At my wedding reception I am concerned about guests who have already sent in their RSVP and indicated x number of people attending but decide to bring extra people along contrary to what they stated in the RSVP. I do not want to exceed 42 tables in the hall. If I have to add another table at the reception, I will be sacrificing my dance floor space and not to mention incur more costs.
Is there wording that can be added to the bottom of the reply card that says something like "seating is strictly by RSVP" so that people can realize if they reply that 2 people will be attending only two can come. I've seen situations where family has responded that only 2 guests are coming than at the reception they bring their 3 kids. It's not fair! How can we avoid this? Is it rude to tell family and friends who arrive atthe reception that there is no more room available and that the extra guests are not permitted?
One way to avoid this problem would be to supply a reply card with a 1 or 2 that the guest is to circle, or write out each card with their names already with a regrets or accepts line. I've not seen your suggestion of "seating is strictly by RSVP" on the reply card, but I don't see a problem with it. Perhaps one of the other etiquette specialist will make the final decision here.
It would not be polite to turn people away even when it is their fault for bringing extra guests. It isn't right, I know, but ... it just isn't polite.
RSVP question
