I am reminded of a wedding I had the misfortune to attend several years ago. The couple planned the wedding in a big hurry (their engagement was six weeks long) and it showed. They asked people to RSVP by email because snail mail would have taken too long. Apparently, a lot of people didn't RSVP. When they did the seating, they apparently assumed all the "no RSVP" folks were coming - so there were a bunch of half-empty tables. But when they planned the food, they assumed the "no RSVP" folks were NOT coming, so when some of them showed up anyway, there wasn't enough food for everyone. And, lucky me, I was at one of the last tables to be called up to the buffet. They sent back to the restaurant for more food, which took maybe an hour and a half, by which time I was about ready to pass out from hunger while other people all around me were happily munching away. (We don't talk to that couple any more.)

ANYWAY... looks like you're ok on the food front. It's much better to have too much food than too little - worst case, you'll be munching on leftovers for a while, or you can send food home with some of the guests.

Crudites tray perhaps? Carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, red peppers, yellow squash, etc. for those who are trying to get rid of some of those holiday pounds? And I still think you need to up the number of guests expected.

I understand not wanting to follow up with each individual but it might be worth talking to her mother at least and saying "I haven't heard from x, y and z, have they mentioned whether they are coming?" I know in my family, if someone mentioned they were coming to the honoree's mother, they'd consider that an RSVP, even if they didn't RSVP to the hostess herself and they'd think "Well they KNOW I'll be there"

You have a good point. I'll check with her and see if anyone has responded through her. I would definitely rather have too much than too little.

I agree that you should plan on more guests showing up than have RSVPed.

When I am not certain of the actual number of guests who may attend a brunch, cocktail party, or some sort of open house type event, I tend to increase the amount of food that I either like to eat as leftovers, that I can freeze, or that I can use in other dishes.

As southbymidwest noted, crudités are excellent as “filler”. The leftover vegetables may be used eaten as snacks, used in soups and other dishes, and even some frozen and used later.

Also, expectant mothers may not be able to drink caffeinated beverages. As such, I would also suggest that in addition to caffeinated coffee, you may want to include a decaffeinated coffee. Also regular and decaf tea. And because some people may not be able to drink some citric juices, other types of juice - apple and grape – might be appropriate. And do not forget water and ice. Even if a beverage is chilled, some folk may prefer ice in their drink.

Oh, and if you haven't talked to the Mom to be yet, I'd make sure you ask her if there is anything that she can't stand the smell of at the moment.

Ha! Good idea. I hadn't thought of that. Definitely no tuna salad on the menu! ;)