Dear Elizabeth:
I'm getting married in January 2007, and I found a perfect venue for a reception for about 80 guests, but our guest list has now increased to about 150 guests. The hotel has offered us another ballroom to compliment the first, however they are totally separate. I don't want to dived our guests in half, how can we make this work? Help!!!
Muddled in Miami
Dear Muddled:
Okay, well, that sucks. This was their solution? Really? Wow.
Well, first of all I would start by letting the hotel know that having the reception in two separate rooms isn't going to work for you, and ask them what else they've got. Is it possible to get tables that seat 12 instead of 10? Would long tables work in getting more people in the room? Is there an outdoor garden you could use, that would maybe give you a little more space?
If this doesn't work, and your heart is set on this venue, then there are a couple of things you can do. A few couples that I've worked with have had an official reception for close friends and family, and then thrown a larger party later (the next day, maybe?) for everyone else. You could make it a less formal affair, with drinks and hors d'ouerves, and with less people at the first event, and more people at the second, you'll probably save a little cash, as well.
A couple of more things to keep in mind: 1. Over the next year and a half your guest list is probably going to change a little. 2. RSVP attrition rates are usually somewhere around 10-20%, depending on the number of out-of-towners you've invited, and general, well, life issues. If you don't want to go elsewhere, and/or your guest list is inflexible, and/or the deposit is non-refundable, then you might have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. Otherwise, you've got plenty of time to find some place else.
MY
FAVORITES
SEND
TO FRIEND
PRINT
BOOKMARK
REPORT
ERRORS
