Diminished guest list - move dinner into a "semi-private" space, or keep a too big room?

You shouldn't feel weird for wearing a wedding dress and tux in a restaurant. There have been some couples who host their weddings at restaurants in full wedding attire and semi-private just means that you won't be the only group in the area. I personally think if you end up with less than 10, going with the solarium would be best especially because you never know if someone else might be hosting a large party/event and could really use that boardroom.

Just because it's semi private, doesn't mean it'll take away from still having your special day! I was going to do semi private at the Cheesecake Factory when we planned for 30 guests but our plans have changed since then. I would definitely contact your DOC (if you haven't already) and ask for those other photos. Maybe you can even contact the restaurant yourself and see if they'll release the entire layout for you.

View Quoted Comment So she did reassure me that no one has contacted about either space (its a Tuesday and COVID caused a lot of cancelations here). Unfortunately the DOC is also the contact point for the restaurant and she told me that was the only picture she has (I think she's working remote) so I may need to go in person and look at it. I think I would be uncomfortable with another table being right next to ours, but if there is enough space I think you're right that I'm probably overthinking and it will be fine. I just hope I can still use some decor. (Or that everyone can just come!)

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Oh well that's unfortunate. I'd definitely go in then. Usually with semi private, they wouldn't have the tables so close together so I really hope that's not the case with this restaurant. I think the solarium is still a really beautiful space and you get the natural light from the window. Just be sure to ask about the decor when you get there. Good luck!

The semi private one doesn’t look so bad !! But I would do private if I could

Private is actually cute ...ill go with that

Both look very nice, but I think I'd stick with the bigger room. Even if you are a smaller group, the privacy would be nice, and you then have some room to spread out/dance a little.

I would definitely do private! If you're worried about space, you could fill in with pictures of y'all with the people who couldn't make it, like a table of photos?

View Quoted Comment Oh my goodness thats such a cute idea, thank you! I wish I had a ton of iPads they could call in to haha.

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You're welcome! Haha that would be super cute.

Just wanted to add that the tables need to be 6 ft apart these days and there probably won't be many other people in the restaurant (covid restrictions for capacity, etc.).

The semi-private looks very nice and backs up to the wall so maybe more privacy.

I'm in similar situation and wedding is being held in another state. Just another blip in the plans, but 'it is what it is".

Best wishes.

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That's an excellent point about the tables, which I didn't think about. Should we end up in that room, that gives me a little more relief. I am keeping positive that hopefully the military travel restrictions will lift. Thank you! Best of luck to you, too!

I personally like the private boardroom better because of the intimacy factor. Although you are having it on a Tuesday so I cant see the semi-private area being packed so either way I wish you guys a Great wedding day!

Hi there,

This is so tough! Does the potential absence of your mother and sister bother you at all? Will waiting until 2021 guarantee their presence? You can't control anyone's circumstances, of course, so maybe you could take an informal poll of the family and friends that you most want to see at your wedding. Their responses may help you decide your next step. In the end, you should make the decision that feels right for you.

Good luck with your new date, whenever it may be!

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My FSIL not being able to attend stinks but doesn't bother me as much as my mom not attending. I hesitate to say if 2021 would guarantee anything, in part because my mom was already so nervous before the pandemic to travel (she hasn't flown since the 70's), so I would hate to push it out a year and something else be the catalyst for not coming. My grandmother is hoping as it gets closer she will change her mind. A small part of me has considered moving it out a few months (we would rather not push out an entire year, especially since my dress is done now) but then we run into the issue of school causing an issue (FH's father works in a school, and my mom wouldn't want to leave while my brother is in school (who isn't coming because of issues with travel)). FH is also pretty set on just doing it now.

Thank you - trying to stay positive!