WEDDING BLOG

Image by Mariana Pierce. See more of this real wedding here.

From hiring top-notch wedding vendors to curating your ideal guest-list—there’s a lot that goes into planning a  wedding. There is no one-size-fits all wedding—that fact holds true for your guest list, too. Your guest list is used as a foundation for many details in the planning process. From event space capacity to catering options—the size of your list directly affects your big day. 

We strongly recommend sitting down with your future-spouse and intentionally curating a rough draft of your guest list before touring wedding venues or contacting potential wedding vendors. This won’t be your final draft, so think of it as your dream list. When you close your eyes and picture your wedding, who will be present to witness your vows? We have compiled the pros and cons for each wedding size to help you decide which is best for you.

Opting For a Large Wedding

Dreaming of an over-the-top large wedding surrounded by all of your loved ones then a large wedding is perfect for you. A large wedding allows you to celebrate you as a couple, but also the people who’ve had an impact on your life. Whether it’s your sorority sisters, your second-grade teacher, or your dad’s boss who gave you your first job—you can’t imagine saying “I do” without each and every person by your side.

While throwing the party of the year is something many couples (and their families) dream of, it can understandably cost a pretty penny. With larger weddings come bigger costs and more planning time needed. Venues that accommodate upwards of 150 people are fewer and farther between, so be sure to book early if you’re planning a large affair. Since a larger wedding requires more planning, consider longer engagement or hiring top-notch vendors that will help bring your big vision to life.

Image by Epic Love Story. See more of this real wedding here.

Choosing to Host a Medium-Sized Wedding

Many couples consider a medium wedding to be just right. For couples not wanting to trim their guest-list, but still want intimate wedding moments—a medium wedding is fit for you. Unlike a larger wedding, you’ll have the opportunity to greet all of your guests, and not to mention, a medium wedding will lower costs accommodating your carefully calculated budget.

Image by Tayler Ashley.

More About Micro Wedding Guest Counts

Maybe sharing your vows in front of a large crowd makes you uncomfortable. Maybe you’re looking to save money. Micro-weddings—an emerging wedding trend that we don’t see going away anytime soon—allow for couples to prioritize intimate and personalized wedding moments without having to sacrifice the involvement of their loved ones. The focus of a smaller wedding is entirely on you as a couple and the love you share. There’s nothing better than celebrating in an intimate setting among your closest family and friends.

This smaller wedding style gives you and your partner creative freedom—allowing you to focus your planning efforts fully on what you want rather than what is expected of a traditional wedding. Dealing with disappointed friends and relatives who didn’t make your guest-list may, unfortunately, can be a downfall with a small wedding but not all is lost. From hiring top-notch wedding photographers and videographers or live-streaming your wedding ceremony for family and friends—there are many solutions that allow you to have the best of both worlds.

Image by Henry Tieu Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

Elopement Wedding Size Options

With weddings getting smaller and intimacy becoming a priority, more and more couples have considered trading a large traditional wedding for an elopement-styled ceremony. Whether you stay local or travel, an elopement is the most intimate option available to focus on your love. The perfect option for couples looking to beat the wedding planning stress and save money. Saying your vows, celebrating your union, and starting your next adventure—that’s what it’s all about.

With so few people involved, the vendor selection process is even more important. Spend time interviewing officiants, photographers, videographers, or anyone else who might be involved. Once you’ve booked your vendors, get together before the big day to get to know each other a little better. This way you aren’t saying your vows and spending your wedding day with total strangers! With elopements, having an exceptional photographer or videographer becomes even more important for the friends and family who weren’t present. They can relive your wedding with you and share in your day.

Whether you’re dreaming of an over-the-top traditional wedding or a small intimate micro-wedding, we’ve got you covered. Small or large—the size of your guest list won’t affect the memorability of your big day. There are many unique elements that can be used to create an unforgettable wedding day. If you’re looking to add personal touches to make your big day stand apart, check out this step-by-step guide for planning a unique wedding. 

Image by Tayler Ashley Photography.