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Dedicated May 2018

large Venue. small number of Guests.

Sabrina, on April 30, 2018 at 8:39 AM Posted in Planning 2 34

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We currently have 75 yes responses. More people declined than we thought, around a 50% decline rate. We have 30 no replies but FMIL thinks they are all no. We are 19 days away from the wedding so I will need to confirm today or tomorrow the final number with the career and venue. Our venue holds 350 people. We planned for around 100-120. Because I am from out of the United States I knew I would only have a very small number show up. I told my FMIL 7 max. 5 are able to make it. She assured it would be okay they would invite ample people and I should get the space (she encouraged getting the space we have and she is paying for it) well they did but a bunch declined. Now we have 75 guests and a huge room meant for 350 people. I feel as though the space is going to be extremely empty. I initially had a large porch swing that I was going to use for the favors but FMIL got upset we were doing that so we scraped it and favors are now going on the tables (no she was not paying for that) I have a guest sign table, a dessert area which are using barrels for instead of a normal table so that takes up more space, have a wood spool for our wedding cake table, a gift/card table and a escort card table. I am kind of pissed that I listened to her from the beginning. I wanted a small intimate space but since she is paying for the space... yeah. Any suggestions on how to make the space feel more intimate? It's a huge barn so it's rustic.

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Latest activity by Charity, on April 30, 2018 at 3:47 PM

Master August 2018
Kristina · on April 30, 2018 at 8:43 AM
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Oh no!!! That's a big decline rate!
Do you have pictures of the space??? How are you planning on laying everything out?
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Savvy December 2018
Victoria · on April 30, 2018 at 8:54 AM
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Pictures!!! I wish I had this problem!! Our venue is just big enough, and we’re hoping we’ll have less people than we’re currently expecting.

I think the space will feel nice with less people. Generally venues mark their max capacity, but with 350 people in a room, that will always feel overwhelming and crowded. Just under 100 people is the perfect amount for a wedding. Regardless of the venue.
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Dedicated May 2018
Sabrina · on April 30, 2018 at 8:56 AM
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It is huge decline rate and I am so upset about it. I had wanted to have the wedding in my home country but it wasn't possible due to legal constraints but I cannot dwell on that and upset myself more. Just gotta deal the cards we have been given.

There aren't many photos to show to explain how large it is.
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Dedicated May 2018
Sabrina · on April 30, 2018 at 8:58 AM
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This is a good link with a 360 view of the venue.

https://www.google.com/search?q=the+barn+at+hornbaker+gardens+princeton+il+61356&oq=The+barn&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j35i39j0j46.2528j0j9&client=ms-android-sprint-us&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#fid=0x8809804651e2bd19:0xb7b3bd15dc244050&fpstate=luuv&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipMvVllBDpl7I6w0jIHIpoYERQrHfa74zHRS86SS&viewerState=im
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VIP July 2018
The Nuptials · on April 30, 2018 at 8:59 AM
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I would do two long tables down the middle of the room. This will create the intimate experience you are looking for and will take up space.

Or you can do 10 tables of 7 or so? But the centerpieces will cost you.
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Expert June 2019
Anna · on April 30, 2018 at 9:01 AM
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Beautiful venue! I'd start by putting less people at each table. If they normally hold 8, maybe put 6 per table. I don't think the room will feel too big, however.
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October 2020
Matty · on April 30, 2018 at 9:02 AM
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Can you add lounge areas? they’re comfy and take up a good amount of space!
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Dedicated May 2019
Melissa · on April 30, 2018 at 9:03 AM
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What about adding small haybales in a pile, and putting different pictures of yourself and FH amongst them? With a few flowers as an accent?

Also, if FMIL isn't paying for the way the favors are displayed, then if it's something you still wanted to do then do it. I love the porch swing idea, and it would take up some of that unwanted extra space!
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Dedicated May 2018
Sabrina · on April 30, 2018 at 9:06 AM
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Haybales are a fantastic idea! No clue why I didn't think of that. I'll set up some seating with haybales and tin buckets with flowers! Thank-you
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Dedicated May 2018
Sabrina · on April 30, 2018 at 9:16 AM
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We currently have 12 centerpieces and 3 long garlands with our florist so it should be okay. I was thinking of a kings table to be a good idea also. We already booked and paid for our linens so hopefully the linens can still be changed.
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Master October 2018
DC Wife 10.27.18 · on April 30, 2018 at 9:20 AM
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I second this. Its also what we are doing.
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Master August 2017
firstoneat56 · on April 30, 2018 at 9:29 AM
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Does your contract have a minimum? You or whoever is paying will have to pay for the minimum regardless.
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Dedicated May 2018
Sabrina · on April 30, 2018 at 9:34 AM
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No there is no minimum. The venue came with a recommended vendor list and our chosen vendors don't have minimums. Thankful for that.
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Expert May 2018
Nick & Joi · on April 30, 2018 at 9:42 AM
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Perhaps a lounge area? That will fill up the space a bit.
I would like to add this, whatever you decide to do, please please make sure it’s what u want and not what your fmil wants. It’s you and fh day keep that in mind dear.
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Dedicated September 2018
Turnicia · on April 30, 2018 at 9:53 AM
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Are you having the ceremony and reception in the same space?
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Dedicated May 2018
Sabrina · on April 30, 2018 at 10:01 AM
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No. Ceremony is at church.
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Master July 2017
Going to the chapel · on April 30, 2018 at 10:10 AM
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30 no replies? Have you contacted them to see if they are a yes or no? You need to do that and not assume that they won't be attending.
Before you get set on the hay bales, check with the venue to see if they are allowed. The floors look pretty nice and they may not allow the hay bales to sit on the floor, so you might need to put something down under the bales. Be aware that many people are highly allergic to hay. You might find guests leaving early, like shortly after they arrive.
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Master October 2018
MrsV1027 · on April 30, 2018 at 10:20 AM
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Can you add a photo booth type area? Like a fun backdrop with fun props? I went to several weddings that had these and they were super fun and take up a good amount of space
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Master July 2016
E&M · on April 30, 2018 at 10:25 AM
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I think you should stick to your idea of using the large porch swing for the favours. I love the idea of setting up a lounge area.

"We have 30 no replies but FMIL thinks they are all no." - did anyone call these people to get a final answer?
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Dedicated September 2018
Turnicia · on April 30, 2018 at 10:28 AM
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Oh ok, in that case I definitely second everyone's opinion and suggest setting up a lounge area, maybe even set up the lounge around the dance floor.

I would go with a photo booth as well if it's in the budget.
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large Venue. small number of Guests.

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