A destination wedding headcount: guests grouped by how far they travel (local, drive, flight, abroad), each with its own expected-yes rate, plus-ones added only for guests who say yes, and a count for the welcome dinner, the ceremony and the farewell brunch. The ceremony count is the number to give your caterer.
Every percentage is a starting assumption you can change to fit your crowd.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I estimate how many guests will come to a destination wedding?
Group your list by how far each guest has to travel and give each group its own expected-yes rate. Guests who live nearby can say yes more easily than guests who need a flight or a passport, so a single decline rate for the whole list hides the difference. The rates in this calculator are starting assumptions; change them to fit your crowd.
Should I count plus-ones for everyone I invite?
No. A guest who declines brings nobody, so this calculator adds plus-ones only for the guests expected to say yes. Adding plus-ones to the whole invite list and then taking off declines counts some plus-ones twice and inflates the number.
Which number do I give my caterer?
The ceremony count. It is the event nearly everyone comes to, so it is the number to plan meals and seats around. Ask your caterer and venue when they need the final number, and set your RSVP deadline before it.
How many guests usually come to a destination wedding?
Usually fewer than to a wedding at home. Zola's guide to destination wedding costs says destination weddings naturally shrink to 30-60 guests because travel requirements filter the list to the most committed attendees. Your own count depends on who you invite and how far they travel.