Who All Gon’ Be There?
The Art (and Impact) of a Thoughtful Guest List
I’m back on the blog after a whirlwind three weeks, and y’all… the inspiration is flowing. I’ve got stories, lessons, and memories to share — especially from my recent bachelorette weekend in Cabo with five of my nearest and dearest. That post is coming soon (trust me, it’s going to be a vibe), but first — let’s talk about something that matters just as much as the menu, the playlist, or the tablescape.
The guest list.
It’s easy to obsess over the food, the music, the aesthetic — but the guest list? That part often gets overlooked. We treat it like a logistics exercise instead of what it really is: the foundation of the entire experience.
Who all gon’ be there? isn’t just a group chat question — it’s the starting point for how the gathering will feel, flow, and be remembered. Whether it’s a cozy dinner party, a spirited game night, or a weekend escape, the people you invite shape the energy, the memories, and the magic.
Why this Matters to Me
Before we get into it, a quick note on why this matters to me so much:
As a programming executive, I curate TV and streaming experiences for audiences. I have a true passion — and if I can toot my own horn, a God-given knack — for knowing what resonates, what engages, and what keeps people coming back. I approach gatherings the same way I approach content: with instinct, intention, and a deep respect for the energy each person brings into a space.
One night in Cabo, we were sitting around the dinner table, laughing so hard we could barely breathe — and it hit me: this is what happens when you curate with care. It’s not about who’s available. It’s about who brings the energy you want to remember.
So before I take you to Cabo, I want to ease back into blogging with something light but impactful — five thoughtful tips for curating a guest list that feels intentional, joyful, and just right for your moment.
5 Tips for Curating a Guest List with Intention
1. Start with the vibe, not the headcount.
Before you consider how many people can fit, ask yourself how you want the gathering to feel. Intimate and soulful? Lively and loud? Focused and purposeful? Let the desired vibe guide the size — not the other way around.
2. Think chemistry, not categories.
It’s tempting to build your guest list based on “types”: your college friends, your work crew, your cousins. But think instead about who naturally clicks. Invite people who may not know each other, but would thrive in the same space. Bonus points if they leave as new friends.
3. Balance energy — every gathering needs anchors.
We love the life of the party, but don’t underestimate the power of your quiet conversationalists or your observant laughers. Great gatherings are like playlists — they need a rhythm. Mix bold energy with grounding presence.
4. Protect the space by being intentional.
Don’t over-invite just to avoid leaving people out. That kind of emotional math rarely adds up. It’s okay to keep things intimate. If you’re curating with care, your guests will feel chosen — not just included.
5. Consider the story you’re creating.
Every gathering tells a story. What chapter are you writing? Who are the characters that make it meaningful? When your guest list supports the why behind the event, the who will always make sense.
So yes, Cabo content is coming — the glam, the gratitude, and the gorgeous views. But before we get into the group pics and golden hour glow, I wanted to remind you: your guest list is part of the experience. It’s the foundation. The flavor. The forecast.
Curate with intention. Gather with love.
Make memories.
xo,
Brielle
Planning a dinner party, game night, or weekend getaway?
Check out my Guest List Curation Checklist! Download it for free and keep it handy for your next gathering. 🫶🏿