Guest list question

ahart14

So my reception venue holds 120 people. What is proper protocol for inviting guests?? Do I only invite 120 people knowing that some will not show??? How does that work?

HobokensFury

Plan for 100% attendance. Only invite 120 people. Don't forget that included you and your FI.

kmmssg

Also, keep in mind that max capacity often has to do with fire code and not guest comfort.  If the fire chief says this place can hold 120 people that includes any vendor, etc that is in the building.

If the venue says it can host 120 guests find out exactly what that looks like.  That could very squished and cramped (like 10 people at 60" tables) or mean no dance floor, etc.

Also, my DD had 96% of her guest list attend in the middle of a Michigan Winter.  We were sure a boatload of them would not come, but they did.  oot's DD had like 99% attendance.  Please don't overinvite.

Kindasparkly just got married and her MIL swore some cousins wouldn't attend but needed to be invited.  Well some 84 yo relative decided to catch a plane and go to the wedding, so everyone wanted to attend too.  Please don't overinvite.

tb500

I completely agree with everyone. I went to a wedding of a family friend a couple years ago who clearly overinvited. Not only was her venue incredibly cramped for the amount of people there, many of her guests were getting turned away at the door because they had reached capacity. Definitely not a good look.

bridalmarch

Do you already book the venue? 

We made a preliminary guest list before we looked at reception venues. That list was 215 so we looked at 25-300 person venues. We booked a 250 person venue and our final guest list is 183. We're contracted in for 140. 

If you've already booked, then I'd invite 100. Check with the venue if your vendors count. We have two photographers, a videographer, a DJ, and his assistant. 

ahart14

Thank you everyone for all of your suggestions! I appreciate it!