HELP!! I think I've invited too many people!

I think you will be fine

The worst case option is reschedule the wedding and book a larger venue.

There really isn't much you can do at this point. I had people book their hotel rooms before we even sent out invites because they'd gotten the save the date. Like others have suggested, you might need to cut plus ones and kids to ensure your count stays low.

And if you do cut kids, start spreading the word ASAP. Because, again, families may book their rooms early.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. You are more likely to have declines that time of the year due to the holidays. I would have your families start reaching out to get a feel for who is coming and who isn't.

You should ALWAYS expect 100% to come.

The only thing you can do that isn't rude is find a bigger venue.

I only had a 13% decline rate. You'd still be 22 people over.

Did you send STD's to everyone on the list? If so you may have to look for a different venue.

We invited 220 with a limit of 180. We have about 170 coming. Some of our invites we made knowing they couldn't make the trip but some were surprises.

I am in the same boat. We have 135 on our guest list but our 'dinner' space only holds 80. Worse case is we can overflow dinner into the cocktail area. Not ideal, but will work. I am not sending save the dates (it is only family that will be attending). Hopefully since everyone will be coming from out of town (3 hour minimum drive) we may hit close to 80.

You could pray... lol...

If you don't send invites you're being super rude, but on the other hand it seems like you're in a really tight situation. A 40% decline rate would be EXTREMELY high. I hate STD's too. I agree, when you send the invites, do not include any children or plus ones. That's about all you can do other than if you want to have an awkward conversation with people that you're scaling back your wedding.

Are you 100% set on your venue? Is there any way to find something a bit larger?

I think you'll probably have some declines due to the time of year, but it's definitely not something I'd rely on.

While it's during the holidays and winter in Idaho, don't assume most people will decline. Heck, you've seen how many people add onto their RSVPs when it's adults only! I'd say start cutting +1s that aren't in serious relationships. Then look into making it an adults only reception. If you really can afford to lose your deposit and find another venue, that would be best if you know you CANNOT cut down on your guest list.

Did you invite coworkers? Maybe you can talk to them about how family snowballed and maybe cut back there? Otherwise rid plus ones to mainly married couples.

Yikes, not sure I can add to any of the good advice given, but now you just have to invite everyone that got a save the date. I guess just start hoping you get a lot of declines!!! I invited 133 and have 90 yes so far, and deadline is next Friday. It's great you have alot of people to celebrate with though!

I think you'll be ok. A lot of people will be away for the holiday, plus if you're having a lot of OOTers they may not risk the snow.

Thanks everyone!! I have about 1/4 OOTers from California. And my fiancé and I really don't think they can afford or would even want to make the trip. To the girl who says to cut kids and plus ones- your an Angel! Haha thank you! That will help my problem!! I would never not invite someone I sent a STD to- I don't want to be rude- but to be fair- I was told by my parents who payed for the venue and virtually everyone else that way less than 200 would show lol. Until I started reading on here.. And my panic grew lol anyways. Thanks for the help ladies!!

I would start making cuts!! You may offend some people you've sent STDs to, but that's better than having a panic attack at the last minute.

We invited 118 and had 5 people decline. Don't count on 20% declines. We are doing 2 separate weddings and we still had nearly everyone RSVP "yes"

Is it too late to get a new venue because as the previous posters have said, you are pretty SOL if they got an STD you need to send them an invite

I definitely think you can cut kids, but when you say you may cut "plus 1's" be sure you're not actually cutting people's significant others!

I'd look into other venue options. I know this is total TOTAL worst-case scenario, but what if you got to the venue on the day of your wedding with over 200 guests, and they wouldn't let everyone in? That'd be terrible for any guest, but especially those that had traveled. Or even worse, what if they canceled the event altogether? Technically you'd be in violation of the contract.

It's too bad you weren't on WW when you decided to invite 25 more people than your venue can hold because someone told you about a mythical decline rate. I have never seen anyone here say anything other than "don't do it". People may try to comfort you by saying "don't worry, I had this many or that many who didn't show", but that is so random and has absolutely nothing to do with your wedding.

I almost want to start a "Stop the Save the Dates" campaign. I know brides are excited by the idea of sending them out, but it could really come back to haunt you. You are locked in when you do this, and while I appreciate the need to contact those guests who will be traveling, you don't need to send them to everyone. So, you've got three choices. You can find a bigger venue (probably not an option at this point), not send invitations to 25 people who received those STDS (something that actually chills me to the bone), or you can start crossing off all children, all extra family members in a household, anyone under the age of 21, and all plus ones.

One question -- is 200 the maximum capacity of your venue? What I'm asking is will the venue actually have to turn away an extra five or ten guests if you can get the guest list lowered enough, or is it more of a logistical "where are we going to put them" problem? Secondly, do they have a larger ballroom available (many venues have several rooms and can easily accommodate guest lists of over 250 people).

Cutting kids and plus ones for people like friends should help (friends that know other people there and my just have a flavor of the week). Personally cutting plus ones should be a last resort, but if it's what you need to do then do it