August 30, 2007

• Just Say "No"... Please?

  The responses have been steadily arriving for our wedding. I'm happy to report that almost everyone has said "yes"!

  However, while I'm ecstatic that our friends and family can share in our day, I'm also a bit concerned. I actually budgeted for at least a 10% decline rate from our guests, meaning I invited 200 people with the expectation that 180 would be able to make it. Out of seventy-seven replies, only four have declined, three of which I already knew could not come. Most of the guests who have not yet responded are close friends and family that I know will be attending for sure. In the past weeks, I've also added unexpected seats to our guest list, like my ring bearer's baby sitter and a few infants. The babies will not be included for a meal headcount but will still need a space at the table.

  The problem is, our venue has size constraints and if we have a guest list of over 180, we'll need to make use of  an awkward "L" section of the banquet room that I was hoping to leave empty. This section is removed and out of sight from the other areas of the banquet room. I'm worried that anyone assigned to the "L" corner will feel neglected or "less important" than the other guests. Oh, the politics of seating arrangements!

  Mr. Eggplant has already decided to rent a second projector and screen if we need to utilize the "L" section. With another screen, at least all guests will be able partake in the slideshow and various other media elements that we'll be incorporating. We're also thinking about performing the evening's activities on different areas of the room so that we can be near everyone at some point in the night (cake cutting on one side, first dance and bouquet toss on the other side, etc.).

  Does anyone else have venue constraints? What creative solutions have you used to deal with them?

  • 5:25 am
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