Two different guest management models solve two different problems, and picking the wrong one for your event type creates friction you didn't need to have.
Invitation-Only
You control the exact guest list from the start. Every guest is added by you or your planner, each gets a unique QR code, and nobody outside that list can register themselves in. This is the right model whenever the guest list itself is the point weddings, private parties, VIP events, anything where "who's on the list" matters as much as "how many people are coming."
RSVP-Based
You publish a public registration link, and anyone with that link can submit their details to attend, optionally subject to your approval before they're confirmed. This fits events where you're actively trying to grow attendance and don't have a fixed guest list in mind conferences, open community events, product launches aimed at a broader audience.
Can You Use Both?
Yes on PrivePas, RSVP pages support an optional guest cap and an approval step, meaning you can run an open registration process while still controlling final numbers and vetting who actually gets approved. This middle ground works well for events that want to feel accessible but still need some control over the final list.
How to Decide
Ask whether you already know who should be attending. If yes, invitation-only gives you tighter control with less setup. If you're trying to reach people you don't know yet, RSVP with approval gives you the growth without giving up control entirely.
The Bottom Line
Neither model is universally better they solve different problems. Matching the model to what your event actually needs, rather than defaulting to whichever one you've used before, makes the whole process smoother.