How do I get guests to leave before they're kicked out?

LoveWins88

My FI and I started out envisioning a small, simple wedding, but when I asked him to write out the names of the people he wanted to invite, his estimated 75 became 150!

So, we've had to change reception plans, and all the wiggle room in our 5k budget is gone. The problem is that the reception venue charges a flat fee for a reception up to six hours, then charges an extra $150 for every additional hour. Plus, all renters have to be off the premises by 12 A.M. FI family & friends have a habit of sticking around for forever and a day, even if all they're doing is sitting around talking. How do I make sure they leave in a timely manner without being rude?

We're only serving cake & punch, after an afternoon ceremony, but as I said, they don't need any excuse to stay around.

trix1223

You turn on the lights, stop the music, and move around thanking everyone for coming.  And if necessary, you have a couple of other "key communicators" (mom, dad, MIL, FIL, etc) moving around, graciously advising people that "we're so sorry, but the management is telling us that we all have to leave now."

Lasairiona

If it's an afternoon reception, there shouldn't be any issue as it will only last 3 hrs max. Make a formal exit and then your guests will take the cue that you're leaving and follow suit. His family who doesn't get a clue will have no choice but to be kicked out by staff and maybe it will cure their rudeness in that matter. Since they are adults, you are not responsible for their lack of immaturity and tact, regardless if they are your guests or not. 

lyndausvi

Well if you are only have cake and punch for an afternoon wedding I doubt you will have an issue.  Those type receptions tend not to last very long anyway.

ExpatPumpkin

What Lynda said...  And also, it's one day and then it's over.  I guarantee you that if everyone's having a good time you won't mind paying an extra $150.  Guarantee

Pirata13

If you are having an afternoon reception, this shouldn't be an issue.  Set an end time for your reception, have the dj cut the music in plenty of time, and as a PP said, make an exit and have people you can rely on to move people out. 

landk2011

I agree, if it's in the afternoon, it shouldn't be an issue. If you're really worried about it, though, you could always have someone organize a little family "outing" right after, either for dinner, or just drinks or something. That way, they can just reconvene somewhere else, and stay there as long as they like. It might be a little easier if they can just be rounded up in a group, like, "Ok, everyone, let's head to ....."

fallingwater

Give the reception venue permission to begin stacking chairs and getting ready to vaccuum or whatever they need to do to get out of there.  Especially if you're getting yourself ready to go, you should have no problem.