Last minute no show?

I hope not many people dont show. that would be horrible people know how hard it is to plan a wedding/costs involved.

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Oh man, I couldn't imagine RSVPing to a wedding and then being "too lazy". Those people suck! I'd say, if someone doesn't show because of that or because they find better things to do then you don't want them at your wedding.

We had 14 people no show. 10 of them had at least let us know (and they were legit reasons--I don't blame them for not coming). We were able to get 5 of those seats filled (two of my sister-in-law's sisters, a single friend who only knew a few people invited a friend, and the wife of one of the groomsmen invited a friend to have someone to sit with during the reception, my husband's cousin who he hasn't talked to in years).

Expect to have no shows and don't let it bother you on the day of your wedding. The money is spent so to dwell on it will wreck the beautiful day that you have been planning for the longest time. I believe had 10 no shows. We had a buffet style dinner so our big eaters just ate more, not one steak was wasted.

I had a few no shows and it will happen. Its just a matter of taking those guests that don't reply back or even call you personally. Just consider it declined. My husband the day of the wedding came to find out that one couple couldn't make it due to hospital emergency.

Because we happened to have a snow storm on our wedding day we had 6 people (3 couples) let us know the day of that they were not coming. Since your wedding is in March you’re not completely out of the woods for potential snow and snow related no shows.


Then again, my SIL had her wedding in May last year and she still had about 5 people who said they were coming not show up.

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Definitely expect at least a few, especially if the attendee has kids. March is flu season so people could be knocked out at the drop of a hat and won't get back to you until after the wedding.

I am getting married in March and I am hopeful that Covid won't be a big deal at that time, but it does make me nervous to think there are people that will say yes and then last minute won't show up because they were lazy or got a better plan for that night. I am totally understanding and know some people will have a reasonable excuse. I just hope there are not too many, as my fiancee and I don't have money to waste on plates for people that don't show up. We do have a small wedding (100 max) so hopefully this helps :/

Sure happened for my wedding :/

I would say that we had about 10-12 people no-show/ last minute cancel (last minute meaning the day before or the day of). Some had good reasons, others didn't... 2 of my friends got food poisoning, 2 of my Mom's friends went to Elton John instead..., 2 of my DH's family got stuck at work (truck driver), 1 of my cousins haaaaad to stay home and study for an exam that was in a week... so... you just have to forget about them and remember this for when something important is happening for them (Ya, most if not all that no-showed didn't even send a card.... like... not even a card that says "sorry we bailed!"..)

This is something I have thought of as well and it sucks but this is something that happens often.

I've been to several weddings and the typical number of no-shows is usually a few couples so like 4-6 people. However, one wedding I went to, everyone attended so that was great! I just think it happens more often then not (unfortunately).

I've read somewhere that it can be 1-5% of your guests, but I can't remember where I read it! Right now covid could play a part, and in normal circumstances the weather or illnesses would be understandable.


I would be ok if I got an explanation later or even on short notice, but to just not show and never mention why seems quite rude to me.

I think it’s unfortunately pretty common - my FSIL has 3-5 people not show up the day of. I don’t think she ever got answers as to why.


Our cousin had 10 no shows for her wedding a few winters ago when there was a hefty snow storm as well.
We’re worried about this for our wedding because of COVID. If our wedding is able to go forward we’ll be contacting our guests a few days before to confirm whether or not they’re still coming. Our venue is willing to work with us on this because of COVID.