Expanding Guest List Stress

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That's so true, one way to keep the guest list down for sure! Lol

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Thanks, Vinod. Yes, this is not going to be quite the way I'd envisioned, unless half the people don't/aren't able to attend. Ah well.

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I have realized that this might have made actual paper invitations a worthwhile expense. We'd have run out before he could get anywhere near the number of people we're at now. E-vites are just to easy to send.

2 valid points I can say is true and agree with this topic:

Terresa: You have a good point of eloping considering the fact the families add up the cost for the wedding and feeding them all. Eloping is starting to become a norm and then having a reception to just have family and friends celebrate you the couple. Don't just guests decide if they want to come based on the fact they could add more on their reply card and your numbers rise. Stick to your guns and to the intimate small wedding you envisioned to keep low key.

Candace: I like your point of having family members to pay for guests they feel they want to invite on their half because that individual feels they are entitled to have them at your wedding. Give the exact numbers of guests from your list to accommodate only. FMIL wants her say, let her pay for her friends and not on your expense.

Just to say that I had 2 guests whom seem to be out of place for me personally. One guest was invited despite of how I didn't want her there and not having anything to do with for the years known and husband went ahead knowing this. Another guest was invited for 1 and brought his mother and boyfriend out of spite having us feeding them and no monetary gift at the same time. I no longer speak to him because of his actions and the way he acted having to text a MOH to say his actions on our day which pissed me off the scale.

Absolutely! We started with 95 and went up to 120 people. Even our rehearsal dinner guest list is expanding!! We started with 14 people at the rehearsal dinner and now have 23. Most of it has been my FH and his mother adding people so it's been rough..

I just eventually put my foot down and said whoever adds anyone has to pay for them, especially his mother who has invited so many people to the rehearsal dinner *insert eye roll*

I would only send invites to the people you can accommodate, if some of them cancel then you can move to your "B list" of the extra people that he wants to add. Be sure to point out how it will increase the cost as well because that will be important

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Almost. With tent, table, and chair rentals; additional flowers; food; and the per person site fee, it's nearly double.

Thanks for the supportive words, Bianca! I really do appreciate it!

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Wow, this has doubled your budget? I hope that it all works out for you (and that you don't have everyone RSVPing "yes" lol). At least he's started thinking about the impact that this growing guest list is making.

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Kids haven't been listed on the e-vites, so I'm hoping people won't just assume they're included. *fingers crossed*

All the best for your wedding, Casey!

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With the potential children included we'd be at 100. So hoping that doesn't happen!

View quoted message Since we're going paperless, they've all been sent. He's now promised not to add anyone else though, which is good. Nearly doubling our budget has made him think, even if it's a bit too late.

That's quite the situation you're in. Have you sent out invitations yet? If not, I'd suggest going over the guestlist with your FH and creating an "A-List" (people who you 100% must invite and want there) and a "B-List" (people who get invited if there's room). I understand that your FH wants to invite everyone under the sun (and their children), but he has to know that it's not realistic (with your budget and vision of your wedding).

Hopefully your FH responds well to logic and reasoning. Good luck!

We have had the same thing happen to us. Our first guest list was about 115 people. Gave it to my in laws and all of a sudden we are up to 150. I understand having to invite certain people etc. But I am also low key hoping many people can’t come so we can stick to a lower guest count. I know there will be a good chunk that won’t come, but you never know lol.
It is good you have a back up plan. That’s a good start because then at least you are prepared if they all say yes, and if they don’t then bonus!
Instead of leaving it open to guests bringing children maybe you guys can just say no kids or only close children of the family because of the limited space at your venue