Small guest list/big venue

I think it will be fine. You can probably arrange the space to look less empty.
If you have an event coordinator of sorts they can definitely help with that!

We have the same dilemma. Our venue can accommodate up to 350 people. Our guest list is 72. I'm just going to put ppl 8 to a table & ask that the tables be spaced out a littler further a part from each other. If you love the venue, then go with it. No one will notice!

Is it one large open space? Or are there sectioned off rooms? Our space could fit up to 350 and we only had 100. We closed off some areas and wasn't a problem at all. Totally depends on the layout.
From what you describe it doesn't sound too large and should be good!

Our venue is large as well and our invite list is roughly 56 people so I feel you. However, the coordinator told me that it will not look so vast once the food, cake, and dj get in there and set up. I am still a little dubious though. I don't want it to look too empty or like people can yodel in the room. :/

I think it all depends on how you make the space work. You can always have a lounge area set up which tends to take some extra room.

I’ve got the same worry. Mine holds 300 with a main floor with two areas and a big space on the second floor. We are doing about 120. But I love the space and it’s SO affordable and fits our style and food favorites!

Ours can hold 250 and we are inviting about 75 - I was thinking the same thing at first. The venue coordinator assured me they can arrange it (and fill it up) for smaller groups as well. Does your venue have experience with smaller guest lists?

I agree with pp that it also depends on the layout. Ours has side areas that are separated with curtains and columns so we are using that area for cocktail hour and the main area for the reception.
If you're strategic with placement of tables and vendors I think you'll be good.

I was at a reception once that was way too big for the number of guests. It was awkward and really obvious. There were empty tables and tables with 2-3 people at them so everyone was really spread out. I’d do a some staging to avoid that and maybe a seating chart. That way you don’t have a bunch of fully set tables that are empty or almost empty. The one I was at would’ve been a lot better that way if everyone was closer together and they had prepared better for the number of guests they had.