Help with wording on bringing extra guests

I think the way you worded it is best, but I'd be worried about people adding too much to your guest list - it sounds like an open invitation. I'm not really sure how else it could be said though.

I personally don't like the idea of having a bouncer at a wedding, but if you can't get around it that's not really your fault.

I think your wording if very nice but I agree with Mrs Richmond it sounds as if anyone who wants to come or bring someone who isn't listed can just shoot you a text and they're in. Maybe take out the if you can't find your name sentence. That's the one that makes it sound like an open invitation

Yeah, the venue does that so there's no crashers (also I'm sure so they can double check we didn't go over our guest count!). I tried to word it "we'll do our best to accommodate them" so I can always tell them we don't have space for them if that's what we need to do. I hope we won't have to, but I'd also hate for people to show up with extra people and having to make the call day of if there's space for them or not!

Better?

Our RSVP page is set up with the names of all invitees. Since the venue is in the heart of downtown, there will be a guest list at the door with the names of everyone who RSVPed. If you'd like to bring someone that isn't on your RSVP on this page, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate them!

I feel like there's really no need to do this. Those things will all be addressed when you start getting your RSVPs back and you follow up with people you haven't heard from/people who add extra guests to their RSVP.

I agree with PPs, I would edit it to this:

Since the venue is in the heart of downtown, there will be a guest list at the door with the names of everyone who has RSVP'd. The RSVP page on this website has the list of all invitees; if you can't find your name or the name of your guest, please let Emily or Alex know!

I agree with La Grosera -- once people start to rsvp, you should know if you've got extras. If you only invited 2, and they say they're bringing 4, you'll know to reach out and either ask for names or tell them only 2 are invited. Unless someone's invitation says "and guest" they don't get the option to add names to your list.

Thanks guys! The website is set up so I won't get RSVPs for people I don't know about... if they search for their name, it will also ask if the others in their party are coming. I would hope that people wouldn't just bring extras if they have no way to RSVP for them, but trying to cover all my bases! I will steal your edit, @SarahHoff! Thank you!

I think you're almost encouraging your guests to bring extra people. If the website is that inflexible, I'd get rid of it, and let your guests RSVP by mail--and you can respond by phone and say that you're sorry but you can't accommodate their aunt's grandfather-in-law who's going to be in town that weekend.

This seems really overly complicated.

I would word it a little more like: guests who haven't RSVPed by name could be denied entry, so if you are bringing a date or a child, please be sure to RSVP for them individually as well. (All other guests were invited by name, right?)

I do not think you need to state this. When people RSVP they are providing the number of guests. If you are unaware of who the extra number is for, you call them. I am pretty sure people know if they dont RSVP with an extra guest, they need to call you and ask if they can bring that person.

I agree with La Grosera--there is no need to get into any of this. Anyone with half a brain knows you can't just show up with extra randos even if there isn't a bouncer there specifically to prevent it. Bringing it up makes it sound (A) sort of dangerous, (B) kinda snobby, and (C) like you are encouraging people to bring additional guests as long as they tell you in advance.

Just collect RSVPs, follow up with anyone you haven't heard from, and trust that people know how to behave.

I think if you are keeping the note Sarah nailed it!

But if your website's RSVPs are individually named I think it sends a clear message!

You could also just state that the venue requires a strict guest list so if they can't find their name to let you know!

I'm confused by this honestly.. it seems like you're inviting people to bring uninvited guests to your wedding.

Just to be clear, you did give plus ones to people/ invited significant others as a social unit...right? That would be the only reason I would see someone bringing someone else that wasn't on the list.

Hmm..I would just not do it, it sounds like an open invitation to anyone. If you had to, I would word it just like how Sarah wrote... I would make sure to follow up with people who don't RSVP. If your venue thinks it's necessary to have a guest list because of the location, it is what it is and you've done your job to ensure smooth entry for all your invited guests.