AIBU to squash people in?

[Chita80]

So we've booked our venue: our local church, followed by the hall above the church for lunch (simple hot pot, breads, cake and champagne)

The warden has said it seats 90 to.100 but leaves little room for mingling. We would like to invite 105, anticipating some no shows. The ceiling is fairly low but there is a spill out area also for people to stand.

We want a cheap, simple reception but is this going to far? Will it be uncomfortable for a 2-3 hour gathering?

[PotteringAlong]

More to the point the insurance will be invalidated if there's a fire and you will be knackered. If it's max of 100 that's all you can have.

[SaucyJack]

If all 105 invitees turn up, then yeah- it would be cramped.

Realistically- what's the likelihood of that?

[lilacblossomtime]

If it seats 90 would you have more room if most were standing. Could they eat the hotpot standing? If not could you change to a meal that could be eaten standing by most people, and just have a few tables and chairs for those that need it.

[Chita80]

Good idea but we feel it's really important to seat everyone.

[Magmatic80]

You need to think about fire regs, how many are they legally allowed?

Although, sorry, it looks like you mean seated numbers. Why don't you do ocassions seating? That will leave you a lot more space, without everyone being crammed in. Will look like you meant to do it! As long as you have plenty of surfaces available for people to put drinks down while they eat, and at least a few chairs and tables for those who can't stand for long, or children to eat.

I reckon it sounds great!

[Magmatic80]

Ah sorry, many crossed posts...

[Chita80]

Yes to clarify, it's 250 max for fire regs

[Magmatic80]

What sort of tables are they? Long tables take up less space than banqueting rounds.

[Chita80]

Yeah we were thinking long trestle tables.

[GloGirl]

Yanbu, have your chairs around the tables and a little place card if you want but don't put out knives and forks as when they're cramped it looks bad.

For 2-3 hours informal it sounds perfectly fine to me if people bunch up!

[sliceofsoup]

I have to disagree. We went to a wedding a fortnight ago and we were crammed in and it was awful. Cramped, too warm, could hardly move at all. We left early.

[SoupDragon]

If it seats 90-100 it seats 90 comfortably and 100 less comfortably. It doesn't seat 105.