Do people RSVP and not come to the wedding, or do more people not RSVP and then come anyway?

Question

I have a headcount of 128 right now. Should I plan on extra people showing up, or is it more likely that not everyone that RSVP'd will make it? I've had a few RSVP's say that they will make it to the ceremony, but cannot stick around for the reception. Do you think many people will do this?

Answer 1

In my case there were people who RSVP'd that they were coming and then ended up not being able to (a family member had a heart attack the night before so he and his sisters did not attend).  We didn't have anyone that RSVD's yes and then didn't show up.

Answer 2

My last daughter's wedding, we had more people that didn't RSVP and then showed up.  So make extra!!  Better safe than sorry!!!

Answer 3

We had 15 people come down with the flu.

Answer 4

talk with your caterer and see if they can add a few plates at no cost for guests who just show up without warning. that way in case people show up who originally declined, there won't be any awkward moments while you scramble to find them a place to sit, you know?

i think it's more likely that people will RSVP and then not show...

Answer 5

We had both those who replied that didn't show and people who didn't reply come. In our case, it worked out pretty close. Your caterer will have enough food for an extra guest or two. Don't worry.

Answer 6

I did have some that said they would and didn't but I had way more that never replied and showed up....luckily I banked on an extra 30ish people and we were ok....just hate that they wasted those stamps I spent big money on!

Answer 7

You are going to get both. People that said they would come might not make it and people that said they can't might show up. And then there is the people that will invite people you dont even know so it is always a good idea to plan for extra people. A head count is good but make sure you round up a good amount.

Answer 8

It's more likely that those that RSVP will not go versus those that don't RSVP show up.

Answer 9

yeah... for mine we had a head count of about 99 that actually RSVP'd and many that did not so we planned for 120 people... and only about 50ish showed up.. :/

Answer 10

it can go either way-no answer and how or rsvp and not show.  Whoever doesnt respond call them!

Answer 11

I am sooo in the same boat. I have a guest list of 133 people. Only like 77 have RSVP'd- but then we have a lot of family who is just assuming we know they will come- and friends too. I've been calling them and saying

"Did you get our invite okay? I was wondering because I haven't heard your RSVP."

That usually prompts them to say they will RSVP or they can't come.

I have told my caterer that our guest list is about 140 ppl. Again, only 77 have RSVP'd, but a lot of ppl assume we know they are coming... so plan on having some extras who wont RSVP because they figure you know they will come...

better safe than sorry!! ;)