Planning your wedding comes with lots of decisions, one of the first being the size of your big day. As a rule of thumb, a “small wedding” consists of less than 50 guests. These types of weddings are gaining in popularity, but with anything else, there are things to consider. If you are pondering a smaller wedding, check out our pros and cons below to see if it is the right choice for you.
Pros
Budget savvy:
Who doesn’t love to save money? And this rings especially true if you are on a tight budget. This may be the single most popular reason couples are going for a sized down big day. It just goes to say that less guests equals less money. Why? You have fewer guests to feed, less space to decorate, fewer favors to buy, smaller bar tab, etc. With that said, you can make the décor super personal and really have fun with your love for DIY. Not into DIY? No problem. Even professionally done, a small wedding will save you some cash.
Intimacy:
Choosing a small wedding means spending more one-on-one time with your guests. It also allows for a more casual way to allow your guests to mingle with each other. Inviting only your closest friends and family members can make the day feel extra special and personable for everyone involved.
Less stress:
Let’s face it, all weddings come with stress. But, the smaller the wedding, the less the stress. A more casual affair will allow you to enjoy your moments more, as you will have fewer details to worry about as compared to grand wedding. And don’t forget, if you have a quaint gathering, you can keep your wedding party to a minimum if you choose, which also makes for a less chaotic day.
Cons
Hurt feelings:
This can be the most difficult con to handle, and in some cases, a deal breaker. Trimming your guest lost can will be very tough. And of course, with that, there may be some backlash from those who “expected” to be invited. They may be hurt or offended and wonder why someone else was chosen over them. The best way to deal with this is to explain that you are on a budget, and that it’s nothing personal.
Party vibe:
Casual, small weddings are usually lower key. So if you’re looking for a dance floor packed with people and a major party vibe, this may not be the choice for you. Dancing, of course, is encouraged no matter how many guests you have! It will just be a little more low key.
Venue limitations:
Venues for small weddings are tricky, as most wedding halls and reception areas are meant for a larger crowd and require a certain number of guests to reserve. Think about more casual options like a backyard barbeque, small garden wedding, local parks, nearby beaches and more.