Is our guest list too small?

I may not be much help as we only ever wanted a small wedding with approx 30 guests for the whole thing, however we did make the decision if anybody couldn't come we wouldn't try and find replacements just to make the numbers up. I suppose it depends on the venue and how big it is etc....

As a guest I would feel a bit put out if I was only asked as a reserve, but that's just me and others will have their own thoughts....Hope it all works out x

Sorry, I don’t think I’ll be much help either. We’ve invited 53 to the day. If anyone was unable to attend we don’t have a reserve list as we’ve only invited family and our closest friends so there wasn’t anyone else to add. x

The only two important questions are:

1) Does your venue have a minimum number of guests before you incur charges?

2) Do you want the evening guests to attend the whole day?

Don’t worry about whether it looks too empty or not. My venue had a minimum of 65 and maximum capacity of 120. We invited 80 and our final count (including us) was 68. I was a bit concerned that it might look sparse, but the venue set it up beautifully and it didn’t look empty at all.

I personally wouldn’t invite anyone just to make up numbers unless I’d been disappointed not to be able to include them originally.

I agree with Sarah - you should only be considering inviting others if you'll either incur extra charges if you don't or if there were people you really wanted to invite to the whole day and couldn't because of space/budget. You don't need a set number of people to have a lovely wedding - you just need people that you want to be there.

We had 50 for the day and it was absolutely fine, our venue cut the room in half so we didn't feel like we were sat in a huge space, and worked well as they then set the evening part up on the other side, where we had an extra 25 people.

In terms of inviting additions to the day, this is your choice, I think only do it if you are really wanting the people there, not because you have space, or, if you are having to pay of r70 as a minimum, as otherwise is a waste. I don't think people will be offended to be asked later on, I personally would feel grateful, as I know how hard it is to choose people when you have limited numbers so to then be added on would be a nice thought. just make sure you word it in a way that doesn't seem like they are an after thought, explain that you had always wanted them there but due to numbers it was a tough decision but you have now had a play around with the capacity and are able to make space and would love for them to attend, don't say it is because others have dropped out.

I've had a similar thing albeit with larger numbers. Invited around 130 for the day with additional 40-50 for the evening. Have ended up with 115 for the day. I considered bumping some evening guests up but then actually decided to keep the numbers as is as I only want very close friends and family for the full day - there was a reason I decided to invite the evening people to the evening only. Unless, as others day, you'll incur charges if you don't bump people up, I would stick as is. Your numbers actually sound perfect - you also have to think that this means you'll be able to spend more quality time with everyone. It's also a good idea, IMO, to have some "fresh" guests for the evening to keep up the energy.

Hey we are just going through our list now, we haven't sent the main invites out yet but have had most of our save the date replies, we actually have around 25 MORE people who can come, that we really would like at the all day thing and its now about budget who we can basically afford to have the expensive meal. ideally we would have everyone at the church and all day but sadly that's not possible. Agree with the others if your venue has a minimum number of guests, invite others, I agree with Charlotte be sure to say you really wanted to invite them to the all day but couldn't due to numbers / money and you've managed to play around / organise it somehow - not that others have dropped out. xx

I agree with Charlotte. I have been "bumped up" to a day guest before and I really appreciated it. People understand that you have limited numbers/budget and you are now able to include them.

I would say definitely reach the minimum numbers for your venue as you will be paying for those spaces anyway. We are looking at venues at the moment, and have multiple lists based on the various minimum numbers at each venue.

Good luck!

Hi our package is 40 day guests and 100 night. We currently have 45 but to early for us to do invites. Any one extra we pay per head. We have budgeted for 50. - we have few guests that are evening only but if we have budget will bump up to day guest. We are also 2.5 hour drive away for most guest.