What if only 2 of 4 show up for dining ressie?

[Mceee]

We (two couples) are nearing our dining reservation 60-day window. Two of us are keen to make some decent reservations and enjoy the entire experience. The other two are a little more open about the whole dining experience. They asked us to make the reservations and they will go along with whatever we choose. Don't get me wrong, they will probably join us at each and every ressie we make and we'll have a great time. But what if they choose to do something else 1 or 2 of those ressies? Of course, if there is time, I will contact the restaurant and let them know of the change, but what if it happens last minute? Is there any penalty or other consequences we would face? I think they will be with us, but I just know them, and want to be prepared.
Thanks for your thoughts!!!

 

[CarolynFH]

Nope, no penalty as long as at least one person shows up. If you can get in touch with the restaurant when you know you'll only be two, that's fine, but don't spend a lot of time on hold or anything. It's not unusual for a party of two to have an ADR for four people because the system wouldn't let them book for two! When you check in, just tell them how many people there are, and you'll be fine.