Creating Your Wedding Guest List for an Intimate Celebration

Crafting the guest list for your wedding can feel like one of the most personal steps in planning

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

At 1860 Schulhaus, we understand that you’re designing a day filled with love and the people who matter most. Our historic venue is perfect for weddings of 75 guests or fewer, creating an intimate, warm atmosphere where every guest feels included and cherished. Here are some tips to help you plan your guest list for a small wedding that reflects your vision.

Family First

When creating your guest list, begin by including your closest family members—parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Start with Immediate Family and Close Relatives

Parents, siblings, and grandparents are the people who have been there through each milestone, and their presence on your wedding day is likely essential. From there, consider extended family members like aunts, uncles, and cousins, if they’ve played an important role in your life. Remember, this list is yours to shape. You don’t have to invite everyone, especially if they aren’t a positive part of your life. Surround yourself with those who lift you up and make this day joyful.

Add Your Closest Friends

Small weddings allow for more personal connections, so include friends who’ve stood by your side through thick and thin. These might be the people who watched your love story unfold, introduced you to your partner, or simply shared in your happiest moments. Let your guest list reflect the bonds you want to celebrate on your special day.

Balance Your Partner’s List with Your Own

Creating a combined list is where things get real. Have you each listed those “must-have” guests separately? Once you’ve both created your lists, combine them and adjust as needed. Intimate weddings are a chance to honor relationships that genuinely mean something to both of you, focusing on shared connections and special people who have contributed to your lives together.

Be Mindful of Space and Budget

There’s something so appealing being surrounded by intimate setting of loved ones and nature.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

With 1860 Schulhaus’s cozy indoor space and beautiful outdoor areas, you can host a beautiful ceremony and reception without feeling crowded. Our venue is designed for intimate gatherings, so think carefully about whom you genuinely want by your side. Each guest brings additional costs for catering and rentals, so stay mindful of your budget. Consider who will make the day feel complete and focus on that group.

Divide into Must-Haves, Maybes, and Optional Guests

Still finding it hard to narrow down the list? Create categories: “must-have,” “maybe,” and “optional.” This way, if you need to trim down, you can do so without feeling overwhelmed. Having a limited guest list doesn’t mean you’re leaving people out; it simply means you’re crafting a day where every attendee is there to share in your joy.

Communicate Clearly on Invitations

For smaller gatherings, it’s even more important to communicate who’s invited. If you’re not inviting children or limiting plus-ones, make this clear on the invitation to avoid misunderstandings. The goal is for everyone to feel honored to be part of your special day, so clarity and warmth in the invitation wording will go a long way.

Intimate Weddings, Big Moments

Your wedding day at the 1860 Schulhaus is a day to celebrate love, unity, and cherished memories. Building a guest list for a small wedding may feel challenging, but it’s an opportunity to create a day that’s genuinely yours, surrounded by the people who mean the most. If you’re feeling unsure, we’re here to help guide you through this process. We’d love to show you around our space and discuss how we can make your intimate wedding vision come to life. Contact us to schedule a tour and see what 1860 Schulhaus can offer!

Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.Butler’s Courtyard,The Hidden Abby, The Ironwood Barn at Von Erich Ranch, Erich Ranch Blog, Lake Front Acres, Heartland Farms Event Center