RSVP trauma - one wedding worry tackled

Credit: Jocelyn Allen for Unsplash

Ever worry about what to do if guests drop out at the last minute?

Your Somerst, Glos & Wilts Wedding has the answers. One way to avoid cancellations is to set a clear RSVP deadline on your invitations. If you haven't heard either way by this date, get in touch to follow up.

However, stuff happens. Some circumstances are unforeseen; the guest's reason might be completely understandable... and sometimes not! First things first, don't panic. It's 100 per cent frustrating if there's a flighty excuse, and it's ok to feel disappointed, so own that for a minute.

Next, it's time to spring into action! If there's time, contact your suppliers to see whether adjustments can be made. Start with your venue's wedding coordinator, particularly if the dropouts will affect the table plan. Have another look at your seating arrangements, and let the venue know where the place settings need to be removed, eliminating any anti-social gaps around the table. If you have a wedding planner, they'll be able to take care of all of this for you.

The most important supplier to contact, if you haven't already covered this by informing the venue, is your caterer. Let them know of the change to the number of meals you need. If it's too late for them to adjust the price of your catering accordingly, at least you'll be avoiding unnecessary waste.

Alternatively, do you have a backup list? You might have jointly decided not to invite some folks when you put your guest list together as numbers and costs were spiralling. Perhaps there's someone you wish you could upgrade from evening only? Why not reach out to them and ask if they're available to attend the daytime section as well? Then, you've wasted nothing and it's just a question of altering any place names or table plan if possible.

And breathe. Remember, you'll still have a whole room full of people who mean the world to you. Focus on the approaching celebration, it'll still be the best... day... ever!