Venue Crisis-we’re inviting too many people?!

Hi all, long story short, I’m having a freak out over our venue, slightly angry towards FMIL, and praying people RSVP No for the sake of space.

Longer version:
When we booked our venue in January, we were told they fit 200 people. Awesome, cool, no questions asked. We knew it was a little snug of a room but we trusted that they could fit what they said.

Because FMIL was with us when the coordinator said that, suddenly our 120 person guest list was moving up to 150 people because her cousins just HAD to be invited. It was an argument that went on over a few days but ultimately she won. My mother was there as well, and since my parents offered to pay for our venue and food, she agreed they could afford the extra people. (Side note: FMIL is also paying for 2 vendors, so the “No pay No say” doesn’t really apply here).

So, in March we sent save the dates (10 months out) because my entire side of the guest list lives 1000 miles away and our wedding is after Christmas so we assumed people would want to budget for the trip if they wanted to come.

Well, we went to visit the venue last week to do a walk through with our DOC. The venue then informed us they only could fit the guest list if we mixed circular and rectangular tables. I was a little annoyed, because I ordered centerpieces for circular, but it’s not really an issue.

So because I’m impatient and need to know everything in advance, I began using the seating chart tool here on wedding wire to arrange the tables. I knew the room measurements and the table sizes so I figured I could figure out the layout just to get that done. Low and behold, the room only fits enough tables and chairs for 140 people, and not comfortably. If we add more tables, we lose our dance floor. And at the 140, tables are close. I’m ANGRY. More than angry. Our save the dates went out already, I can’t uninvite people who might’ve booked travel or are local and expecting to come. It’s too late to find a new venue, I’ve called multiple already. If I add enough seats I need, we can’t do a first dance when we enter the reception. I was thinking maybe we could have the tables out for dinner (maybe have the bridal party sit here) and then after dinner get everyone outside for a group photo? And then the DOC and her assistant can take away the bridal party tables to open the dance floor? It’ll be dark by then, so it wouldn’t even be a good photo. I’m basically at a loss for what to do. I’m so angry that I thought we could fit our guest list. I’m angry at myself for not asking “HOW?”

So, I’m open to all suggestions on what to do. I’m basically praying people RSVP no even though I’d like everyone there. I’ve arranged the tables every way possible and can only fit 140(ish) max with a dance floor. Thank you for reading all of this if you did. I needed to vent and pick your brains on solutions because I’ve been anxious about this for weeks.