The 7 Benefits of Small Weddings
Big weddings can be a lot of fun, but they’re not for everyone.
Travel restrictions, covid preventions, scaled-back budgets and personal preferences may have an impact on your wedding planning.
More couples than ever are re-evaluating how they want their big day to look.
Businesses, venues and wedding vendors are beginning to open back up, but the odds are that small weddings are here to stay – not just out of necessity but also because many couples have fallen in love with the idea of creating an event that fits their style.
A World of Possible Venues
A 200-person guest list limits your venue options, and a smaller pool of choices likely means longer waitlists.
Limiting your guest list, on the other hand, frees up a lot of possibilities.
From historic private estates or even your home or the home of a family member to a sailboat or a favorite museum or art gallery, the options for micro-weddings is virtually endless.
No Need to Break the Bank
According to one report, the cost of the typical U.S. wedding in 2019 was $33,900.
While the average is skewed by some couples throwing over-the-top affairs, the median wedding budget was $23,000 and couples typically ended up spending closer to $30,000.
In 2020, unsurprisingly, there was a big shift. Most states limited the size of gatherings both indoors and outdoors, so couples had to get creative.
While some couples held shift weddings with guests coming and going at scheduled times, many simply reduced their guest lists, which resulted in lower costs.
In fact, one venue that typically charged $30,000 for 300 guests hosted micro-weddings for $2,750 for up to 30 guests or $4,500 for up to 50 guests.
Room to Splurge
If you’re inviting fewer people and scaling back your expectations for your big day, then chances are that you’ll have room to spend a little more on food and drinks that may be cost-prohibitive to provide on a large scale.
A multi-course tasting menu and several hours of an open bar is a lot more financially feasible with 20 guests versus 200.
Planning Your Small Wedding
A scaled-back wedding doesn’t necessarily mean scaled-back decision-making; it may mean that you have a few more considerations.
Figure Out the Guestlist
Deciding to invite without hurting anyone’s feelings can be a challenge, but fortunately, most people understand the need for small guest lists, especially in areas that still limit gathering sizes.
A good rule of thumb is that if there’s someone who you can’t decide whether to invite, it’s probably okay to leave them off the guest list.
Remembering Your Special Day
Even if a cozier celebration is a little different than the big wedding you always thought you wanted, that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on meaningful memories.
Small weddings can be beautiful and intimate, making them a great option even long after restrictions are lifted.
I’d like to thank you for visiting us and invite you to have a look around. Express your creativity and record a sentiment that will last for generations!
