Why do guests disappear after food is served???

I totally agree with this. When it boils down to the fundamentals, it is wholly unnecessary to invite people just for the show sha, 'oh-they-invited-me-I-have-to-invite-them' or to keep up appearances'. I know people will argue oh if we don't invite these people they will talk. People talk anyway, so it is neither here nor there at the end of the day, whether they come or not.

I would much rather and plan to have a small intimate wedding with my loved ones and people close to me, rather than having a langar for every Rehana, Shabana, Banana etc. I am lucky that my parents feel the same way.

I would much rather, with the same money, feed people who do need and deserve food and pay for those people who can't afford to have a wedding, help get married.