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 guest is included at the same $3, whether their number is from the US, Canada, Europe, or beyond, and your wedding itself can be anywhere on earth. Every plan includes unlimited messages, unlimited free change requests, a real person reviewing your message plan before launch, and guest reply collection in your dashboard. No subscriptions, ever.
We're marrying abroad — does that change the price?
No. Your wedding can be anywhere in the world; that's most of our weddings. Pricing is based on your guests' phone numbers, not your venue. Every guest is included at the same $3, whether their number is from the US, Canada, Europe, or beyond. We confirm delivery for your guests' countries with you before anything sends. Prefer WhatsApp? Reach out to us.
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. Guests receive messages on any phone, smartphone or not.
Can guests reply to the texts?
Yes. Dearest Guest is not one-way. When a guest replies to any message, the reply is collected for you: it lands in your dashboard, so a question like "which shuttle do I take?" never disappears into a group thread. You see every reply in your dashboard, without handing your personal number to the whole guest list.
What makes Dearest Guest different?
Because we treat your guest list like our own. Dearest Guest is a high-touch service built on human attention — your message plan is reviewed by a real person before launch, your message schedule is shaped with you, and every send is tracked, with follow-up on anything that doesn't arrive. Every reply from your guests is collected in your dashboard, in one beautiful place, so nothing gets lost. And we stay with you to the last text, with unlimited free edits right up to your day. Where automated systems send and hope, we look after your people like our own.
I'm a wedding planner. Can I use Dearest Guest for my couples?
Yes. Planners use Dearest Guest to run guest messaging for their couples: you set up the timeline, we review the plan before launch and send every message on schedule, and your couple stays present. Write to support@dearestguest.com and we will get you set up.
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. Text messages go directly to their phone and actually get read. 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, and check 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.