For context, I'm a CPA and a very type A person. I've used spreadsheets to organize my life for years, so collecting the draft guest list on Google Sheets with collaborative links for in-laws and my dad was naturally the way to go.
Our venue fits 150, as in the Fire Marshall #. Minimum guest count is 100 per the contract. The first draft guest list had ~200 (guests and +1), and we split it into "first round" ppl who get a Save the Date (all family + core friends) and "second round" (no STD but tons of family is out of town and out of touch so they'll get available slots).
The final first round count was 152, including my partner and I. Save the Dates printed, stuffed and stamped in a box. Great news, high fives for everyone.
This weekend, my partner's mom asked him to make sure he included "Uncle C". I heard across the room, but figured it is max 2 ppl - meh, no big deal. (Thought it was an estranged brother on her side that we didn't originally count.)
Nope, this is my partner's biological father's brother. Who I've never met (in 10 years) and hasn't visited him in that time either. We didn't invite any of that side. So now this is opening my stress levels - what about his half siblings on that side? He's got several of those and a number of other aunts and uncles... And cousins on cousins. So we're looking 20+ more.
Do I hack into the existing first round picks and take out any other non family I can in order to accommodate these additions?
My partner says they all probably won't even come, they just want the invite. When I mentioned concerns on the cap, he said if we go over he'll personally call and uninvite them. Not the most appealing prospect.
Advice?