It seems rather common for a number of guest to not show up to the reception even though they've RSVP'd . What I'm trying to figure out is, is there a way to factor in this drop when giving the catering hall final numbers?
The seating arrangement depends on the number of guests RSVP'ing, and since one can't predict who will no show, it seems like we're stuck always paying for these people?
Just curious if there's a way to factor these no-shows in, to save a couple hundred (probably thousand) dollars.
EverlovingEv
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Re: Final guest numbers and catering hall question
ppl say to take off 15-20 percent from your list of invited ppl. Then factor in what you know about your guests (who's irresponsible and wont show up etc....) and you should have a rough estimate.
JudyNRishi06
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Re: Final guest numbers and catering hall question
But if the catering hall is setting up tables for 320 people and I tell them 300, wouldn't they just remove a table?
I don't think i can over book tables either, (ie: assign 12 people to a 10 person table in hopes that 2 won't show)
AlmostMrsKelly
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Re: Final guest numbers and catering hall question
i think it would be kind of tough to do if you're doing placecards
MandG072909
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Re: Final guest numbers and catering hall question
I was confused by this whole concept too....so we told them the exact number and got the shaft for 4 people that didn't show up (we got the extra meals to take home though I think) but I would have been concerned about the place settings and stuff too but I guess if you have someone that can tell them, they can rearrange things during the cocktail hour......but that would mean knowing early that everyone did actually show up...
I think though that if you cut back your numbers the 15% thing seems high...I'd maybe just say 2-5 people less if anything.
EverlovingEv
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Re: Final guest numbers and catering hall question
Sorry. Let me clarify. From your original list of ppl to invite, take off 15-20% and that's how much you guarantee.
Next, when it comes closer to your wedding and you have RSVP's - you should decide if you want 12, 10, or 8 ppl at a table and tell your hall to arrange it the way you want. From what i've heard, about 4-5ppl wont' show up in the end.
Hope that helps
IslandPrincess
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Re: Final guest numbers and catering hall question
Our reception hall told us to put five less people on the seating arrangement and than pay for those five people the day of the wedding, that way you won't have to pay for people who don't show up
kathrynlinton
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Re: Final guest numbers and catering hall question
Posted by JudyNRishi06
But if the catering hall is setting up tables for 320 people and I tell them 300, wouldn't they just remove a table?
I don't think i can over book tables either, (ie: assign 12 people to a 10 person table in hopes that 2 won't show)
I only had ONE person not show up.
Do not, I repeat do NOT tell them less people then you really are going to have. Yes, I know you could POSSIBLY save some money. But what if everyone that RSVPed shows up and the catering hall is scrambling around to set up an extra table. Those tables are set up HOURS before you get there. Not only that, then you are going to have to bring more money with you to pay for those people too and it is going to make everyone's life more difficult.
We got that one dinner (actually, we got more than that one dinner) and we ate the cost.
This is not even factoring in the placecards......
October Bliss
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Re: Final guest numbers and catering hall question
I had one couple not make it to my wedding, and they called the morning of to explain. I left off people that specifically said they might not make it when I gave the headcount to the banquet manager together with my final payment. However, when I met with my maitre'd a few days before the wedding I gave HIM the accurate headcount and all the seating arrangements for everyone that RSVP'd yes together with those that said they might not make it. The day of my wedding I paid for 5 extra people.
JudyNRishi06
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Re: Final guest numbers and catering hall question
Thanks for the replies. We're working on confirming that everyone that said yes is definitely coming.
I don't know if it makes a difference, but it's going to be a buffet dinner, so exact numbers for food isn't (I assume) as huge an issue for the hall, as if it would be if it was individual meals.
EverlovingEv
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Re: Final guest numbers and catering hall question
Good Luck!!!
Tracyann1976
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Re: Final guest numbers and catering hall question
I had my final count in on Monday (with 4 less than RSVP'd yes). By Wednesday (when my place cards were due) I have four people cancel on me.
libby2595
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Re: Final guest numbers and catering hall question
so many things can happen that you can not account for no-shows. because a no-show is someone who said yes and then didn't make it. every wedding will have some, but there is NO way to know who will have a flat tire or catch a cold or change his/her mind
