Invites and venue space

ap142193

So our venue only holds 150 people and we have 270 on our guest list.  Any one else having this problem?  I know that we will have some not come and ourl ist includes kids which may not come.  I think I read somewhere to expect 30% not to show up, but its so hard to predict!  

TheSlowskys

Um yikes that is a huge disparity. You should always plan for 100 attendance. Do you have a lot of out of town guests? You need a 45 decline rate.

minionlover

Ummm I think you either need to cut the guest list or find a bigger venue.  If the venue capacity and guest list count were really close that might be a different story.  I mean what are you going to do if you have a 100% yes return?  Have you sent invites out yet?

ericaandtom2012

Yeah... you need to cut your list (only do-able if you didn't send STDs to everyone) or find another venue.  The venue has that number because that's how many people it can hold for safety reasons (ie fire code) and will likely not let you go 120 people over.  You have to plan for 100% attendance.  I've heard 80% attendance is average, but it's an average - it's not going to be applicable for every situation.

PattySmith101

this is not going to work you either need to cut you guest list < only if you have not sent stds> or find a bigger venue! Venues have these #'s for a reason - fire codes and whatnot - also the comfort of your guests! if the place only holds 150 people where do you expect to put the extra 120 people  when they all rsvp yes! you should account for %100 attendance. sure people might say no but they also might all say yes 30% of nos is only an average some people have more some people have less!

[Deleted User]

My venue is tricky, I can fit all the people I have invited plus some, but then I lose dance space. I'm fine as long as nobody adds extra people. I have one person who mentioned bringing his kids and if he RSVP's that way I am going to have to call him and tell him I don't have space!

jenny&will2014

perhaps the number they told you is for a seated ceremony. If you can make everyone stand then MAAAYBE you will be okay. Your best bet is to go talk to the venue and ask what can be done. Good luck girly!!   especially with a month and a half to go-changing venues probably isnt an option.

ap142193

The ceremony is outside so there will be standing room. The reception is inside at the same location and there is room for 150 inside. There will be tables outside during the reception for 18 people. Most of our guests live over 3 hours away and my total count includes them bringing kids. I know prior to mailing them 15 for sure won't come because of work or health reasons (specific people). We don't have an option to change venues because it's the largest one in our town.

ReyesToy

I'm in the same situation. My venue holds 150 in their indoor ballroom and I invited 218 but
1) It's a semi-destination wedding and the closest guest is 2 hours away
2) The 218 includes kids and +1s for all singles even if they're not in a committed relationship...just in case they wanted to travel with someone.
3) The venue is famous for their outdoor receptions which I'll probably end up having instead if I have more than 150 guests

Good luck! I'm getting nervous because it already sounds like most people are excited to come but i have a feeling it'll all work out in the end.

LDubHawksFan

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_october-2012-weddings_invites-and-venue-space?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:56b9bcef-1e34-456e-81f5-cfaa107456b2Discussion:268c47a8-6d3a-403f-8bc5-5fe7a7cf55b1Post:3cd2de6e-73f1-48bd-9c1e-5ed0a7169454">Re: Invites and venue space</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm in the same situation. My venue holds 150 in their indoor ballroom and I invited 218 but 1) It's a semi-destination wedding and the closest guest is 2 hours away 2) The 218 includes kids and +1s for all singles even if they're not in a committed relationship...just in case they wanted to travel with someone. 3) The venue is famous for their outdoor receptions which I'll probably end up having instead if I have more than 150 guests Good luck! I'm getting nervous because it already sounds like most people are excited to come but i have a feeling it'll all work out in the end. :)
Posted by ReyesToy[/QUOTE]

Oh gosh, what are you going to do if more than 150 show up?!  OP and Reyes, this is a bad idea!  OP, since you haven't sent out invites, you need to get it down to 150.  I'm having a wedding half way across the country and our early estimation is more than 80% coming....but we have room for well over our invited number.

ReyesToy

if I have more than 150 then we'll hold our reception outdoors which is pretty much unlimited...like I said, it's what the resort is famous for...we'll be in Sedona with the red rocks and the venue is creekside. My ceremony is outdoors so it's not a big deal to have the reception outdoors as well. The venue provides the lighting, tables, chairs, heat lamps...see pic. The only reason we first wanted it indoors is because our Moms get cold but we'll have heat lamps...and because I wanted a club-like feel for the dancing...but outdoors is much more romantic and I wouldn't need to spend money on decor.