Guest List numbers

[Jenn060306]

Ok... This may sound strange but I need some help because i don't want to assume anything.
We have space to invite 80 people between Marks family and our friends. Our final lis has come to 88 guests and we can't take anyone out. However a number of our friends are single and may not bring a guest. 17 to be exact.
Do you think it would be a safe assumption that out of the 17 single guests we've invited 8 of them won't bring a a guest or do you think we should put away the money to make sure we can afford all 8 extra guests.
I really don't want to take anyone off the list, i really feel like everyone we have on there is important to have at the wedding. I'm just not sure how we can afford a possible 8 extra people at the reception.
Thanks in Advance.

[bnd94]

If it doesn't cost an arm and a leg I would put aside the extra money. Better safe than sorry. If they don't come you could put the extra money towards your honeymoon. :D

[CindySue]

I agree with Becky. Put the extra aside and if you dont need it great. Also, if you are close to your friends, could you find out if they plan to bring guests?

[KMac]

I agree with Becky and Cindy! Definitely put the extra money away. This is probably a safer bet than trying to scramble for the extra cash later! And if by chance they don't bring dates, you can put it towards something else.
I would also ask your friends, if they might know if they are going to bring guests or not, you could tell them that you are trying to get an accurate number together.
KMac :bblol:

[Jenn060306]

Thats a great idea! I didn't even think to ask people before we sent out invites. Most of them are Mark's cousins so i will have him get in touch with them.
It will be about $800 extra for us. Our reception is about $90 per person. Which includes 4 course meal, dessert buffet at 11pm, open bar, DJ, and all the decorations.

[LaceyinPgh]

It is safe to assume that at least 8 people won't show up. But then you can never predict human behavior either. How about just not inviting guests with the single folks unless they are in a long term relationship or if you have met their partner. That would cut down and you could be gauranteed that the extra people wouldn't show up.

[CindySue]

It is safe to assume that at least 8 people won't show up. But then you can never predict human behavior either. How about just not inviting guests with the single folks unless they are in a long term relationship or if you have met their partner. That would cut down and you could be gauranteed that the extra people wouldn't show up.

Thats right.....I forgot that you didnt have to LET anyone bring a guest.

[Jenn060306]

Mark and i talked about not inviting guests for some of our guests. But he didn't really like the idea. He's wondering where you draw the line. How long do you have to be seeing someone to be able to bring them. And then he worried about people being upset that they couldn't bring a guest but so and so could. He was thinking that they would be thinking what makes their guest so much better then my guest.
It's just easier to avoid any conflicts like that for us right now. I've already made sure he know's that i don't want our guests inviting a guest for the sake of being able to. One of my friends had broken up with her long term boyfriend and was saying she might bring her sister so she had someone, now they're back together.

[bnd94]

Personally I would hate to go to a wedding alone. Especially if I was dating someone. I think I would be offended. It probably wouldn't be bad at all if I was in the bridal party.

You girls would really want to go to a wedding alone? seriously?

JMOH

[CindySue]

Personally I would hate to go to a wedding alone. Especially if I was dating someone. I think I would be offended. It probably wouldn't be bad at all if I was in the bridal party.

You girls would really want to go to a wedding alone? seriously?

JMOH

Well Brian is probably different but my ex husband wouldnt go to weddings with me. I was invited to 4 weddings while we were together. I went to 3 alone and the only one he did go with me to was my moms so he had to.

[Jenn060306]

Personally I would hate to go to a wedding alone. Especially if I was dating someone. I think I would be offended. It probably wouldn't be bad at all if I was in the bridal party.

You girls would really want to go to a wedding alone? seriously?

JMOH

I agree... i would feel weird going to a wedding on my own. At my FSiL's wedding Mark was in the wedding party and i wasn't. I felt a little ackward during dinner.
I don't expect people to not bring their b/f or g/f however i don't want people bringing someone simply because they have the oppertunity. We're all friends and family. 95% of everyone invited know atleast 5 other people invited.

[WebLady]

My DH hates weddings, unless the people are his friends he wont go. We have been to 2 together and he went to one early in our relationship without me. I know I have been to a few without him ... although most of the weddings I go to I am working at and he is the one that feels awkward ;)

As for the guest list, yeah that can be a tough one. It is hard to say who all will so up. Usually there will be a few that do not RSVP but still come and a few that do RSVP and don't make it. Then sometimes there are people that will come and were not even invited! :bbeek: I hate this part, the best thing to do is just ask if your single frieneds plan on bringing guests. Maybe someone will offer to help pay ;)

:goodluck:

[The Wedding Diva]

I agree as well... it is horrible to go to a wedding alone- especially when you only know the bride or the groom, and they are busy off being the bride and the groom! Definitely attack this with the approach of being in your guests' shoes.

Typically, 15-20% of your guests will not show anyway. Meaning, if you want 150 people there, invite 170-180. That is exactly why I am an advocate of the A/B lists. You can even gauge your list a little smaller and give yourself a 10% leeway. Follow up consistently with your guest list. Make sure that your directives are clear and concise: no ambiguity. If there are no guests, then no guests for everyone. If there are to be no children, then no children for every one. Not everyone knows the good wedding etiquette regarding the names on the envelope, so you may have to reinforce this.

Your caterer will make per capita adjustments and arrangements, but definitely put aside the extra money, because you NEVER know what will happen.