“When I first started planning my wedding a year ago everything was going well and we thought that we would have a lot of guests. Unfortunately, I’ve started receiveing a lot of declines in my R.S.V.P’s. I’m very nervous that we’re not going to make our guarantee minimum with our reception hall and it’s stressing me out to think that all the money will be wasted on empty plates. Is there anything I can do?”
Sorry that you’re going through this. It must feel really discouraging to see declines coming in the mail. Even though it’s to be expected that some guests won’t be able to attend, it does get nerve-racking once they start adding up- especially when it’s from people who you really wanted to be apart of your big day. Although there’s nothing we can do to take away from the hurt feelings of those special people being unable to attend, hopefully these suggestions can help make the situation with your minimum better.
- The first thing you may want to do is visit the “B-list” part of your guest list. Now is the time to send out invitations to the people who you didn’t think you would be able to accomodate in the beginning of your planning {colleagues, old friends you may have lost touch with, extended family members, etc.}. This works for all four areas of the guest list if applicable {bride, groom, bride’s parents, groom’s parents}.
- If the catering is onsite and being provided by your reception hall, the next best thing to do is meet with them to discuss the minimum. Although you may still get charged for the plates, they may work with you to upgrade your menu. Some reception halls will sometimes give more food for cocktail hour or add in fabulous desserts to even out the cost.
- If you are bringing in off site catering, contact them immediately. Sometimes if they know far enough in advance before the food is ordered, they may be able to adjust the cost.
- In the event that none of the above options work, ask to have the plates boxed. You could decide to either keep them for a day after brunch or donate them.