Determining the size of your wedding is an important step in the wedding planning process. Your wedding size impacts your venue choice, how much food and drinks you need, your seating arrangements, any accommodation and transportation needs, and more. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of different wedding sizes and how to choose the right wedding size for your special day.
What is the Average Size of a Wedding?
In 2019, the average wedding size was 131 guests, but because of COVID-19, 2020 saw much smaller weddings. However, with the COVID-19 vaccine, large weddings are now permitted outdoors, though it is still likely some couples will choose smaller weddings throughout 2021 and beyond.
What is Considered a Small Wedding?
Typically, a small wedding is one with 0-50 guests. However, any wedding with under 30 guests has most recently been coined a “micro wedding,” and a wedding without any guests is generally considered an “elopement.”
Pros and Cons of a Small Wedding
If you’re thinking about having a small wedding, consider some of the benefits and setbacks of this wedding size.
Pros:
- ● You are surrounded by just your closest friends and family.
- ● It is an intimate experience with more time for making memories with the ones you love.
- ● It is generally less expensive.
Cons:
- ● A smaller guest list means you won’t get to invite everyone.
- ● Some people may feel sad or angry they weren’t invited.
- ● Your parents (or other influential family members) may have been dreaming of a large wedding for you, even if that isn’t your dream.
What is Considered a Large Wedding?
A large wedding typically has 150 or more guests, with some of the bigger celebrations hosting up to 300 people. Of course, for a wedding this size, you need an exceptionally large venue.
Pros and Cons of a Large Wedding
A large wedding also comes with unique benefits and setbacks to consider.
Pros:
- ● You can invite everyone to your wedding and don’t have to worry about someone being left out.
- ● It is often a fun, lively celebration in a big, fancy venue.
- ● You get to see people from all walks of life, including your close friends and distant relatives.
Cons:
- ● A larger guest list typically means a more expensive wedding.
- ● You will have less time to spend with each guest.
- ● You don’t have an excuse not to invite someone.
How Many Guests Usually Attend a Wedding?
Not everyone who is invited to your wedding will attend. In fact, only about 75-85% of the people you invite will actually come. With this in mind, you can invite a few extra people without worrying about going over budget.
How Do I Choose My Wedding Size?
When it comes to how to choose your wedding size, there are a few things you need to consider. First, if you already have a venue, your guest list will be capped at the maximum number of people the space can accommodate. If you don’t already know this number, be sure to ask your wedding planner or venue coordinator before making a guest list.
If you’re waiting to choose a venue until you’ve decided on your wedding size, do the following exercise with your finacé to help you determine which size is right for you:
Step 1: Have a Wedding Guest List Brainstorm Session
Take twenty minutes and write down every single person you can think of that might be invited to your wedding. Don’t forget about guests who may bring their spouse or significant other and those guests you know your parents will want to attend, even if you aren’t that close to them. Because this list isn’t final, there’s no need to hold back. You just want to get all of the possible guests out in the open so you know your starting point. From there you can scale back if needed (or wanted).
Step 2: Count Your Potential Guests
Now that everyone you know is written down, count how many people you’re starting with. This may be a large number, but don’t worry. Remember, not everyone will get an invite.
Step 3: Prioritize Your Guest List
Next, separate your list into three categories: Those who are definitely invited, those who are hopefully invited, and those who might be invited. Your “definitely” list includes your wedding party, as well as other close family members and friends. Your “hopefully” list includes people you’d like to attend. You may even be willing to spend more or find a bigger venue to make room for them. And your “might be” list includes people who you want to invite but only if there is space and budget available.
Remember, the larger your guest list is, the larger your wedding budget needs to be also. Fortunately, with the right wedding planner on your team, you can learn how to save money on your wedding and make your budget go even further.
What Sizes of Weddings Does SPC Plan?
There is no celebration too big or too small for SPC to plan. While we love hosting luxurious weddings, we also know how to form the most spectacular, intimate weddings for just your closest friends and family. If you still aren’t sure whether you want a small or large wedding, that’s ok. As part of our full-service wedding planning package, we help you weigh the pros and cons and determine the right wedding size for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we help you create the wedding of your dreams at SPC.
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