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Candache
Dedicated October 2018

Guest Count Disappointment

Candache, on August 2, 2018 at 9:56 AM

Posted in Planning 41

Hey everyone, let me start with the fact that I am having a "destination wedding" in New Orleans (Most/all family and friends from NY, PA, FL and VA). I understand that due to the nature of the wedding being a DW that not everyone would be able to attend. We invited 60 people (the max occupancy of...

Hey everyone, let me start with the fact that I am having a "destination wedding" in New Orleans (Most/all family and friends from NY, PA, FL and VA). I understand that due to the nature of the wedding being a DW that not everyone would be able to attend. We invited 60 people (the max occupancy of the venue is 53 people). I expected at least 10 people to decline but the RSVP date has come and gone and we only have 35 people attending so far (which is still great) but I wish a few of my closest would have made the journey for me...at this point its just my mom, stepdad, sister and niece as well as my 2 MOHs who will be there for me (7 people out of the 32) the rest are for my FH....makes me sad that not even my grandfather or aunt (who both have plenty of money and are retired) are coming...kinda breaks my heart. I think instead of advice right now i just need a pick me up, some comforting words? I know a lot of people comment on posts like this with "if you wanted everyone you should have had the wedding at home" and I get that, but we couldn't imagine getting married anywhere but New Orleans as we love that city with our whole hearts, its where we got engaged and where we spend every October. Anyway...Are any of you in this same boat?

41 Comments

  • KarenO
    Master June 2018
    KarenO ·
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    I'm sorry that you're disappointed about the RSVPs. But, you might be surprised by who else might say yes when you follow up with those who didn't respond.

    I had to follow up with 40 people past our RSVP date, and many of them thought we already knew they were coming. They also had to pick their meal choice though, so I can't explain what they thought we'd do about that.

    Anyway, good luck and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful wedding. I always love seeing photos of people who had their weddings in New Orleans.

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  • c
    Super May 2019
    c ·
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    I'm sorry you're going through this. I think that's why DWs are SO hard is that not everyone can make the trip and unfortunately your guest count total takes a dive. We had friends get married in Hawaii and invited almost 80 people, only 35 showed up. Just focus on how the people that will be there are those that love you and your FH very much.

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  • Candache
    Dedicated October 2018
    Candache ·
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    WOAH! Thats crazy! lol...thats a LOT to ask of people....and I thought we were asking a lot....I fell a little better now...

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  • Chris
    Master February 2022
    Chris ·
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    Ugh that's a bummer. I suppose it comes with the territory though! Smiley atonished

    You're going to have a wonderful event in any case! I can't wait to see your photos!! Smiley heart

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  • Future Mrs. Petro
    Devoted November 2018
    Future Mrs. Petro ·
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    I am in the same boat. I am also doing a DW to NOLA! My FH love the city and couldn't imagine getting married anywhere else! A lot of my side of the family is on the fence about coming. This is super annoying to me bc I know they can afford it! Also my FHs sister might not come. Not because she doesn't have the money for it but because she has to be difficult! I'm really struggling with her possibly not coming. In my mind those who really want to be there will make the trek and those who don't screw them. I know we will have a great time regardless who attends. Those who don't will be bummed when they see the pictures and the amazing time they missed out on.

    Where/when are you getting married?
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  • Candache
    Dedicated October 2018
    Candache ·
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    We will be getting married October 5th at 5:30pm at The Bourbon Orleans Hotel. You?


    We're having an intimate ceremony reception in the Courtyard and cottage with a second line in between. Where are you coming from to make it a DW?

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  • HayMrsO
    Master October 2018
    HayMrsO ·
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    I'm sorry that you are feeling upset about this. I understand your emotional ties to the city. I have always wanted to get married with my toes in the sand.The ocean has always been my happy place. I met FH along that same coastline. It is meant to be. Even though it is a pain for everyone else, we are going to do just that. You deserve to have your wedding where it feels most special to you. I am sorry that everyone is letting you down.

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  • Future Mrs. Petro
    Devoted November 2018
    Future Mrs. Petro ·
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    Nice!! We looked at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Unfortunately I really wanted everything to be in the courtyard, and there just wasn't enough space for that. SW are getting married at the Chateau Lemoyne November 30 at 4 PM. We are doing a second line as well. Super excited about it!! We are from NY and most of our family is up here, although we have some family from PA, MD and VA.

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  • Candache
    Dedicated October 2018
    Candache ·
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    Im from NY too!! How cool! We live in the city! Nice to meet you NY NOLA bride!

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  • T
    Dedicated August 2018
    Tori ·
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    Yes. It was to the point I almost went to the courthouse. We have family in Texas, Florida, Minnesota, New York and Georgia so I know they're not all going to make it. I understand that distance, time off work, hotel, food, gift, finances, etc. can all add up. Just enjoy your FH and make the most of your day.
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  • Katie
    Devoted September 2018
    Katie ·
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    You have every right to be bummed. My shower was local to my side and barely anyone showed up. We even had multiple people no show the day of. And for our wedding multiple people on FH side are complaining the drive is too far (that’s his dad and his aunt) when FH and I constantly drive out to see him for every holiday, etc. and cart him around.

    But we we will keep our head high and enjoy the people who do show up, right?!
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  • Mrs. J
    Expert October 2018
    Mrs. J ·
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    Random: your ring is stunning!

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  • SB
    VIP March 2019
    SB ·
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    So sorry you're feeling this way, but getting married in New Orleans seems absolutely AMAZING and I love the Bourbon Orleans Hotel! SO envious of you! Soak up the time with your loved ones and spouse while you're there and have an absolute blast! Destination weddings can be hard to attend due to money, time, and many other factors, but it sounds like the nearest and dearest will be there at this point. If you're comfortable doing so, please post pictures after the fact!

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  • Victorian Bride
    Master April 2023
    Victorian Bride ·
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    I'm so excited you are getting married in New Orleans!! Enjoy EVERY moment. I'm having a destination wedding as well ( it's where FH lives and I've just moved from the East coast), and I have many not coming, but I'm ok. My Mother's family is from N.O. and its like my second home. I know it so well. I'm descended from a long line of Frenchmen as well and some of my ancestors fought the Revolutionary War from that area. It will be the most wonderful day!!! laissez les bon temps rouler!! 💐💍
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  • Candache
    Dedicated October 2018
    Candache ·
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    Maybe we're related lol. My family were French settlers of N.O

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  • K
    Devoted December 2018
    Kristy ·
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    I'm sorry. But I would look at it as you have people there that are excited to watch you make this promise.

    I'm kinda in the same boat. But a little different. We are only inviting about 40 people we want it small. But only about 15 of those are from my side. I just dont have alot of family left. Alot of family has passed on or is too old to travel. My dad and brother have both passed on. My other brother lives in Japan and it's too far to travel. My aunt lives in Vegas and is too old. My other aunt and uncle live about an hour away but hes in a wheel chair and the venue only has stairs. I dont have alot of friends. Honestly, I'm glad with the people that are celebrating with us. We wanted the wedding only family and very close friends.
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  • Victorian Bride
    Master April 2023
    Victorian Bride ·
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    We probably are. It's a small world!! Congratulations!!
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  • Bride107
    Expert October 2018
    Bride107 ·
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    Sorry, you are going though this, but you are not alone, some close family and friends are not able to make it due to financial reasons or its not a priority to them, and for me that hurt personally but after discussing with my FH, there's life after the wedding and the people who do show up love you so much that they would not miss it for the world. try to embrace that and hold on to that positivity through your wedding planning. A New Orleans wedding sounds like a blast! congratulations and focus on walking down the aisle and making memories with your FH!

    Good luck!Smiley flower

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  • Tara
    Dedicated October 2019
    Tara ·
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    I am sorry: it truly just stinks when you;re disappointed like that. Like you mentioned you spent money on invites and RSVP's. that would upset me. the way I look at it is if they didn't want to attend then are they really that close?? We are inviting our family from NH to our wedding here in NC - this is where we live and where our home is now: i want them to be there, but i know its not realistic that they will all show up. We also aren't that close . we aren't best buds so it's kinda just a sticky situation no matter what way you look at it.

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  • Allie
    Super September 2018
    Allie ·
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    I totally get it! We invited 50 and about 45 are coming.. because we are home, and having a small wedding I hoped everyone would come.. unfortunately not the case! Im sorry girl! I know its disappointing, but your day is still going to be magical! Congrats to you and your FH!

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