Ordering Extra Meals?

I am in the same situation and will not be ordering extra meals. I plan on only accounting for those who RSVPed, it it's all up to you I think, can you afford to lose that money?

No I wouldn't. Only order for those that RSVP'd. Why spend money on potentially wasted food? People are adults and know that weddings require an RSVP for the food count. If people haven't RSVP'd, you can call them to see if they will be attending or not. Don't waste your money on extra.

Ours said they would be able to provide a certain percentage, over our final numbers, in case a situation like that came up. It was a small number - like 5%, which of course we would have to pay for, if those guests had showed up. However, we didn't set up an extra table, buy an extra centerpiece, or order extra chair covers ...

We ended up having 4 no-shows, though. Ugh!

Talk to your caterer. I think most plan for a small cushion, but ask to be sure.

Depending on the cost, I would order 5 to 8 extra meals just in case, if it were me. I am not such a stickler for etiquette and for the most part would be optimistic that some of the people who didn't RSVP would come and celebrate with us. However, if the cost was upwards of $50 a plate, I would only do 4 or 5. In the grand scheme of things, $250 is a drop in the bucket. Well worth it for peace of mind, to me. Just my opinion though, and I have attended weddings where I failed to RSVP despite my best intentions. That was before I was planning my own wedding and realized how important it is.

Typically caterers account for a extras. What if they drop a plate, accidentally put the wrong sauce on a dish, etc? I would not bank on this though, so check with them to see what happens.

Don't order extra meals. Contact everyone that hasn't RSVP'd and get a firm answer. That is the number you give your caterer. They will have enough for those plates, plus extra for the just in cases mishaps. Also, find out what your caterer does for vendor meals (you may have to include them in your count).

Our DOC said most caterers have a little bit of a cushion so don't include any guests who haven't RSVPed...she also said that you could always have last-minute cancellations or no-shows so no need to pay for the extra meals!

Ask your caterer. Ours made 10% over our amount for extras.

Follow up with the people you didn't receive RSVPs from. USPS is not the most dependable.

I planned on calling the people who don't RSVP by the date I stated, but I had never thought about doing this. My family does seem to invite people without telling others.

Our contract stated that they would supply 5% above our final numbers just in case. Call your RSVPers who didn't reply and ask if they're coming.

Thank you everyone! I really appreciate the input. I think I will pass on the extras. I don't want my parents to pay more than is necessary and will definitely check with the caterer. :-)

Some people will likely not show. (upsetting but true) so you should be fine

The number of people who fail to show is likely going to be less than those show with no rsvp

Our venue automatically makes 5% more food too.... Also, don't forget to feed your vendors, especially if your photographer will be with you ALL DAY!

Most caterers plan for a bit extra. Call in for your actual RSVP's. My event planning experience has had me calling in 10% less that my RSVP's. Go with your 134 and you will be fine.