Wedding No-Shows: How Many Guests Are Likely To Skip?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and it's only natural for couples to wonder how many of their invited guests will attend their big day. While the percentage of guests who RSVP yes can vary depending on several factors, it's safe to expect that around 60% to 85% of those invited will likely confirm their attendance. This means that, on average, about 15-20% of guests will decline the invitation for various reasons.

The acceptance rate can be influenced by factors such as the location of the wedding, the proximity of guests to the venue, the date and time of the wedding, and the relationship between the couple and their guests. For instance, local guests are more likely to attend, with an average acceptance rate of 85%, while out-of-town guests and destination weddings tend to have lower acceptance rates of around 55% and 35% respectively.

Additionally, the size of the guest list also plays a role, with larger weddings typically seeing higher acceptance rates as they include more close friends and family members. Couples should also consider sending out save the dates and invitations with ample notice to increase the likelihood of guests' attendance.

Local guests

When it comes to local guests, you can expect a higher percentage to RSVP "yes" to your wedding.

According to one source, around 85% of local guests will usually attend your wedding. These are people who live in or around the city where the ceremony is taking place. This is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind when planning your wedding and considering your guest list.

However, it's important to note that this percentage can vary depending on various factors. For example, the location, date, and time of your wedding can influence the number of local guests who attend. Other factors include the cost of attending the wedding, the guest's relationship with the couple, and whether they feel comfortable attending due to factors like the economy or personal preferences.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the number of local guests who RSVP "yes" may not always translate to the number of guests who actually attend. There might be last-minute cancellations or unforeseen circumstances that prevent some guests from showing up.

To increase the likelihood of local guests' attendance, consider sending out save-the-dates six to eight months in advance. This will give your local guests ample time to prepare for the wedding and increase the chances of them attending.

In summary, while you can generally expect around 85% of local guests to attend your wedding, this percentage is not set in stone and can fluctuate based on various factors. Sending out save-the-dates early and considering the various factors that influence attendance can help you estimate the number of local guests who will be part of your special day.

Out-of-town guests

When it comes to out-of-town guests, you can expect around a 55% attendance rate. This means that, if you invite 100 out-of-town guests, you can expect around 55 of them to attend.

However, this number can vary depending on several factors. For example, if your wedding is taking place on a long weekend or a holiday, guests may be more or less likely to attend. Similarly, the location of your wedding will play a role in how many out-of-town guests attend. If your wedding is in a city that is easily accessible, you may find that more out-of-town guests are able to attend.

In addition, the timing of your wedding invitations can impact the number of out-of-town guests who attend. Sending out save-the-dates six to eight months in advance will give guests more time to prepare and may increase the number of people who attend. However, sending invitations too early may cause guests to forget about the wedding, so it is generally recommended to send them out six to eight weeks before the wedding.

It is also important to keep in mind that not all guests who RSVP "yes" will actually attend. There may be last-minute cancellations or no-shows, so it is always a good idea to have a B-list of guests who can be invited if you have more space.

To increase the likelihood of out-of-town guests attending your wedding, you can provide them with information about accommodations and transportation. You can also let them know about any opportunities to save money, such as discounted room blocks or transportation codes.

Destination guests

Destination weddings typically require a flight and an extended stay at the wedding location, making it the smallest percentage of guests in attendance. On average, you can expect around 35% of your destination guest list to attend your big day.

The guest list for a destination wedding is usually much shorter than a traditional wedding celebration, as many people cannot take time off work or afford the necessary accommodations. For this reason, it is common to keep the guest list small, with an average of 86 people.

If you are planning a destination wedding, it is important to give your guests ample time to prepare. Sending out "save the dates" six to eight months in advance will increase the number of people who will attend.

Additionally, finding accommodations for your destination guests does not have to be difficult or expensive. Consider creating hotel blocks to make it possible for all your loved ones to join in on the celebration.

It is also worth noting that acceptance rates for destination weddings are on the rise post-pandemic. People are ready to travel and celebrate, so don't be surprised if your destination wedding creeps closer to an 80% or 85% acceptance rate, especially if you have a small guest list.

• Invited 149 people, 75 came (50.3%)
• Invited 156 people, 103 responded yes (65.9%)
• Invited 180 people, 126 attended (70%)
• Invited 203 people, 122 confirmed yes (60.1%)

Plus-ones

When it comes to plus-ones, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to define what a plus-one is. A plus-one typically refers to a date or romantic interest but can also include a family member escorting an older guest or a close friend attending with a single person.

Secondly, the decision to offer plus-ones depends on various factors such as budget, venue capacity, and the number of people the couple wants at their wedding. If there are unlimited resources, every guest could be offered a plus-one. However, this is often not the case, and the couple must decide who gets a plus-one and who doesn't.

It is generally recommended to offer plus-ones to married couples or those in long-term, serious relationships. This acknowledges their commitment and ensures they have someone to experience the wedding with. It is also a nice gesture to offer plus-ones to members of the wedding party, as they have given their time, energy, and money to be part of the couple's special day.

On the other hand, guests who are casually dating or single guests who will know other people at the wedding may not need a plus-one. It is also essential to consider the impact on the social dynamics and seating arrangements when deciding whether to offer plus-ones.

When it comes to communicating about plus-ones, it is advisable to put the information on the wedding website and invitation cards. On the website, the couple can politely decline plus-ones by mentioning limited venue space or their desire for an intimate wedding. On the invitation cards, it is suggested to write the number of reserved seats for each guest or include the names of invited guests and their plus-ones.

In conclusion, the decision to offer plus-ones depends on various factors, and it is essential to communicate the information clearly to the guests to avoid confusion or discomfort.

Timing

The timing of your wedding can have a significant impact on the number of guests who are able to attend. If your wedding is scheduled during a busy period for other events such as graduations, proms, and prime wedding season, you may see a higher rate of declines. Similarly, if your wedding falls on a long weekend or holiday, guests may already have other plans. In general, sending out save-the-dates and invitations with ample notice will increase the likelihood of guests attending.

Save-the-dates should be sent out around six to eight months in advance to give guests enough time to prepare, especially if they need to request time off work or make travel arrangements. Wedding invitations are typically sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. Sending them earlier may not be advisable, as people may not be able to predict their schedules that far in advance, and they may forget about the wedding as it approaches.

If you are planning a destination wedding, it's important to consider any travel restrictions that may be in place and to give your guests ample notice. While acceptance rates for destination weddings are generally lower, they have been increasing post-pandemic as people are eager to travel and celebrate.

Additionally, the day of the week you choose for your wedding can impact attendance rates. Weekday weddings, particularly Thursdays and Sundays, may result in lower acceptance rates as guests may need to take additional days off work. Fridays are becoming a more popular alternative to Saturdays, and acceptance rates may not be significantly impacted.

When creating your guest list, it's a good idea to categorise guests by priority. You can create three lists: List A for those who you must invite, List B for those you'd like to invite if budget and space allow, and List C for those who you don't need to invite but would like to send a formal announcement to after the wedding. This will help you manage your expectations and ensure that you don't exceed your venue's capacity.

Finally, it's important to be realistic about your expectations and not take declines personally. People's lives and circumstances may change, and they may not be able to attend even if they had initially planned to. Remember that your friends and family still love and support you, even if they can't be there on your special day.

Frequently asked questions