One of the first things couples do when planning a wedding is creating the guest list and that’s exactly the right place to start.
But here comes the important question:
How realistic is that guest count?
A common rule for destination weddings is: Take your guest list and subtract around 30%.
That usually gives you a more realistic expectation. And sometimes attendance ends up even lower.
Flights have become more expensive, people have limited holiday days, family commitments, budgets or simply travelling abroad is not the right fit for everyone.
It also depends on where your guests are travelling from.
If your wedding means travelling to another continent and crossing several time zones, attendance may be lower than expected. Don't take it personal. It is normal and we see this every single time!
If your destination is relatively close, just a 2–3 hour flight and “around the corner” for most guests, attendance can often be higher.
If you’re planning a wedding with 20–50 guests, you’re usually in a comfortable planning zone. Choose a venue that also works beautifully for smaller celebrations, so the space still feels warm and intimate.
If your plan is 80–150 guests, our advice is: calculate with 30% fewer guests and mentally prepare for even slightly less. In destination weddings, it’s more common to lose guests than to suddenly exceed your numbers.
Rather than choosing a venue that feels too large, look for one that adapts well to changing guest counts and only charges per person once final numbers are confirmed.
Happy Planning!