Too many show up for reception dinner

Just keep following up with anyone you haven't received an RSVP for. The venue could probably accommodate a few extra, and you will definitely have to pay for it

Actually I had this happen. I had followed up with everyone that I didn't receive an RSVP but I had several guests that only RSVP'd for themselves but ended up bringing 1-2 plus ones! The caterer I was working with was amazing and said "you planned for x and that's what we are charging you for"

You cannot send invitations to more people than what ur head count max at the venue is.

Yes, you have to pay for meals served. It's your job to prevent "walk ins".

Oh sorry, Maria I didn't see the second post.

This can absolutely happen! I went to a friends Daughters wedding and one of the guests that was invited (only her not her and a plus 1) She showed up with her daughter to the wedding and reception. The tables were all set with name cards and she had to squeeze the extra girl in at the table. This is just rude, but people just think "oh it's just one person", but if several do this then you have a disaster as far as seating! I am worried that this will happen at my daughters wedding this December

Oh, well if people are just showing up uninvited then do not let them in.

@ashley that was super nice of them. My caterer doesn't charge for vendor meals which I thought was so freaking nice of them.

Yes, it does happen. There are actually people who may RSVP "no" but show up anyway because they had a change of plans and were too clueless to check with the bride and groom before the wedding to ask if they can come. Or there are those single guests who assume they can bring a plus one and don't RSVP for them. Basically, it comes down to rude and clueless people.

Professional venues deal with this all the time and they should not have a problem adding a few place settings at the last minute. They also make more food than necessary, so there should be plates for them. If this does happen, hopefully it's just one or two people not 10!

ETA - yes, your venue will bill you for the extra plates after the wedding.

I know some very rude people...sad to say...but I am hoping, and wishing, and praying that this does not happen to us!

Food wise- our wedding was a buffet and we had 175 in attendance. Our venue rounded up to 180 to make sure there was enough food.

I would talk to your venue about your concerns and see what they advise in regards to that type of situation. Otherwise, I would be careful where you post details about your wedding venue and date.

Hire a DOC and tell them to handle it.

You should probably ask your venue that question

I thought it was rude to have your DOC make sure that if someone isn't on the list, they don't get in??

Would would that even be possible? Usually people arrive in groups and I feel it would get overwhelming to ask for everyone's names.

This is more common than people think. If someone shows up to my wedding that didn't rsvp or wasnt invited, they're getting escorted our by the police.

Lol futurek tooo funny but im with u on that response

Hi Brides,

I am an event planner and you'd be surprised at what we see!

We find its usually not so much 'wedding crashers' as a ' lack of rsvp responders'!!!!

What is most important to avoid THE WEDDING CRASHER is to NICELY DEMAND AN RSVP. A good wedding planner will help you CALL ALL THOSE WHO DONT RSVP and wriggle an answer out of them! Once you actually have an answer, most people would feel to guilty to change their mind at the last minute and stick to their word, thus, a more accurate head count. Remember, most invitees who can't/don't want to attend really feel bad telling you 'no'... others are simply too in the moment and don't mean to be rude, their just not paying for this extravaganza, therefore, don't understand the importance of the rsvp nor feel the $$$$ like you brides do.

Just so you know, there are mathematical equations we planners and venue/caterers use and generally we all have particular guidelines regarding last minute party crashes. Approximately 5% of the total guest count is planned on 'just in case' at no additional charge. Anything over that, you typically pay for and usually at a much higher price per plate! Just be sure to understand your venue/ caterers policy and ask questions ahead of time.

When in doubt, I recommend ' Eat and let Eat'! As an example, I had a bride whose family was notorious for NEVER indulging the rsvp and she was mortified that their may not be enough seats or food. Though she was frustrated by their lack of commitment, in the end, she did not want to be upset or fuss over the drop ins! The solution, we added a completely extra table

thereby taking the 'chance' out of the equation, allowing my bride to rest easy..... I KNOW your choking right now, but your planner will show you tricks to infuse the additional costs in your budget and it doesn't 'hurt' when it's planned for. Plus, you will come off as the most GENEROUS BRIDE and your crashers will regail your wedding for years!! Believe, me, they know who they are and they will not soon forget your kindness...plus, maybe you will be the instigator of future good manners by them!!

Just remember, that after all, this is YOUR WEDDING...and tho some may err on the side of good manners, THEY DO LOVE YOU and WANT TO CELEBRATE with YOU!

Xoxoxoxox Happy Wedding!

Couture Occasions~ Events by Michele

You pay the difference. That night.

Oh, boy.

Listen, the day you give your venue the final count, you know the final count. Every guest, and each of them should be accounted for a week before your wedding, should have a seat and a meal.

I don't know why you'd report 50 guests and expect 60, because in my experience, the "declines" do not show up. If you're worried about guests who didn't RSVP, then, sadly, you have to take the initiative to track them down and get a real answer.

Yes, many venues can accommodate the non-responding guests on the day of, but it's a pain in the ass for you and them (not to mention the fact that you'll have to pay for their food and bar tabs). Do your best to track down those 10 individuals that have you worried.

In all of my days, years, and decades at weddings, I've never seen a venue having to accommodate 10 unplanned guests, but you need to know.

WTF? Why would people assume that they can attend without an invitation?

You call in your numbers to your caterer....say 50. The caterer may prepare for 10% over that...so 55. They WILL charge you for the extra 5 or 10 who show up.