Gender Reveal Guest Checklist

Guest list decisions affect almost everything else — venue size, food quantity, and budget. Work through this roughly in order.

6+ weeks before

• Decide on rough guest count (immediate family only? extended family and friends?)
• Decide if kids are invited
• Build your guest list with current addresses or contact info
• Decide on invitation method (physical, digital, or both)

4 weeks before

• Send invitations
• Include an RSVP deadline (2 weeks before the event is typical)
• Note any dietary restrictions on your invite or RSVP form
• If guests are traveling, share venue/parking details early

2 weeks before

• Follow up with anyone who hasn’t RSVP’d
• Finalize headcount for food and drink planning
• Confirm seating needs (tables, chairs) match your final count
• Note any guests who need accessibility accommodations

1 week before

• Lock in final headcount for catering or food quantities
• Print or prepare a sign-in area or guest book if you’re using one
• Assign a greeter if you want someone other than the host welcoming guests

Day of

• Have a plan for late arrivals so they don’t miss the reveal moment
• Designate one person to keep an eye on the door/guest count before the big moment
• Have a few extra seats or space available for plus-ones you may have missed

A note on the guest list itself

Keep a simple spreadsheet or note with: name, RSVP status, plus-ones, and any dietary notes. It sounds like overkill for a party, but it’s the fastest way to answer “how much food do we actually need” without guessing.

See our planning timeline for how this fits into the rest of your prep, and our gift guide if guests are asking what to bring.