Couple received fewer RSVPs than expected.
Image: Tara Winstead
Planning a wedding is often a mixture of joy, stress, and careful planning.
For one bridal couple, whose wedding day is set for the end of May, the experience has been bittersweet.
Taking to Reddit’s wedding page, the bride shares that they unexpectedly received far fewer RSVPs than planned, which not only left them disappointed but also led to financial setbacks.
While the couple invited 135 guests, they anticipated the common attendance rate of 75 per cent.
Based on this, they reasonably planned for around 100 guests.
However, as RSVPs came in, it became clear that only about 80 people would be attending.
“It feels incredibly disappointing,” the bride shared.
“We put so much love, time, and care into this day, and it’s hard not to feel let down.”
Over and above the emotional sting of the empty seats, there’s a financial consequence as well.
They had signed a contract with their caterer based on the expected 100 guests.
That contract, like many in the wedding industry, included a minimum payment clause.
This means that they have to pay for the 100 meals regardless of how many people are actually served.
With 20 meals now going uneaten, the financial loss is roughly $700 (about R13,000).
The couple have to pay for food even though guests will not be attending.
Image: Rene Terp / Pexels
“I know things don’t always go as planned,” she continues.
“And I truly am grateful for everyone who is making the effort to be there. But it’s still hard not to feel a deep sense of disappointment.”
Reaching out to Reddit users, she wants to know if anyone else has gone through something similar and how they cope with the feelings of disappointment.
“I had over 100 people at my wedding and I wished it was less so I could have talked to everyone more. Also, we ate delicious leftovers from our freezer for a month afterward and it was awesome!” one user responded.
Another commented, “I had people RSVP, then not show up on the day of. Lost at least $1000 that way. We took home the leftovers and enjoyed them with family the next day. Also, does that 80 RSVP amount include meals for your vendors? We paid to feed our photographer, musicians, planner, etc… as well.”
“We overestimated with our food too. But, everyone really loved it because they were able to have seconds and more if they wanted. And after that we still took a lot home. It was great being newlyweds and not cooking for a few days,” said another.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
IOL Lifestyle