Extra seat at reception

Do people really do this?
I can't imagine ever getting up the nerve to show up to a wedding after I declined!

Put some extra seats in a back corner, by the bathrooms. Lol

View Quoted Comment I can't imagine doing it either but I just wanted to be safe! I don't expect it to happen because most of our guests will be flying in. But again, just wanted to know what the "norm" is.
Ha!! That picture is hilarious. Thanks for sharing! ☺

People do this. Unfortunately. I asked my venue and they said they are always ready to serve 5% more guests than anticipated. Ask your venue.

View Quoted Comment Thanks for the advice! I will for sure check with the venue. 5% seems crazy to me! Fingers crossed it won't happen.

We’re using a church for reception as well as a buffet like you are so we know at least 4 people RSVPing “no” because they were including in heloingnplan but have a baby shower for their own daughter on the day of and others know they can’t come bc of seasonal work that they must be present for. So we are leaving that room Incase they change their mind or if someone brings an unexpected guest but we are just able to be flexible bc were kind of “backyard wedding” set ur rather than turning in numbers & being professionally catered. (My FIL to be used to own & manage restaurants so we know that’s in good hands but don’t have deadlines I guess lol! )

I’ve heard of unexpected guests showing up and several guests (who RSVPed) not showing up at all. Apparently this is a common thing.

My FMIL did thist at my FSIL'S wedding. She had an extra seats at a few tables. Lo and behold, people who did not RSVP yes, showed up anyways. If you have the space, it doesn't hurt.

Huh I honestly didn’t think about doing that. I think that’s a great idea to do. I’ve read many stories of people saying no then they are free last minute and can make it.
Plus if they don’t show up, this gives extra wiggle room for your guests!

We didn’t have seats put out for extra guests, but our venue would have been able to accommodate anyone who showed up who had RSVP’d no.

View Quoted Comment Yes, 5% is a lot! Idk about havi g the seats just there empty... not sure how they would handle it, but my DOC said she has dealt with it before and she will be ready. So Better prepared than sorry. But I am still hoping this doesn't happen!

I’ve always heard of this happening! It seems crazy to me, but I guess people are crazy LOL

We didn't set up extra seating. 😂I just remembered if anyone had shown up who said they weren't coming, they would have had to eat at a different room since our tables were in the smaller part. That would have been embarrassing for them.

Thank you ladies for the helpful advice! I think I may leave a couple seats open but certainly not an entire table.

I did this, I had an odd number of guests per table, to keep it simple, I had most tables with 10 and 2 tables with 12. It gave me extra seats just in case, but I ended up with no shows so it would not have mattered.