How to Create your Wedding Guest List with an Irish Touch
- Stefano Ferrier
- May 10
- 5 min read
Updated: May 11
Who to Invite to Your Wedding in Ireland? | Tips & Etiquette
Make Your Guest List Magical with This Irish Wedding Etiquette Guide
Table of Contents:
PART 1 - Real Talk and Strategy
PART 2 - Cutting with Care
PART 3 - Wrapping It Up
Must-Read Articles for Newly Engaged Couples
When the Guest List Hit 150… and the Venue Only Held 120
All photos by: Stefano Ferrier
It started with a seating plan and ended in tears.
Sarah and Michael were planning their wedding in Galway, and when they sat down to draft their guest list, it quickly became overwhelming.
Sarah’s dad wanted to invite second cousins she hadn’t seen since she was twelve, while Michael’s mum insisted the local priest be given a front-row seat.
Their venue only fit 120 guests... and somehow, they were already at 150.
But instead of panic, they turned to tradition.
Drawing inspiration from how Irish weddings have handled big families and close-knit communities for generations, they created a guest list that was warm, thoughtful, and respectful... without going overboard.
Here’s how they did it and how you can too.
Yes, planning your wedding is exciting, but making the guest list?
That’s where the stress kicks in.
How do you create a wedding guest list that reflects your style and keeps everyone happy? Who makes the cut?
Who doesn’t?
And how do you keep your wedding celebration on track without blowing your budget or losing your cool?
When it comes to 'How to Create Your Wedding Guest List with an Irish Touch,' you want to consider both tradition and personal preferences, ensuring your guest list aligns with your unique celebration.
Take a deep breath, this guide will help you sort through it all step by step."
How Many People Can We Invite to Our Wedding?
Saying “no” isn’t easy, especially when it involves family, friends, or even neighbors.
But your wedding isn’t a reunion or a networking event.
It’s a personal celebration.
This depends on your budget, your venue’s capacity, and the kind of celebration you envision.
Irish weddings range from intimate 20-person gatherings to grand 300+ guest celebrations.
Start by setting a guest count goal based on what’s financially and logistically realistic, then build your list from there.
All photos by: Stefano Ferrier
How Do You Figure Out Who to Invite to a Wedding?
Begin with your immediate family and closest friends.
Then think about extended family, old friends, and work colleagues.
Consider categories: “must-have,” “would be nice,” and “maybe.”
Prioritize based on your relationship strength and how recently you've been in touch.
Then divide them into tiers:
Group 1: Must-haves. You can’t imagine the day without them.
Group 2: Nice-to-haves.
Group 3: Maybes, or “only if space allows.
This way, you’ll get a clearer sense of your core guest count and how many extra spots you realistically have.
All photos by: Stefano Ferrier
Who Should Be Listed on a Wedding Invitation?
A formal wedding invitation in Ireland typically includes the couple's names, their parents (if they’re hosting), the venue, and RSVP details.
If you’re sending a plus-one or family invite, be clear about who exactly is invited by addressing the envelope accordingly.
All photos by: Stefano Ferrier
The Plus-One and Kids Question
Set a rule and stick to it.
For example:
-Only partners who’ve been together 6+ months
-Only couples who live together, are engaged, or married
-Kids only if they’re part of the bridal party or over a certain age
You can soften the blow by communicating clearly and kindly.
And yes, you can have an adults-only wedding, many parents will welcome a child-free evening!
All photos by: Stefano Ferrier
Irish Wedding Etiquette: What to Wear to an Irish Wedding
In Ireland, wedding attire can be formal or semi-formal, depending on the venue and season.
Guests typically dress smartly suits, cocktail dresses, and hats for daytime church weddings are still popular.
Always check if there’s a dress code or suggested theme.
Avoid wearing white or ivory, as that’s reserved for the bride.
How to Reduce Your Wedding Guest List
When your initial list feels too long, go back to your priorities: who really matters on your big day?
Focus on those who will truly be part of your future, not just your past.
If you're over your count, try limiting plus-ones or not inviting work acquaintances.
How to Trim Your Wedding Guest List
Use a methodical approach; break your list into tiers.
Tier 1 guests are non-negotiable (close family, best friends).
Tier 2 are people you’d love to have if space allows.
Tier 3 are optional and often easier to trim.
Discuss with your partner and make decisions together.
All photos by: Stefano Ferrier
Who Should You Cut from Your Guest List?
People you haven’t spoken to in over a year, distant relatives you barely know, or friends from a past life may not need to make the cut.
If you wouldn’t invite them for dinner, consider if they need to be there on your wedding day.
This is where things get real.
Here are some helpful filters:
-Have you spoken to them in the last year?
-Do they know your partner’s name?
-Would you smile or feel awkward seeing them as you walk down the aisle?
It’s okay to say no to:
-Distant relatives you haven’t seen in years
-Friends you’ve drifted from
-Workmates you barely know
-Neighbors (unless you’re actually close)
-Parents’ friends you’ve never met
Also, don’t feel pressured to invite someone just because they invited you years ago.
How to ‘Uninvite’ Guests to Your Wedding
This is tricky but sometimes necessary due to changes in venue or budget.
Be honest and kind.
A personal message or call explaining the situation with sincerity is always better than going silent or vague.
If possible, offer to celebrate with them in another way.
Finalising and Sending Out Your Guest List
Once your list is nearly set, double-check that it fits within your venue's capacity and budget.
Review names for accuracy and make sure both of you agree on every guest.
This step makes your wedding feel real, so take a moment, breathe, and send those invites with confidence.
Expert Wedding Photography Services Across Ireland
I’m Stefano, a Premier Wedding Photographer working in Ireland.
With over a decade of experience, I capture weddings across the country with a timeless, artistic approach.
My work blends elegant photojournalism with authentic, candid storytelling, always guided by a deep passion for beauty, creativity, and genuine emotion.
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