Need advice: over seating limit

nicole098 · March 2011

Hi, ladies-

I would like to hear your opinions because I am just stuck.

Our venue is limited at 120 people but currently the invite list is around 140. I've heard the role of thumb that 20% don't make it.

I'm nervous that we'll have too many. I keep looking at the list and aren't sure how else we'll cut folks. We did some trimming already.

How far down would you cut the list???

Thanks!

amianne420 · March 2011

I had that same issue...our guest list went soaring over (and sometimes still does!) our 200 limit. So I just made the necessary cuts to keep it right at 200. If less show up, then less show up. I don't want to risk people coming that won't even be allowed in the building due to fire code restriction let alone, not have something to eat!

Just be cautious and tedious!

pantherRN · March 2011

Please do not count on a 20% decline rate. There have been girls on here with a 0 or 1% decline rate, almost 100% of their guests show up. You need to invite no more than 120 people and I would probably go even closer to 100 to make sure everyone was comfy. Also, does that number of people allow for a dance floor or additional tables for a buffet, cookies, or escort cards? This is one of the biggest reasons to decide on a guest list before you go venue shopping. If you must have all 140 on your list, is finding another venue an option?

nicole098 · March 2011

I was leaning towards the invite the max and no more, too. Thanks for confirming.

Here's what happened with our venue. FI and I picked Edgewood CC. Had the contract written up and then had them reduce the min. quantity (from 80 to 70) bc we didn't even think we'd have that many. We had done a preliminary list. All of a sudden, the list bloated to 140. FI and my mom have the majority of the list. I asked my mom to cut down and she did somewhat. FI is less enthused about reducing his list, but I think a concession will need to be made in the near future...(Don't tell him I said that!! lol)

ECC has another larger room, but to meet their min, I'd have to fork up like another $40 pp. Not an option in my book.

Appreciate your thoughts!

ginny814 · March 2011

Does your reception hall offer larger tables? Or better yet, long rectangle tables? You may be able to squeeze more in that way if you do they layout correctly. You could always rent your own if they do not offer them.

My friend had her reception at an art gallery, and since it was out of state, they didn't expect many Pittsburghers to make it there.. but they did... so unfortunatley about 20 people had to be seated in the hallway area right outside the entrance of the specific studio they were in. It worked, but unfortunately they weren't able to see everything sitting down.. they had to get up to see the first dance, cake cutting, etc..

If extra tables/longer tables/bigger tables aren't an option, is there another area outside of the main room where guests can be seated?

lindsayzeleznik · March 2011

Hi Nicole! We are having our reception at ECC as well. I am actually going to the Bridal Show there tomorrow night and if you want me to I can ask a few questions about accomodating guests in the Vista Room. Maybe they would be able to add a few more ppl on without compromising comfort for the guests?

nicole098 · March 2011

Lindsey, that's so sweet of you to offer! I have to catch up with Dennis about food, so I can hit him up then.

Are you doing Vista Lounge or the ball room? What's your date?!

lindsayzeleznik · March 2011

NIcole - Sent you a PM!

Need advice: over seating limit

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