Can: A budget that can handle larger guest counts opens the door to a more inclusive experience. “If the budget allows, it’s a thoughtful gesture to invite all wedding guests (excluding children if necessary) to every event, as many will have traveled long distances to celebrate,” says Emily Reno, Owner of Elopement Las Vegas. “Including them in the full weekend itinerary ensures they feel part of the entire experience.”

Being honest about your budget from the beginning helps avoid stress later on. It also gives you the freedom to plan events that feel thoughtful rather than overwhelming.

Photo by Momental Designs

Think about what’s feasible for guests

While planning your celebrations, take a moment to think about the guest experience. Unfortunately, most people can’t drop everything to attend multiple gatherings.

• Be Mindful of Commitments: It’s important to recognize that not every guest has the same flexibility regarding time off or travel expenses. Loni Peterson, MLS, of LP Creative Events, shares, “Something else to think about is your guest list’s financial/job situations and what you think they could commit to with travel, etc. Being mindful about who is invited to what so they feel confident in saying yes to attending!”
• Consider Arrival Times: Timing matters, especially for destination weddings where logistics can vary. “You should invite guests who can comfortably make it to the event,” notes Samuele Gallorini, Founder of Gallorini & Giorgi Events. “Don’t invite people who you already know have a tighter schedule and will land just a few hours before the additional event.”
• Communicate Clearly: Let guests know which events are optional and what’s included. An info-packed wedding website or detailed itinerary helps everyone plan and keeps things stress-free.

Thinking ahead for your guests will make them feel appreciated and prevent anyone from feeling stretched too thin. Your consideration will go a long way in creating an enjoyable weekend for all!

Photo by Momental Designs

Consider those who have traveled far and wide

If someone is going the extra mile (literally!) to celebrate with you, it’s a kind gesture to include them in more than just the wedding day. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—just intentional.

• • Keep It Low-Key: You don’t need to roll out a red carpet. A relaxed group dinner, cocktail hour, or activity like a walking tour is enough to make guests feel special and welcome.
  • Acknowledge Long-Distance Travelers: When guests travel far, including them in more of the celebration is thoughtful. Kelley Nudo, Director of Operations and Client Relations at Momental Designs, recommends, “Couples should consider inviting guests who have done extensive traveling to the ancillary events and activities, and in some cases, this might be the entire guest list.”
  • Balance Intimacy With Inclusivity: Hosting multiple events is a great way to spend time with loved ones, but it’s all about finding the right balance. “If you’re asking your guests to travel to your destination, it’s highly recommended (and appreciated) to host a welcome party for all guests,” explains Meaghan Cody, Owner/Planner at Sweet Pea Events. “We suggest that if you want to host a rehearsal dinner as well, you are able to limit that to wedding party attendants as well as immediate family members, and then join the rest of your crew for the welcome party post rehearsal dinner.”

Showing your appreciation for your long-distance guests creates an even more meaningful experience (for both them and you). These thoughtful touches help everyone feel like an essential part of the celebration.

Follow the typical setup

When planning your surrounding events, starting with standard etiquette as a baseline can be helpful. From there, you can adjust based on your style, space, and priorities.

• Keep It Traditional: Leaning on tradition can be a great way to simplify decisions. “If you are choosing to keep a welcome party or rehearsal dinner more intimate, there’s nothing wrong with following typical rehearsal dinner conventions (wedding party + SOs, close family + SOs, plus any other individuals who are very close to you and have been pivotal in this season of your life),” confirms Elena Markwood, Owner and Lead Planner at Adoration Weddings & Events.
• Consider the Atmosphere: Smaller events tend to feel more relaxed and personal, so choose settings that match that vibe—like a quiet dinner, a private wine tasting, or a backyard-style gathering with simple, heartfelt touches.
• Focus on Connection Over Quantity: These events don’t need to be grand to be memorable. A more traditional guest list allows you to enjoy the company of those closest to you without feeling pulled in a dozen directions.

These unwritten rules give you a jumping-off point, but feel free to tweak them based on your own guest list and comfort level. Think of it as a helpful outline, not a hard-and-fast rulebook.

Remember: it’s your celebration

At the end of the day, this wedding weekend is about celebrating your love story. How you structure it should reflect your personalities and vision.

• Set Boundaries With Love: If you can’t include everyone in every event, that’s okay. Be intentional with your invites, and communicate your plans with warmth and clarity.
• Trust Your Gut: Whether you’re hosting two events or five, let your vision lead the way. The people who care about you will support you in whatever way you choose to celebrate.
• Do What Feels Right for You: Your wedding events should reflect your values, style, and comfort level—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. “There is no right or standard answer to how your wedding celebration is curated,” reminds Carin Hunt, Wedding Specialist at Coconut Palm Inn. “The key is to hold your personal preferences as a priority while keeping your guests’ overall experience in mind.”

Navigating multiple wedding events can feel like a juggling act, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. By staying true to your priorities, thinking about your guests’ experience, and giving yourself permission to do things your way, you’ll create a celebration that feels effortless. Everyone’s excited to celebrate with you—no matter how many events are on the schedule!

Featured image by Momental Designs