Your wedding day is one of the most important celebrations of your life—and while the flowers, music, and menu will be unforgettable, what you’ll remember most is who shared the day with you. That’s why creating your guest list can be one of the trickiest parts of planning a wedding in Florianópolis.
Between balancing family expectations, staying within your budget, and making sure you only invite people who truly matter, the process can feel overwhelming. But with the right mindset—and a few expert-backed rules—you can finalize your list without unnecessary stress.
At VOAR Mansion in Ribeirão da Ilha, Florianópolis, we’ve hosted countless weddings overlooking the sea, and we know that your guest list sets the tone for the entire celebration. Here are eight golden rules to guide you through the process.
This might sound obvious, but it’s the most important rule: your guest list should be filled with people who bring you joy. If the thought of sharing your big day with someone makes you smile, they belong on your list. If you feel an obligation instead of excitement, reconsider.
A simple tip? Each partner should write down the first names that come to mind when thinking about their dream wedding celebration. Those instinctive names are usually the ones that matter most.
Just because someone was important in your past doesn’t mean they need to be at your wedding. If you wouldn’t take that person out to an expensive dinner today, they likely don’t belong on your list. Weddings in Florianópolis are often intimate by nature, and the goal is to celebrate with the people who are part of your life right now.
Guest count has a direct impact on your budget—especially for food, drinks, and rentals. At VOAR Mansion, for example, couples often decide whether they’d rather host a smaller, elegant gathering of 120–150 guests or expand the list and adjust other elements of the celebration.
Think about what matters most to you: more people, or more luxury? A beachfront wedding in Florianópolis feels magical either way—you just need to strike the balance that feels right.
It’s natural for parents to want to add their coworkers, distant cousins, or old friends. But remember, this is your wedding, not theirs. While compromise is sometimes needed—especially if family members are helping with costs—the guest list should reflect the couple’s wishes above all else.
If you wouldn’t recognize someone in a café, they probably shouldn’t be at your wedding.
This is where many couples struggle. A good rule: if a guest lives with or is in a serious, long-term relationship, they should be invited as a pair. But for more casual acquaintances, plus-ones aren’t a must.
For destination weddings in Florianópolis, allowing plus-ones can be a kind gesture—since traveling alone may feel daunting. Still, if your budget is tight, trimming unknown plus-ones is an easy way to keep numbers manageable.
Some couples love the idea of kids dancing barefoot on the grass, while others prefer an adult-only celebration with cocktails under the stars. Both are perfectly valid choices.
If you choose to include children, make it fun for them—think kid-friendly menus and activities. If not, be clear on the invitation and trust that parents will understand. Many couples hosting weddings at VOAR decide to make it adults-only for a more elegant atmosphere.
Your wedding should be a day of love, not conflict. If you have relatives or acquaintances who don’t support your relationship, you are not obligated to include them. Surround yourself with people who will bring joy, positivity, and encouragement to your marriage.
Traditionally, families tried to split the guest list evenly, but modern weddings—especially in Brazil—don’t work that way. Maybe one partner has a huge family while the other has just a few close friends. That’s okay. The goal isn’t symmetry—it’s meaningful company.
At VOAR Mansion, we’ve seen couples create their own system, sometimes dividing by who is contributing financially, sometimes by closeness, sometimes by practicality. There’s no one right formula, just the one that works for you.
Finalizing your guest list is less about rules and more about staying true to your values as a couple. Think about who will make you feel most loved and celebrated on your wedding day in Florianópolis—and let that guide your decisions.
Need help navigating these tricky choices? Our VOAR wedding team specializes in guiding couples through every step of the planning process, from guest list challenges to full wedding design. Reach out today and let us help you craft the celebration of your dreams.