It would *seem* that I can't count.

I'd speak to the venue first, can a few people stand at the back?

This is abit naughty but... would anybody at the registry office notice the 3 extra guests?! *sneaky sneaky*

I had this problem. Although I must say it was on a completely difference scale - 60 guests, ceremony in the registry office, reception in the hotel. I somehow managed to convince myself too, that the registry office could hold all the people. On closer inspection though it seemed the max capacity was 35.

Oh dear. They were prepared to squash and squeeze a bit, but 25 over capacity is a bit too much squashing and squeezing. T

IN my case, after much faffing and indecision, I decided to move the ceremony to the hotel instead. But in your case, could there be "standers?" at the back? Kids that can sit on knees? I am sure they can do a bit of squashing and squeezing just to get the extra people in.

Speak to the registry office, they'll shed some light on your options.

I'd do this before asking people to wait in a pub!

You will be five people over - don't forget yourselves. The problem with trying to sneak people in is if there are a specific number of chairs to match the capacity....

However, does the 45 include the registrar/staff etc? If not, the restriction might be for comfort rather than fire safety. In which case, the register office might let you have a few extra in, as long as they stand/squash a little.

I'd firstly fess up and be honest to the registry office. As others have said, they may be fine with it and able to squeeze a few more in.

Nope- that's OK- it's 45 people excluding the B&G. We get special chairs at the front...! I wonder if it excludes the bridal party too, as technically they're not 'guests'? *clutches at straws*

Thanks for you suggestions. I can imagine it'd be OK to squeeze a few stragglers in. I don't believe for one second that this is the first time this has happened; Portsmouth is after all home of the illiterate and innumerate (including, it would now appear, me).

The registry office has no doubt seen its fair share of 'Jeremy Kyle' weddings; it's not exactly the most salubrious setting! ?

No-one from Pompey could take umbrage at this. If you lived there, you'd know what I mean.

Another straw to clutch at... in our RO wedding there were 4 chairs at the front, for the bride, the groom and 2 witnesses.

Hopefully they won't mind 3 extra standing at the back!

The important thing is to check that its not fire regulations dictating the numbers. Check with the registry office first. At least its not a massive number of people!

If its fire regulation restricted you would need to include your TOG in the numbers too!

I'd try and do a sneaky cramming in of people.

If it's a seat thing, ask three skinny friends to share 2 seats between 3 people etc, and so on!