My fiance and I both come from very large Italian families. However, I also imagined a smaller (for us Italians) wedding. When looking at venues with my parents I had to say no to a LOT of places because they wouldn't hold over 200 people (yes, under 200 people is considered small to my family) that wasn't a hotel because I REALLY didn't want to go that route. Finally, we found a beautiful venue that maxxed out at 225. My parents agreed to cut their guest list, I decided that only close friends would be invited, and my fiance's family would also have to narrow down their list. We are now at an invite list of 275 adults and 30 kids. Yes, 305 guest list. 45 of those are my fiancé and I’s guests, 95 are my fiance’s family, which means 165 are from my parents. I’ve fought tooth and nail with my family to try and cut their list (even considered having to cut down MY list) but they are not budging. So much so that my save the dates have already gone out to their family. I’ve discussed cutting kids and that’s not an option. I tried discussing cutting the list but clearly now that the Save the Dates are out that can’t work. I’m SO frustrated. And now, my venue is telling is that they meant it when they said 225 was their capacity. MAYBE they could fit another table or two (bringing the total to 241) but that it would probably crowd the seating. The other suggestion was to rent a tent and dance floor and put it outside to create space inside for seating and then dancing would be outside. I just don’t know what to do. Won’t this completely break up the flow of the wedding? I’m just not sure what else we can do… this has been such an argument for 4 months that I’ve threatened multiple times to just get up and elope. Which is not really what I want at all… any advice is MUCH appreciated!