Planning A Wedding: How Many People Does It Take?

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, and it's important to start as soon as possible. There are many factors to consider, including the budget, guest list size, and venue. It's also crucial to be aware of the current state of the wedding industry, which has been impacted by COVID rebookings and scheduling. Couples may also want to consider unique venues, such as boat cruises, gardens, or zoos, which can offer more flexibility in terms of availability. In addition, the use of technology plays a significant role in wedding planning, with 80% of millennials planning their weddings online and 39% using mobile devices.

Budgeting

The number of people planning a wedding varies, but the average wedding has 40 people.

The first step in planning a wedding is to set a budget. This will help you determine how much you can spend on each aspect of the wedding, from the venue to the food and drink. It is important to be realistic about your budget and to prioritise the elements that are most important to you. For example, if you want a live band, you may need to spend less on decorations or vice versa.

It is also important to consider the cost of the wedding venue itself. Some venues may charge a flat fee, while others may charge based on the number of guests. If you are planning a small wedding, you may be able to find a venue that offers a package deal, which can help you save money.

Another factor to consider is the cost of food and drink. This can vary depending on the type of catering you choose, the number of guests, and the location of the wedding. If you are planning a more casual wedding, you may be able to get away with a less expensive menu, but if you are planning a more formal affair, you will likely need to budget more for catering.

Finally, don't forget to factor in the cost of any additional services you may want, such as a wedding planner, photographer, or videographer. These can add up quickly, so be sure to get quotes from multiple vendors and compare prices before making a decision.

Overall, budgeting for a wedding can be a complex process, but with careful planning and prioritisation, you can create a beautiful celebration that fits within your financial means.

Guest lists

When creating your guest list, consider the size of your wedding party. If you're having a small wedding, you may only need a few close friends or family members. For a larger wedding, you can invite extended family, friends, and even coworkers. It's important to prioritize the people who are most important to you and your partner.

If you're having a destination wedding or a wedding during a popular time of year, you may need to limit your guest list to ensure everyone can attend. It's also important to consider the comfort of your guests. Make sure there's enough space at the venue for everyone to move around and enjoy themselves.

Finally, don't forget to account for plus-ones and children. Decide early on whether you'll allow single guests to bring a date and whether children will be included in the festivities. This will help you finalize your guest list and ensure everyone you want to be there can attend.

Venue

When it comes to planning a wedding, there are a lot of factors to consider. The venue is one of the most important aspects of a wedding, and it can make or break the big day. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a venue:

The first thing to consider is the size of the guest list. The venue needs to be able to accommodate all of the guests comfortably. If the venue is too small, guests will be cramped and uncomfortable. If it's too large, the atmosphere may feel lacking. It's important to have a good idea of the guest list before choosing a venue, so that the right size can be selected.

The second consideration is the location. The venue should be easily accessible for guests, and it's worth thinking about transport links and parking. If the wedding is in a remote location, it may be harder for guests to get to, and this should be factored into the planning. The location will also impact the cost of the venue, with big cities being more expensive.

The third thing to consider is the style of the venue. There are lots of unique venues to choose from, including boat cruises, gardens, zoos, parks, and aquariums. The style of the venue can set the tone for the whole wedding, so it's important to choose something that reflects the couple's personality and the theme of the wedding.

The fourth consideration is the cost. Wedding venues can vary widely in price, and it's important to set a budget and stick to it. It's worth shopping around and comparing prices, as well as considering less traditional venues that may be more affordable.

Finally, it's important to book the venue as early as possible, especially if the wedding is in a popular location or during a busy time of year. Venues can get booked up quickly, and it's better to be safe than sorry. By starting the planning process early, couples can ensure they have their first choice of venue.

Online planning

Wedding planning is a time-consuming and often expensive process. The first steps are to decide on a budget, a guest list size, and a venue.

When it comes to the guest list, it's important to consider the budget and the desired venue. A smaller guest list doesn't necessarily mean a smaller budget, as other factors such as venue, food, and drink can still be expensive. It's also worth noting that unique venues, such as boat cruises, gardens, zoos, parks, and aquariums, may have more availability than traditional wedding venues.

Couples should also be aware that they may underestimate their wedding budget. A report by WeddingWire found that couples underestimated their wedding ceremony and reception budget by nearly 45%. As such, it's important to be flexible and prepared to recalibrate the budget as needed.

Finally, it's worth noting that wedding planning can take a significant amount of time. Popular venues and photographers may be booked up well in advance, so it's important to start planning early to secure the desired date and vendors.

Gender roles

Wedding planning is often considered to be the job of the bride, but this is changing. While brides still do 54% of the planning, grooms are increasingly having more say and are responsible for 25% of the planning.

In fact, 44% of men, compared to 39% of women, want to incorporate their hobbies, special interests, and even “fandoms” into their wedding day to make the event more unique and personal.

The majority of wedding planning is now done online, with 80% of millennials planning their weddings online, and 39% of those using their mobile devices.

The size of the guest list is an important consideration when planning a wedding. A smaller guest list doesn't necessarily mean a smaller budget, as the average cost of weddings has increased over the past four years. However, a smaller guest list may make it slightly less expensive.

It's important to start planning as soon as possible, as venues and photographers can book up quickly, especially in big cities.

Frequently asked questions