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Sarah195
Master October 2016

I kind of think my wedding is going to look empty

Sarah195, on August 30, 2016 at 1:44 PM Posted in Planning 0 37

So we booked a beautiful reception venue that can seat 300 but from the way RSVP's are looking now based on the declines we received, the number of single guests who aren't bringing a guest, and the list of people who we haven't received an RSVP from who likely will decline, it looks like we will only have around 130-140 out of the 205 we invited. I'm really worried it will look empty and silly to have the reception in that big room. Any ideas to make a room look fuller?

37 Comments

Latest activity by MrsNerd, on August 30, 2016 at 6:19 PM
  • WaffleBread
    Super February 2017
    WaffleBread ·
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    Can you spread out tables? Do you have a picture of the venue?

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  • Audrey
    VIP June 2016
    Audrey ·
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    Smaller tables so there are more of them to fill up the space??

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  • OG Kathryn
    Champion May 2016
    OG Kathryn ·
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    Yeah re-arrange the table.

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  • AshleyMTL
    Expert May 2017
    AshleyMTL ·
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    Have a seating area! It fills up a good amount of space and lets guests that aren't sitting at the same table sit together without feeling like they're in someone else's seat. It's perfect for when you want a little break from dancing.

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  • VC
    Master May 2017
    VC ·
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    A picture would help. Like other said you can space things out a bit more. More room for dancing, seating area, larger cocktail space etc.

    Just don't have the tables too far apart. It's ok to have a big space with less tables.

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  • MrsPlasters
    Super September 2015
    MrsPlasters ·
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    A seating area is nice to have. Guests can socialize with people not seated at their tables and take a break from dancing.

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  • Mrs. RATR
    Master September 2016
    Mrs. RATR ·
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    I'd ask your venue what they do in situations like this. Our venue can hold 250; we'll only have 160 but I'm not worried about the room looking empty because I think it's more likely to just look comfortable and not crowded.

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  • OurAdventureBegins
    VIP October 2016
    OurAdventureBegins ·
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    Rectangular tables rather than round tables will fill up the space better.

    A backdrop for pictures.

    Bigger head table.

    Bigger gift table.

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  • hearts
    Devoted October 2015
    hearts ·
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    I love the look of long tables. You could do three or fours lines of banquet tables and then have a lounge area on the other end. Or you could put the dance floor (assuming you have one) in the middle of the room with tables around it.

    A picture of the venue would help!

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  • Mrs. León
    VIP October 2015
    Mrs. León ·
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    Work with you venue and see what they might be able to assist or suggest. I had the same situation. My venue sat 300. We invited almost 200 and had 78 rsvp yes (Most guest were out of town or from another country). We gave our guest lots of space with tables and chairs. Tables could fit 10 but we only did 8 and the tables were spread out. Which made it easy to walk around in my dress. My venue also had furniture to create a "lounge" area in the back by the bar.

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  • SummerS
    Master January 2016
    SummerS ·
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    How many did you plan to seat per table? Maybe seat 8 vs 10, as an example, to necessitate more tables. Remember this will increase your centerpiece & linens total too though. Previously suggested lounge area is a great idea too!

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  • Missy
    Master October 2017
    Missy ·
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    As suggested, if your venue can offer lounge seating, that is a great way to fill up space. It is something we are doing at our venue as well.

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  • O&L
    VIP September 2016
    O&L ·
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    130-140 guests is not an empty wedding Smiley smile

    You can seat 8-9 people per table if the tables fit 10!

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  • Sarah195
    Master October 2016
    Sarah195 ·
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    So the dance floor is in the middle under that canopy and the tables go on each side. They only have round tables and the max. amount they seat is 10. I made 24 centerpieces so we can seat 6-8 per table but would 6 at a table look too empty? I'll ask if they have furniture for a seating area but I don't think they do.


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  • 250Love
    Super September 2017
    250Love ·
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    Long tables are a nice elegant option!

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  • Mrs. RATR
    Master September 2016
    Mrs. RATR ·
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    Six at a table for 8 is fine; I'll have a couple of those. Don't take the extra space for granted either! It'll be nice for your guests to be able to get up and have lots of room to walk around between tables.

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  • Sarah195
    Master October 2016
    Sarah195 ·
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    Now that I really look at the picture it looks like they have 6 chairs per table which doesn't look bad! You're all right it just means more room to walk around and sit comfortably!

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  • Mrs. León
    VIP October 2015
    Mrs. León ·
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    Looking at the picture I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just remember when they say the capacity is 300, that' s really crowded and tight. You will enjoy the extra space.

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  • 5starFM
    VIP January 2017
    5starFM ·
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    I agree with adding a seating area. If it's affordable, look into renting a couple sofas/decor seating that works with your venue/overall theme.

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  • SummerS
    Master January 2016
    SummerS ·
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    Does your venue have high cocktail tables? Maybe some of those could be placed in a few spots around the perimeter of the room, near the bar is good too, to create some conversation spots if you can't get lounge furniture.

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