Budgeted for 40 guest...66 are attending... NOW WHAT???

[MeikaMon]

Ok I have been engaged since late 2005. We got engaged then shortly after we started planning our fairy tale wedding in the mountains of CT he received orders to report to Iraq. Ok so luckily all deposits were returned because of his orders. In the meantime, I was selected as 1 of 38 nationally selected fellows to study in NYC on a full scholarship plus an apprenticeship towards an MPA (I graduate in 2 weeks) So just to recap engaged in 2005, cancelled planning mid 2006, he went to Iraq early 2007, I enter my fellowship mid 2007, he returned from Iraq Feb. 2008, we purchased a house in NC (I'M STILL IN NYC) in May 2008, I graduate August 7th 2008, and our "everything reception"in CT is on August 9th (moving to NC, graduation, pre-wedding reception) .... so somewhere in the middle of all this we decided ok let's go the low stress route and invite everybody to Jamaica those that can't make it will send pictures. Both families were not happy and most said bad idea. So we move forward knowing that most wouldn't attend. So we budget for about a 40 guest reception just in case some of the complaining family members changed their mind and actually wanted to attend. Now at final count we are at 66 . OMG what to do? I definitely want a reception in Jamaica but with 26 additional guest maybe we have to cancel the night before ice cream social or cancel the everything reception on August 9th... but the invites are already out with most people attending. .. AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[Hartyt509]

Chick until they pay for the trip I wouldn't worry lol We had over 40 people saying they would come and 5 have booked!!!

 

I'd still go for the 40 and just make it stretch you will be able to do it, most won't eat or will be too busy dancing etc

[hollisandsteph]

Holy cow! That is a big difference! Most people have the opposite problem with people backing out. How many are actually booked? Anywhere else you can sacrifice (I know I hate to suggest this) to accomodate more in Jamaica? How in love with icecream social and at home reception are you? I know with the price per person just for food when addding the extra 26 is going to be a crazy amount.

[~*petals*~]

I agree w/ Harty. Have all 66 booked already?

 

If so, I'd say just cut out the day-before ice cream social. They'll be happy enough kicking it in JA with you anyway. (Maybe you can do something free on the beach or meet up somewhere that won't cost you extra) You don't want to be worrying about trying to squeeze in the extra 26 while you're enjoying your wedding day.

 

BTW- your wedding website is so cute! You did a nice job!

[shellb]

I also think until they are booked and paid not to worry. We had about 40 say they'd be there rain or shine and time for deposits and we only got 12.

 

Focus on the upcoming stuff like your graduation and move in to the new house (congrats btw on both). When you know all 66 are going for sure, then adjust your plans accordingly seeing what can be cut or changed to accomoodate.

 

It will work out.

[NYJen]

I don't know the details of your Jamaica wedding but there has to be something you can scale back on. For example, what kind of reception are you planning on having there? If you were going to do a sit down dinner, can you change it to a buffet now? Were you going to have a cocktail party? Maybe you can just do guacamole and chips rather than passed hors d'oeuvres.

 

Give me some of the details you already have budgeted for - I'm sure we can cut some of it and still have the same effect.

[NYJen]

I'm a worry wart and would want to have a back up plan just in case all 66 show up (or any amount over the 40 already budgeted for.)

 

And I definitely wouldn't want to cut out the ice cream social the night before (that sounds like so much fun.) But what about making it a bonfire with s'mores. That would probably be a lot less expensive.

 

Let's keep thinking.

[kerryjbrown]

Most importantly, CONGRATULATIONS to you! You have had a very difficult past couple of years and you both stood by each other and did what needed to be done. What an honor to be chosen for your program, congrats on your graduation! I would find out how many have actually booked flights (as many will not once they see current pricing). I would also talk to your WC to see what can be done to bring the costs down where people won't notice.

[beachbride08]

If all 66 are booked, can you cut costs somewhere on the jamaica wedding details or AHR to make up for the extra guests? If they aren't all booked I would guess there may be some that won't end up coming. I would still have a back up plan, but if you need to cut the ice cream social maybe you can have everyone meet up at one of the bars instead if you're at an AI the would be free. The only downside is you'll have to keep the itinerary to yourself in case you do need to make changes people won't be wondering what happened to the ice cream, ya know?

[MeikaMon]

Hey ladies, First thinks for the compliments and helpful hints. So far 36 have booked and sent me their itinerary. Others that haven't booked are people like my father and brother who always wait until the last minute but are always there for me. I just sent out an email to all the RSVP guest for a last call we only have 77 more days to go... hopefully all those that haven't confirmed their travel plans will either move forward or decide not to go. I only have 2 weeks for my life events party (no after JA reception) so if most are still coming I going to move towards small appertizers instead of dinner and hopefully they'll spend too much time dancing to realize. I do like the meeting at the bar instead of the ice cream social but the guest are staying in 4 different AI hotels... If it comes to it the social is out... I'll keep you guys posted