Would You Undercount Guests Coming To Wedding?

I was given this advice from bride who had problems getting money back after she paid for 'no-shows.'

Always give the Reception hall a headcount less than what you're really expecting. Since most reception halls will prepare meals according to your headcount you will have to 'eat' the costs of the 'no-shows.' You will not get money back for those who don't show up....

Re: Would You Undercount Guests Coming To Wedding?

i just went to lunch with Summerbride06 and she told me that I should do that as well.. It is so much easier to pay for the extra people when you drop off you favors, then pay for no shows

Re: Would You Undercount Guests Coming To Wedding?

i think most halls don't refund anything after the final payment is made. That's why the no-shows are so disappointing and as far as i'm concerned its just rude and mean. I know ours didn't.

Re: Would You Undercount Guests Coming To Wedding?

But wouldn't you have less place settings set up at your tables if you give them a low count? If the people do show up, they won't have anywhere to sit?

Re: Would You Undercount Guests Coming To Wedding?

see what we did , we kind of had a 'feeling' about certain people and the tables they were going to be at, we 'shorted' a couple...

turns out that we still paid for more people who just didnt show-but it was better...and we were right about some of the no shows...

whats the worst that can happen-you see that they come and someone tells the maitre d or bridal attend. can you please set a place for...Its not ideal-but its better than paying $$$$$ for people who dont come-
BUT, I would only do it if you have an idea of who the know show will be

Re: Would You Undercount Guests Coming To Wedding?

I undercutted and I still had now shows. There is no fool proof way to get around that for sure.

You can always add on in the last couple of days if you get late responders but most halls with charge you for no shows.

I had 8 people not show due to illness ( ) and my hall was nice enough not to charge me but that doesn't happen often.

Re: Would You Undercount Guests Coming To Wedding?

i gave an undercount when i called in my final numbers. they actually recommended i do that.

3 days before the wedding, when i went to drop off my stuff and give the final balance, i gave the real number.

that way, if someone dropped out from the week before when i called in my numbers to a few days before, i wouldn't have to pay for them. but if i gave the real number from the beginning, i would have to pay for them if they call to cancel.

BTW...i'm so glad we did because we had 2 couples cancel a few days before the wedding for unforseen circumstances

Re: Would You Undercount Guests Coming To Wedding?

I just talked to my hall about this a few weeks ago. Basically I talked to my banquet manager AND my maitre' d. BM said they set tables based on the final headcount I give when I make the final payment - no refunds for no-shows. M'd told me to short the count to BM by anyone I realistically believe could be a no-show (not just for the sake of doing it), but that when I meet with HIM 3 days before the wedding give me all the info including those I think won't show (or didn't RSVP and I haven't contacted etc) and he'll set the room for what I give him. He said it is easier to take away a place setting then hunt around for one.

Re: Would You Undercount Guests Coming To Wedding?

I would do it with caution. We had 2 DEFINITE MAYBEs, one NO SHOW and 3 last minute add-ons. I made placecards for the maybes and 1 of the last minute add-on. The 2 maybes ended up showing and their table had no seats of course...which they thought was the club's fault...but was their own. I have no idea how the other 2 add-ons were handled.

I wouldn't undercount by more than 4 people...just in case they all show up and then some. 10 extra people to pay for will add up FAST!

Re: Would You Undercount Guests Coming To Wedding?

I met with our place yesterday and they said to put 6 less than how many people you expect no matter what. The night before or morning of you're able to pay for the 6 people that are coming. It's a huge help