In the process of planning your wedding there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. Whether it is picking your color scheme, or deciding the style of the dress you want to wear, you will definitely have your hands full with choices that need to be made. However, one of the most important decisions that needs to be made is your guest count.
Deciding your guest count can influence a lot of other decisions for your wedding, so it is important that this is one of the first things that you decide so that you have a solid foundation when it comes to the rest of your planning. A lot of couples contemplate whether they want to have a large guest amount or a smaller one. Having a large guest amount would mean you would have a more elaborate wedding and a smaller one is more intimate and focused on loved ones. How should you decide?
Below we put together a list of pros and cons for both larger and smaller weddings.
Large Wedding
Pro- you don’t need to stress over who to invite
If you are having a large wedding then you do not have to stress about who to invite. Sometimes during smaller weddings there is a struggle to decide who goes on the guest list and who won’t be getting an invitation. With larger weddings there is a lot more flexibility for the guest options.
Con- not all venues can hold guests
Every venue has a different capacity for the amount of guests that will be present. Some are much smaller than others so if you have a specific venue in mind then you might want to make sure that they are able to accommodate all of your guests.
Pro- a fun atmosphere
If you want more of a fun and upbeat atmosphere for your reception, then a larger guest list will help with that. More people will create more of a party type of atmosphere and you can be more creative with entertainment possibilities.
Con- more work and cost
One of the bigger challenges that comes with having a bigger wedding is the cost that comes with it. The more people you have, the more of a cost it will be for you. Things that come with the wedding process include things like catering which are typically charging you for each person you have present. You also have to think about if you are doing wedding favors, how many you will need to make/buy.
Small Wedding
Pro- it is more intimate
Perks to having a smaller wedding is that you will get to spend more time with your close friends and loved ones. You won’t have the stress of trying to walk around to say hello to 300 people and have rushed conversations, instead you can take your time and enjoy your night with the people that are closest to you.
Con- Guestlist decisions
A major con about having a smaller wedding is deciding who is going to make the cut on the guestlist. There can be stress deciding which extended relative gets an invite or if your old classmates get to come.
Pro- Saves costs
Your guest count can have a major impact on the cost of your wedding, so having a smaller guest count will save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars. You can use the saved money and put it towards other costs that you couldn’t before. If you want very good pictures, spend more on a photographer or videographer, if you are keen about the music you can book a band. You can even pocket the money and save it for your honeymoon!
Con- Not as lively
Some are hesitant to have a smaller wedding because it might not be as exciting as a large wedding. If your guest list has 50 people, there are less people who will be dancing and celebrating with you. This does not mean that you won’t have a good time, but it definitely will not be as lively as a large wedding!
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