Invitation issue

We invited 226 people. We could afford & fit all 226 people, but are hoping closer to 150-175 come. So far, we are right, we already have 31 "no's". I just know my family pretty well & know there isn't a strong likelihood people will drive or fly that far. But I still invited them. The presents aspect is nice (although some haven't sent a gift even with a "no" RSVP) but I wanted our whole family to be included.

I agree with this, this is how I would handle it

I think you could send her an invite and just write "no gift needed" on the card.

I invited people from across the country expecting them not to come. Most of them will be coming. Surprised me but luckily I counted for all of my guests. With that said... you never know who will decide to come so I agree with the PP's

Agreed - don't do it!

If your venue holds 60, it holds 60. Not 61. The venue doesn't impose this, but the fire marshal. The venue or you could get fined and lucky number 61 (not necessarily said Aunt) will likely get sent away. And what's more embarrassing than that? Not to mention the financial burden of accommodating, the slippery slope of adding more, etc.

As a side note, we invited 72 out of town couples, and 45 RSVP'd yes. Granted, 42 attended, but we still had to pay for the 45.

I agree with everyone - don't send an invite. People you'd think wouldn't come, might surprise you, and then you're going to be in a pickle because the venue only holds 60 people.

My FH and I both have large family and a large circle of friends. We booked a venue we KNEW we'd need to cap at 150 at the most to try and keep it smaller, and that's the excuse we're using. Our venue can only hold so many people.

Order some wedding announcements and send them out to arrive right around the time of the wedding. We eloped to Kauai and so we ordered some Hawaiian-themed announcements with an engagement photo on the back with a little blurb about the wedding and the link to our wedding webpage.