Low Guest Attendance

At least everyone RSVP'd honestly. We had a lot of people RSVP yes and then not show up which I think is much worse. We also had a smaller wedding. Invited about 80 and roughly 50 came. Of the 50, 12 were in our wedding plus their spouses, so that was almost half our attending guests right there. It's always surprising to see the number of people who don't show up to your wedding. I thought by having a smaller wedding, we were inviting the people who meant the most to us, so OF COURSE almost everyone would show up... not the case, unfortunately. Just look at it as you are saving money!

Enjoy you day! Appreciate the one's who show up for you!

We're having a post wedding reception in two weeks and we invited around 50 people. Our guest count is 30. It kinda makes me sad but I was originally planning to do a family dinner so I guess I'm getting what I wanted, lol. I am excited that it will be an intimate party with out closest friends and family though.

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Since you also had 50 guests in attendance, how was that? Did it still feel like a celebration with many people there, or were there any moments where you felt like the wedding was too small and something was missing?

To me 50 is a great number! That's what is hoping to get my wedding around to. With 50 ppl it's small enough where you can go and talk to everyone and not feel like you are missing out on the party by saying your hellos to everyone. You can actually enjoy everyone's company. As well as its big enough to feel like a party. You are going to need 6 tables for everyone which is still a lot. On the plus side think of the $ you're saving😊
I'm sorry your bummed tho. Getting the declines in the mail is always a let down.

I was always reminded that when you throw a party/ wedding/ etc.. that you invite twice as many as you'd like to have. If you want 50 people to show, then invite 100. 100 people to show then invite 200. Seems to have been proven here , as well, unfortunately. However, don't be sad. 50 is a good many and you will have an amazing day.

View Quoted Comment This is generally good advice BUT ensure that you budget for the number of people you invite, not the number you hope to have. You don’t want to get a 99% RSVP “Yes” rate (which does happen as seen on here) and have a 50% rate budget.

Honestly I think that's a great number. Definitely not something that you should feel upset or worry about. That gives you more time to interact with your loved ones. If you are concerned about that number, you could always call and/or shoot them a text ( for those who did NOT respond ) to see if they are coming or not.

Less people just means you get to spend more time with everyone! 50 is definitely not super low and you guys will still have an amazing time

We invited 77 and really hoped we'd have 50. We were just under that, but we had last minute rsvp changes due to serious illnesses, a friend's husband didn't come (they are having problems), and there was a couple who said they were coming and just didn't show - still haven't heard from them at all. Long story short, I was sad that some people couldn't or wouldn't come and at the last minute changes and no shows (also paying for food for them) but the wedding was still wonderful. Our 45 or so guests definitely felt like a celebration. Honestly, it was the perfect number for us. We were able to visit with everyone in a meaningful way and have fun.

I can totally see where you would be bummed but I think it will be great! You’ll be saving a TON of money and it gives you room in your budget to upgrade anything you may want to! Your day will be magical regardless of who declines 💕

View Quoted Comment I invited 70 expecting 50 and had 40 attend. It was an amazing celebration that I think was made even better by the intimacy of the guest list. We had a 9-piece band and people danced all night. It didn't feel too small or like anything was missing. I still have guests raving about the wedding 8 months later.

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Thank you for sharing your experience with a smaller wedding! This makes me feel a bit better about our smaller wedding

View Quoted Comment That's actually a really good point, the smaller guest list will make it less overwhelming and we'll actually have time to engage in this moment with all of our guests... and save money! Yay!!!! haha

I understand how this could be frustrating! At least they were honest & on the bright side it sounds like you’ll be saving quite a bit on catering! I’m sure your day will be just as amazing!

Everyone is right. 50 is perfect. I had 100 guests and interacted with about half of them. Half of them I took a picture with them at their table, and that was it. I was bummed when I looked at wedding pictures and realized how many people I never talked to.

We invited 160 and only have 106 attending. It stinks but it happens. Think of it this way: you now have less people to divide your attention between and can perhaps create more special memories with those who are there!

I was really sad by few people that said no. Really hurt by it actually. But in the end everything works out for a reason and it is their loss!

We invited 100, so far literally half, 50 have sent back their RSVP cards yes. I am still waiting and the deadline is less than 10 days away! I am trying to be patient. In a way I'd love for all 100 to come, but my venue charges extra per plate over 75 people, so in a way, I am hoping it hovers right around there! LOL Seriously though, just enjoy the moment and cherish the time with the ones who actually do show. At least people are responding! I am still seriously wondering about some of these people I invited. No response usually means they're just too scared to say no

We invited 202 people. We have 95 confirmed yes with about 57 to still hear from. We’d like around 130 🤞🏼 We did have one couple RSVP yes then today say something came up. But honestly I’d rather have people drop out before final numbers are handed in anyways 🤷🏻‍♀️

We invited 65 and it’s looking like it will be around 45 in attendance including us and the wedding party. I expected it to be closer to 55 or 60 simply from prior conversations so I am surprised too. But to me it means lower cost and more intimate