It’s not as bad as we imagine. Much of the leftover food at these weddings gets picked up by NGOs which they donate to orphanages and old age homes. Most wedding caterers have these NGOs on speed dial. So in some sense not “RSVPing” arrival or regrets is actually a good thing for some of the underprivileged folks.
As events and weddings get more elaborate and expensive the need to plan and execute meticulously needs a clear estimate of numbers/ invitees. What was considered impolite at one time is seen as professional now. It's OK to drive specifity. Most of all wastage is a sin and most people understand that.
An enjoyable read, Prasanna. Unfortunately we in india still do not take an RSVP seriously. My daughter’s wedding 12 years ago has families of even 10 people (no less) attending because of the food. The other daughter’s wedding the same year saw near-shortage of food as in addition to other ‘families and friends’, 15-20 of another son-in-law’s colleagues just turned up ‘because we knew the biriyani will be good!’
In contrast, an NGO colleague in Ireland invited 250 guests to his wedding in a church outside town so e years ago. No ‘add on persons/family/friends’ and the guests had to book and pay for their own hotel room. I find it sensible. Then, only the closest, true well wishers will turn up. But we haven’t got there yet, not by any stretch of imagination!
It’s not as bad as we imagine. Much of the leftover food at these weddings gets picked up by NGOs which they donate to orphanages and old age homes. Most wedding caterers have these NGOs on speed dial. So in some sense not “RSVPing” arrival or regrets is actually a good thing for some of the underprivileged folks.
Thank you Anupam for the redemption mechanism. Comforting.
As events and weddings get more elaborate and expensive the need to plan and execute meticulously needs a clear estimate of numbers/ invitees. What was considered impolite at one time is seen as professional now. It's OK to drive specifity. Most of all wastage is a sin and most people understand that.
Bang on TK as always 👏
Your writings are very practical and I love to read every week. Regds
Thank you 😊
An enjoyable read, Prasanna. Unfortunately we in india still do not take an RSVP seriously. My daughter’s wedding 12 years ago has families of even 10 people (no less) attending because of the food. The other daughter’s wedding the same year saw near-shortage of food as in addition to other ‘families and friends’, 15-20 of another son-in-law’s colleagues just turned up ‘because we knew the biriyani will be good!’
In contrast, an NGO colleague in Ireland invited 250 guests to his wedding in a church outside town so e years ago. No ‘add on persons/family/friends’ and the guests had to book and pay for their own hotel room. I find it sensible. Then, only the closest, true well wishers will turn up. But we haven’t got there yet, not by any stretch of imagination!
Excellent anecdotal comments.