Make the invitation, share one link in the family group and the neighborhood chat, and let guests reply with their name — adults, kids and plus-ones counted. Add the potluck list to the same link, with a number against each item, so the sweets table has variety instead of six boxes of the same mithai. Guests need no app and no account; the invitation picks up the marigold theme on its own when the title says Diwali.
Diwali guest lists span three chats: family, the friends who come every year, and the neighbors you are inviting for the first time. A single link works in all three, so the replies land in one list rather than three threads, and the newcomers do not have to install anything to say yes.
List what the table needs with a number against each line. Guests claim from the link, an item closes when its number is met, and you see who is bringing what without asking. A list for a house party of about thirty:
| Needed | Status | |
|---|---|---|
| Sweets (any kind) | 4 | ~3 claimed — 1 still needed |
| Savory snacks | 3 | ✓closed |
| A main dish | 3 | ~2 claimed — 1 still needed |
| Something for the kids | 2 | ✗2 still needed |
| Drinks | 2 | ✓closed |
| Diyas and candles | 1 | ✓closed |
Illustrative. Write the lines in whatever words your guests use; the numbers do the work.
For a community Diwali, run it from the community rather than a personal invitation: the announcement goes out with a push, the event carries the RSVP, volunteer slots cover setup and the diya table, and the photo album afterwards is shared with members only.
Free · guests reply with their name and mobile number · potluck on the same link
Make it in Mela, share the link in your chats, and guests reply with their name. Kids and plus-ones are counted and the invitation carries a marigold theme when the title says Diwali.
Yes. Add a list with a number against each item and guests claim from the same link they RSVP with.
No. The link opens in any browser on any phone. Only the host uses the app or the web.