Numbers dilemma - what would you do?

lilian1977

OK, the intention was always to have a small wedding so we have booked a registry office for the ceremony which we were told was 40 capacity.

Because of this we have been looking at restaurants with 40 capacity, there are a lot I guess because of the capacity of the registry office. However, I have now found out that the registry is actually 40 PLUS me and OH.

This is really helpful because I am torn between a few people for the last slots. However it means we have to start looking for restaurants again, and as nowhere is going to be 42 capacity we have to look at larger rooms where the meals seem to cost more.

Would you:

A: ask the current shortlist of restaurants if they can stretch to 42
B: keep the guest list at 40 - 12 of those have to stand anyway so would make it more comfortable
C: Look around for another restaurant?


If we keep it at 40, who would you lose from your list? The people you've known a long time and you work with them but don't really socialise with them any more; OR the people who are better friends, know the bridesmaid better but would lift out much more easily as they live in a different city?

Thanks!

xx

kte

If you've found restaurants you like definitely ask them about the numbers first...I would imagine they'd rearrange the restaurant anyway depending on how you want your guests to be seated so I'd think there was a good chance of fitting a couple more in...

If not, well at least you wouldn't be left thinking what if...
Good luck!

kelda_shelton

2 people isnt to many extra most restaurants will be able to accomodate that!

lilian1977

Thanks for the advice. The first place we asked originally said they couldn't stretch to it so I'm getting worried...!

nat82

I'd ask around the restaurants. You may find that at the thought of losing a booking they'll manage to squeeze 2 more in!

If not I'd try to rearange my guest list unless your budget could accommodate larger costs for the meal.

maggie111

A
then B

then cut out the people you work with but don't socialise with. Good friends should last longer than your current job

MsChazzer

Do you know that all 42 people can definitely come? People not being able to make it may sort the situation out.

lilian1977

I haven't sent any invites yet, that's a good point. I think I'll do an A and B list. Thanks! x

blonde36er

B - keep the guest list as it is and then A - the work people.

Don't forget that restaurants etc will have a max capacity for fire safety so it may be that they really cannot go above 40. And if you've not sent out the invites yet then there will almost certainly be people who won't be able to make it anyway x

lilian1977

Just heard back from one restaurant who say 42 is fine. It's a lovely place and the events lady is replying to my emails far faster than the lady at the original venue so I'm starting to think that this place might be better even though it's more expensive - it's closer to our wedding night hotel and the registry as well.

lilian1977

Hmm. OH doesn't want "just a roped off area" for drinks afterwards - we're just having a meal then drinks, no entertainment - so I think the lovely place is now off the agenda