Assigned tables and unexpected guests

Unexpected guests? Tell them to leave, lol.....

Tell them to bring a chair and a sandwich? LOL

Make it clear to people (via word of mouth or on your website) that there will only be tables and chairs for the number of guests who have RSVP'ed AND that it will be assigned. So if they don't RSVP, they won't have a seat.

I like what Catrapoin said however in doing my seating chart I noticed at several tables there are one to two empty seats. Any strays that show up will first be told they have to wait until all rsvp'd guest are sat and then they will be assigned to those unassigned seats whether they know the people at the table or not.

Yep, I agree with Sabrina. And if a party of two have to be split up to different tables because only one chair is available at each table, then so be it.

Well I think we both know logically that doesn't work. It's a serious question though. Our venue holds 6 people per table and really doesn't fit more than that very easily. I figured we can have some space set a side for extra tables and chairs JIC?

I wondered about this same issue. After talking with my mom about it she said there are a few tables with a few extra seats. Not everyone will be able to sit together if they show up with RSVPing but that is their problem, not yours. That is what an RSVP is for

Ah see I know me I like evens so I would plan every table exactly lol. But my main thing was more so like when they come in and they are like uh, where do I sit? lol

I have a feeling i'm going to have that problem. So I sent out a reminder before the invitations will even be sent that I have to know an RSVP for assigned tables since we are renting tables and chairs ourselves. I'm not forking out extra money JIC someone doesn't want to RSVP.

Wendy after reading on here and just talking to people in general it happens all.the.time. Plenty of people say they are not coming to end up coming, plenty have no shows. I have seen a TON on here with people that just showed up who were not even invited.

I have seen many posts even just here that have said they had people show up who didn't RSVP! That's an unexpected guest. I think in theory that doing all that would result in perfect attendance but I have found not many did that actually work in perfect attendance.

Heck I did a baby shower just two weeks ago. We did phone confirmations the DAY before and still had 5 not show that rsvp'd yes and 1 show that said she couldn't come (ended up she could). so it happens. I just like to be prepared. If we did assigned tables I wouldn't want someone looking confused as to not know where to sit. Edited to add I'm not saying I would have a bunch just wondered the seating for ANY unexpected guests.

I would not try to accommodate piss-poor manners. Period.

We had assigned tables and seats. We had some no shows and one couple that had not RSVP'd. We left it up to them to figure out where they were sitting. Wasn't a bit worried about them.

In fact if they have no place to sit, so be it.

Assigned seats period. If extra people show up then they can be left to feel stupid when they didn't RSVP, RSVP'd no, or weren't invited, and have no place to sit.

We are having my 18 year old niece stand at the door for security and if uninvited or guest that didn't RSVP come they will be turned around immediately I paid for and have it set up for the number people that have RSVPed

We are doing assigned tables not seats. We will just keep some extra tables on reserve if needed I wouldn't ever leave someone with out a seat even if they didn't RSVP. I just wasn't sure how others handled it when doing assigned seats or tables. Thanks guys.

I understand your point and I believe the other Brides do as well and we are all on your side ( reading it doesn't sound like it though lol). The general thought is, if people don't care enough to write a number on a card and return it to you, you shouldn't be held responsible for stressing yourself out to "possibly" accommodate them. You have plenty of other items to put that attention to. Do what makes you comfortable - I understand you may feel its easier to have spectra and avoid an ugly situation at your wedding but look at it this way, this is YOUR day...if they want to feel important then help you by doing what you asked. Personally, when my time comes, invited guests are getting an invitation with a stamped address reply card, it the do not reply by the given date - even better, it their response is not postmarked by the given date, I will NOT have a seat for them...no matter Who it is. I will not call, text, email, facebook, tweet or Instagram any reminders.

"Extra"

There shouldn't be any unexpected guests.

If someone shows up who didn't RSVP and crashes your wedding, 1. that's rude, and 2. they shouldn't expect there to magically be accommodations for them. Perhaps talk to your venue staff and see how they usually handle wedding-crashers (maybe they'd quickly throw up an extra table or something, or maybe they'd nicely tell the intruders to leave). But you don't have to account for people who are rude enough to just show up.

And definitely assign tables. Open seating just gets awkward for everyone.

Our venue doesn't handle anything in that area. It's not biggie really. It doesn't really bother me if someone shows that didn't RSVP (though hopefully not a lot do it) I would still be happy to see them either way. We were just making sure there would still be no confusion on seating if someone did end up showing (for whatever reason) stuff happens. plans change. It's all good either way to us. Thanks for all the suggestions.

I'd tell them to leave..aren't you paying per person. If they didnt rsvp and you didn't call to make sure then they shouldn't be there. You shouldn't have to worry about that.

After my RSVPs were due I still had 7 people tell me they MIGHT come. I talked to some of them in person and the rest on the phone. I told them all the same thing. I cannot accept maybe as an answer since I'm paying per person. I will put you down as no. If you attend then I want you to be aware that there will not be a seat, dinner, or anything provided for you. So don't be mad when you get there because I'm tell you this now. I do agree that unexpected guests show up. If you want to accommodate them then set up tables without table numbers. Only provide escort cards to guests you are expecting. I think the other will understand to sit at the tables without a number.

Candida we are doing a buffet so that's not an issue.