Lyla Dejesus
There is no definitive answer to the question how big is a small wedding? as the answer depends on who you ask. Some people consider a small wedding to be one with 50 guests or fewer, while others believe it is one with 20 or fewer guests. The number can also depend on cultural traditions and the size of the couple's families. For example, the average number of guests at a UK wedding is 82 during the day and 103 in the evening, whereas the average African or Asian wedding has 350-500 guests, with large weddings reaching 1000 guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of guests | 20-80 people, with 50 people as the threshold between a small and medium wedding |
| Budget | Smaller weddings are generally less expensive |
| Venue | Smaller weddings can be held in more intimate venues, such as backyards, local parks, or historic estates |
| Decor | With fewer guests, you can dedicate more money to decor and make the event more personalised |
| Cake | Smaller weddings usually have smaller cakes, but there is no rule |
| Dessert | Couples can be more creative with dessert options, such as offering an ice cream truck or cupcakes |
What You'll Learn
Small weddings are typically 20-80 people
Small weddings are typically defined as having 20 to 80 guests in attendance. This number can vary depending on who you ask, with some people considering 50 or fewer guests to be a small wedding, while others may consider up to 100 guests as small. Ultimately, the definition of a small wedding is subjective and can depend on cultural and regional factors.
Small weddings offer several benefits, such as a more intimate and personal atmosphere. With a smaller guest list, couples can spend more time with each guest, making the celebration feel more meaningful. Small weddings can also be less expensive, as there are fewer people to cater for, allowing for a more flexible budget. This means couples can splurge on vendors, decorations, and unique details to personalise their special day.
When planning a small wedding, it is important to carefully consider the guest list. Start by inviting your closest family members, such as parents, siblings, and close relatives, as well as the wedding party and their significant others. It can be challenging to narrow down the guest list, especially when family members or friends pressure you to invite more people. It is essential to stick to your vision and budget constraints when deciding on the number of guests.
The venue for a small wedding should be chosen carefully to ensure it suits the intimate nature of the event. Local parks, barns, gardens, historic estates, and even backyards can be great options for creating a cosy and meaningful atmosphere. Small weddings also allow for more personalised decorations and special touches, such as bold colour schemes, floral arrangements, string lights, and candlelight.
Small weddings offer a unique opportunity for couples to fully engage with their guests and create an intimate and memorable celebration. By prioritising quality over quantity, couples can make their special day truly one-of-a-kind.
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Small weddings are more affordable
Firstly, the guest list plays a significant role in determining the overall cost of a wedding. A small wedding typically has 50 guests or fewer, while a medium-sized wedding ranges from 50 to 150 guests, and a large wedding has over 150 attendees. By limiting the number of guests, couples can significantly reduce expenses, as costs for catering, venue rental, and drinks are often calculated on a per-person basis.
For example, a small wedding at home with 50 guests can be as inexpensive as $1,765. This includes a simple reception with cake, punch, and sandwiches, as well as essential costs like the license and officiant, tableware, and a bouquet. On the other hand, a small wedding at a banquet hall for the same number of guests can cost upwards of $8,615, including catering, bar services, and room rental fees.
Another way to save money is to choose a non-traditional venue. City-run spaces, public areas, art venues, and restaurants can be more affordable than dedicated wedding venues. Additionally, couples can save on decoration costs by opting for a venue with natural beauty, such as a beach or a garden, eliminating the need for extensive floral arrangements or other decorative elements.
Couples can also cut costs by opting for email invitations instead of traditional paper invitations and save-the-dates. Email invitations are not only more budget-friendly but also eco-friendly, and they eliminate the need for postage costs.
When it comes to food and drinks, small weddings offer more flexibility in terms of catering options. Couples can choose to DIY their food and create a simple menu of sandwiches, salads, and finger foods, or they can opt for catering services from a restaurant or grocery store. By choosing a small wedding, couples can also save on the wedding cake, as a smaller cake is less expensive than a large, multi-tiered cake.
Small weddings also allow for more intimate and personal experiences with each guest. This means activities and entertainment can be tailored to the group, and there may be less pressure to hire a DJ or band. Creating a personalised playlist can be a fun and affordable alternative to hiring live entertainment.
Lastly, small weddings provide an opportunity for couples to be creative and focus their spending on the aspects that matter most to them. Whether it's a gorgeous dress, delicious food, or a unique activity, small weddings allow for a meaningful and memorable celebration without breaking the bank.
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Small weddings are more intimate
Small weddings are generally considered to be those with 50 or fewer guests, though some sources suggest that a small wedding can include up to 60 guests.
Secondly, small weddings give couples the opportunity to spend quality time with their loved ones. At large weddings, couples often find themselves rushing around, trying to speak to different groups of people, and are therefore unable to have proper conversations with their favourite people.
Thirdly, small weddings can feel more relaxed and chill, with a more laid-back vibe. This is partly due to the smaller number of guests, but also because there is more room in the budget, meaning less stress for the couple.
Finally, small weddings allow for more unique and special touches, such as handwritten invitations or personalised favours, which can make a big difference to the guest experience.
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Small weddings are easier to plan
Additionally, small weddings can be more cost-effective. A limited guest list means you can allocate more of your budget to other areas, such as venue, food, drink, and decorations. This can also give you more flexibility in choosing a venue, as you are not restricted to large ballrooms or halls that can accommodate a large number of people.
Small weddings also offer a more intimate atmosphere, allowing you to spend quality time with your nearest and dearest. This can lead to a richer guest experience, as you are able to connect and interact with each person in attendance.
Furthermore, small weddings can be more environmentally friendly due to reduced resource consumption and waste.
When planning a small wedding, it is important to be thoughtful about your guest list and consider the impact of "plus ones". Be clear and consistent about who is invited to avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
In summary, small weddings offer a range of benefits that make them easier to plan and more enjoyable for both the couple and the guests.
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Small weddings allow for more personalisation
Small weddings are generally considered to be those with 50 or fewer guests, though some sources suggest that any wedding with under 100 guests could be considered small.
- Choose a meaningful venue and location: Select a city where you first met, a museum where you had your first kiss, or a venue near where you got engaged.
- Customise your invitations and stationery: Incorporate a passport theme if you love to travel, or add a custom monogram or motif.
- Provide welcome bags for out-of-town guests: Include your favourite snacks and beverages, or items that represent your relationship, like a hat with your favourite sports team's logo.
- Honour late loved ones: Have a table with photos, or incorporate their favourite things into your decor or theme.
- Personalise the ceremony: Ensure the ceremony reflects both of your beliefs and include traditions or rituals that are meaningful to you.
- Customise your ceremony programs: Share more details about your relationship and love story for guests to read as you become husband and wife.
- Have a personalised aisle runner: Feature your monogram or a romantic quote.
- Share your favourite foods: Talk to your caterer about crafting high-end versions of your favourite comfort foods, or create a culinary experience where guests can learn to make a dish.
- Signature cocktails: Name your signature cocktails after your pets, hometown, or something meaningful to you both.
- Meaningful escort cards: Get creative and incorporate personal photos or custom portraits of each guest.
- Specialty wedding favours: Share a favourite recipe or homemade treats instead of traditional favours.
- Include your pets: Name a cocktail after them or incorporate their drawings into your signage or paper goods.
- Create your own special dances: Include your children or extend traditional dances to include siblings or close friends.
- Personalised notes: Provide handwritten notes to each guest, thanking them for being a part of your special day.
- Caricatures: Have a talented artist create caricatures of your guests as unique wedding favours or place holders.
- Personalised guest book: Have a personalised wedding guest book made with a picture of each guest inside.
- Scent your venue: Use candles to create a romantic and intimate ambiance.
- Experiment with table layouts: Try a square tablescape or a U-shaped table to encourage conversation and intimacy.
- Go bold with florals: Invest in statement floral arrangements to transform the room and create a vibrant display.
- Decorate with family heirlooms: Display antique candelabras or vintage china to add a sentimental touch.
- Play with place settings: Design beautiful place settings with silk napkins or crystal glassware.
- Personalise place cards: Add calligraphy or write on something that ties into your wedding theme, like oyster shells at a coastal wedding.
- Find tailor-made poems: Print poems that remind you of each guest and paste them under their names as place cards.
- Feature handwritten menus: Write out your dinner menu by hand or hire a calligrapher to do the honours.
- Emphasise innovative lighting: Try a canopy of string lights or incorporate hanging arrangements to enhance the atmosphere and provide photo ops.
Small weddings offer the opportunity to focus on personalisation, allowing you to create a meaningful and unique experience for you and your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
A small wedding typically includes 50 people or fewer, but this number can vary depending on who you ask. Some people consider a wedding with 20 guests small, while others might consider 60 to be a small number.
Small weddings allow you to spend more time with your favourite people and make the experience more intimate and personal. They are also generally easier to plan and less expensive, giving you more flexibility with your budget.
Start with your must-haves, such as immediate family, close relatives, and members of the wedding party. Be clear about the number of guests and stick to your guns when others pressure you to add more people.
Small weddings can be held in local or national parks, barns, gardens, historic estates, backyards, or meaningful locations such as the site where the couple got engaged.
With a smaller guest list, you can dedicate more money to details like decor, lighting, and floral arrangements. You can also get creative with dessert options, such as offering a small wedding cake along with other unique dessert choices.
