How many guests to expect for wedding - holiday weekend??

Bryteyez508

I'm planning a wedding Friday evening of Labor day weekend and I'm not sure of how many guests to expect. I want to leave enough room so that we don't fall under our minimum. We are inviting 250 guests and about 40% are out of towners. Can anyone give me an idea of how many guests to expect especially since its labor day weekend? Is signing up for a minimum of 200 or 225 too risky?

GiGiV2012

My girlfriend just got married Saturday of Labor Day Weekend in Pennsylvania. (Everyone, including the bride and groom, live in Jersey) Needless to say, she did not make her minimum and had to pay for a rediculous amount of extra plates. Her minimum that she had to guarantee was 175 and she invited 250. I want to say that there was maybe 150 there that night.

I would not take the chance if you're only inviting 250 guests and you have to guarantee 200-225.

DeDeSwe

i had 3 friends get married on various holiday weekends.  their decline rates were at least 30%... 

If you are looking for a high response rate than you should probably send a save the date as early as possible to every person you plan on inviting.

people tend to make plans on holidays quite early

Giaspo

We were married the Friday after Labor Day and had a decline rate of 40% (invited 206 and had 124 attend, with a minimum of 125).  The good thing about your Friday is that many people have Summer Hours or early dismissal and can get out early. 

STDs are crucial here, and I'd definitely try to get your minimum down to around 175, just to be careful, especially if 40% of your guest list needs to travel.  They will want to book early and get the best rates. 

HobokensFury

I don't have any experience with holiday weddings but my shower was MLK weekend. There was a 50% decline rate.

klustig

I also think it depends on your crowd. Only you will know if the people you are inviting are likely to come. And yes, definitely send Save the Dates!

Love11506

Well friday's usually have a higher decline rate because of work and if 40% are out of towners then they might not come depending on how far away and if they have to leave the day before.