Wedding guest texting, questions answered
What is Dearest Guest?
Dearest Guest is a wedding guest communication service that sends automated, personalized text messages to your wedding guests. We handle everything from shuttle coordination and parking directions to ceremony reminders, table assignments, photo album links, and day-after thank-yous. Couples have used it for destination weddings, city weddings, weekend retreats, and everything in between.
How much does Dearest Guest cost?
Dearest Guest is a one-time payment of $3 per guest, with a $99 minimum that covers up to 33 guests. Every plan includes unlimited messages, unlimited free change requests, personal message review, and guest reply collection (replies land in your dashboard plus a daily email digest). Optional add-ons are $10 each: Shadow Mode, Emoji, and Photo Messages. No subscriptions, ever.
How does the wedding guest messaging work?
You share your wedding details (date, venues, schedule) and upload your guest list. We create a personalized message timeline for each guest. You preview and approve every message before anything sends. Then messages go out automatically at the right times. You can also send different messages to different groups - rehearsal attendees, shuttle riders, VIP after-party guests, and more.
How many messages can I send?
Unlimited. Most weddings send 8-15 messages per guest across the full timeline: save-the-date, travel info, rehearsal reminders, day-of logistics (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception), shuttle details, photo album links, after-party invites, thank-you notes, and brunch reminders. You can also add as many custom messages as you need at no extra cost.
What kind of messages can I send?
Anything your guests need to know. Common messages include: venue directions with Google Maps links, shuttle pickup times matched to each guest's arrival, table and seating assignments, ceremony timing and dress code, parking options, photo upload links timed to cocktail hour, weather updates, VIP after-party invites, next-day brunch details, and post-wedding thank-yous with photo album links. You can customize every message and create your own.
Can I send different messages to different guests?
Yes. You can assign guests to groups and send targeted messages. For example, rehearsal attendees get rehearsal reminders, shuttle riders get their specific pickup time, the bridal party gets day-of coordination details, and only the VIP list gets after-party invites. Each guest only receives the messages relevant to them.
Do guests need to download an app?
No. Dearest Guest uses standard SMS text messaging, so guests receive messages directly on their phone. No app downloads, no website logins, no accounts to create. Every guest with a phone number can receive messages, regardless of their phone type.
Can I include links in the messages?
Yes. You can include clickable links to Google Maps for venue directions, your wedding website, photo sharing albums, parking lot locations, and anything else. Links appear as tappable blue text on your guests' phones.
When should I set up Dearest Guest?
You can set up anytime before your wedding. Many couples set it up 2-4 weeks before, but you can start earlier for save-the-date texts or travel info for destination weddings. Setup takes about 5 minutes.
Is Dearest Guest better than a wedding website?
They work great together. Wedding websites hold detailed info guests can reference anytime. But many guests never visit or forget the URL. SMS messages go directly to their phone with a 98% open rate. One couple used SMS as the only way to share their photo album link and got a great number of submissions. You can link to your wedding website right from the text messages.
What if a guest replies to a text?
Every reply lands in your dashboard's reply section the moment it arrives, so you can collect RSVPs and answers in one place. We also email you a digest of all replies every 24 hours, so you stay in the loop without being pinged for each one. Check and respond whenever it suits you.
How do I add my guest list?
You can upload a spreadsheet or enter guests manually during setup. Just first name, last name, and phone number. You can add, remove, or edit guests at any time before messages start sending.
I'm a wedding planner. Can I use this for my clients?
Absolutely. Planners use Dearest Guest to manage guest communication across multiple weddings. You set it up, your clients approve the messages, and everything sends automatically. Reach out at support@dearestguest.com to discuss planner partnerships.