need advice on wedding reception

[mum2oliver]

Iv never had a party before.Getting married on my 30th birthday-29th April.Registry office(secret)2best friends witmessing-Meeting 14 friends in local Chinese rest(no one knows getting married so will walk in and announce-though will look obvious from outfit)All having buffet £5.90-everyone thinks they are coming to my 30th meal.Rest open til 3 especially(no extra cost)then having a party @7pm in our NEW home with extra guests(these people wont know either)
How can I ensure that people will actually turn up?Im really scared.Iv never had loads of mates so some arent that close though are good friends.My dp has only a few friends.I will be inviting about 50 altogether.
I need some advice on how to set the right atmosphere.How should I be?Do I need to be on my toes all the time and make sure I speak to everyone?Im not really like that and do want to be abe to relax.I want everyone to have a good time and not feel uncomfortable.Should I leave the furniture how it is ie the couch.Will people want to be able to sit on the couch??I really do lack experience dont I!!!Please help.

hello

sounds very lovely.

my main advice would be not to let it get any bigger or out of hand. we had wedding party at our house in evening after non-surpise wedding when ds was 9 months and it got a bit stressful (100 people) though lovely nonetheless. but i wish we'd kept it smaller

i would either let two or three close people on to the secret and get them to help you lots with the arrangements (put someone on to sorting music,decorations, drinks)and on the day or try to pay someone to do some of it.

people definitely need somewhere to sit! but ...depends how wild you anticipate it getting.

ps majestic do vg case deals on booze and glasses hire, ice buckets etc and they deliver it.

pps i am a mum2 an oliver too

Sorry whats majestic do? Thanx great advice.x

Message withdrawn

Im sorry you must think Im such a dunse! Iv actually had a hard day.Iv got a wicked head ache.Thanx alot.

oh and big congratulations of course!

secret wedding....very romantic

I was going to suggest getting a couple of closet friends perhaps witnesses in on it. They can ensure that the people that important to you turn up, they can take over the arrangements for the restruant and let you worry about the wedding.