> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.thexo.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How do I create guest list or complimentary bookings?

> Create admin bookings for VIP guests, press, or comp entries directly from the dashboard.

XO allows you to create bookings on behalf of customers directly from the admin panel — without the customer going through the normal booking flow. This is used for guest list entries, complimentary tickets, press passes, and staff entries.

***

## What is a guest list / admin booking?

An admin-created booking lets you:

* Add someone to the guest list for free (comp tickets)
* Create a booking for a customer who called or emailed to book
* Issue complimentary reservations for VIP guests
* Add press, sponsors, or event staff entries

Admin bookings are created in **Confirmed** status immediately, bypassing payment.

***

## Creating a guest list booking

1. In the admin panel, go to **Events & Bookings**.
2. Select the event (and occurrence if recurring).
3. Click the **Create Booking** (or **+ Admin Booking**) button.
4. Fill in the booking details:

| Field                | Description                                       |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| **Customer name**    | Full name of the guest                            |
| **Email**            | Guest's email address (used to send confirmation) |
| **Phone**            | Optional contact number                           |
| **Event**            | Select the event                                  |
| **Occurrence**       | Select the date (for recurring events)            |
| **Booking tier**     | Choose the ticket type or reservation             |
| **Quantity**         | Number of tickets or tables                       |
| **Number of people** | For reservations with per-person pricing          |
| **Notes**            | Internal note (e.g., "VIP guest", "press pass")   |

5. Click **Confirm Booking**.

The booking is created immediately as **Confirmed**. If the customer email is provided, they receive a booking confirmation with their entry pass QR codes.

***

## Guest list vs. standard bookings

|                             | Guest list booking | Standard customer booking   |
| --------------------------- | ------------------ | --------------------------- |
| Created by                  | Admin              | Customer                    |
| Payment required            | No                 | Yes (unless free event)     |
| Starting status             | Confirmed          | Draft → Pending → Confirmed |
| Counts against availability | Yes                | Yes                         |

***

## Viewing guest list bookings

In the **Events & Bookings** section, guest list bookings appear alongside regular bookings. You can identify them by:

* The booking channel indicator (admin-created vs. self-service)
* Using the **Guest List** filter to show only admin-created bookings

***

## Tracking guest list statistics

In the event attendance panel, you'll see separate metrics for guest list performance:

* **Total invited** — Total guest list bookings created
* **Confirmed** — Bookings confirmed
* **Arrived** — Guest list guests who have been scanned in
* **Cancelled** — Guest list bookings that were cancelled

See [How do I view guest list statistics?](../analytics-and-reporting/guest-list-statistics) for details.

***

## Can I bulk-import a guest list?

Currently, each guest list booking is created individually through the admin panel. For large guest lists, contact support at [support@thexo.app](mailto:support@thexo.app) to discuss bulk import options.