Let’s discuss one of the biggest decisions you’ll make while planning your wedding (besides choosing the person you’re going to marry, of course) – the size of your celebration.

Should you keep it intimate with just your close circle, or go all out with a guest list longer than a CVS receipt? Let’s break the options down.

Intimate Weddings –

First up, let’s talk about intimate weddings – those beautiful, cozy celebrations typically with 50 guests or fewer.

The pros of keeping it small:

• Actually getting to talk to every single guest during your wedding
• More budget per guest = fancy details if you want them
• Freedom to choose more unique, smaller venues
• Less guest list/seating chart drama
• More relaxed, laid-back vibe
• Freedom to splurge on the things that matter most to you
• Higher-end food and drink options become more affordable
• Less overwhelm and anxiety if you’re not into being the center of attention
  

The cons of keeping it small:

• Having to make tough decisions about who makes the cut
• Possibly disappointing extended family or friends
• Fewer people to share your joy
• Smaller dance floor energy
• Less gifts (…keeping it real, folks)
  

Big Weddings –

Now let’s talk about those huge celebrations with 100+ guests where the party vibes are off the charts.

The pros of going big:

• No one gets left out – invite your whole crew
• Epic, club-like dance floor energy 
• More people to celebrate and share your joy
• Larger variety of people to connect with
• More traditional “wedding” feel
• Greater gift registry potential (#sorrynotsorry)
• Those incredible group photos
• More witnesses to the celebration of your love
• Creating memories with your entire community
  

The cons of going big:

• Holy expensive! That price tag adds up QUICK
• Less time to connect with each guest
• More planning and coordination required
• Higher stress levels dealing with all the moving parts
• Limited venue options
• Less budget for those luxury details
• Can feel overwhelming
• More family opinions to navigate
• Higher chance of guest list drama

Here’s the thing – there’s no universally “better” choice. It’s all about what feels authentic to you and your partner. But here are some questions to ask yourselves:

1. What’s your actual budget? (Be honest with yourselves here)
2. How do you want to feel on your wedding day?
3. What’s your idea of the perfect celebration?
4. How do you handle large crowds?
5. What matters most to you – quality time or including everyone?

Your dream venue might actually help make this decision for you. That intimate botanical garden you’ve been eyeing? Probably better suited for a smaller gathering. Dreaming of a grand ballroom? Might feel empty with just 30 people.

Let’s talk money for a second. Here’s a little math that might help:

• Intimate Wedding: Higher budget per guest = luxury experience
• Big Wedding: Lower budget per guest = more basic offerings

For example, with a $30,000 budget:

• 30 guests = $1,000 per person
• 150 guests = $200 per person
  

Remember, the size of your wedding doesn’t determine its worth or how special it is. We’ve photographed very intimate weddings & elopements that were pure magic and massive weddings that were equally incredible. What matters is that your celebration feels authentic to you and your love story!

Neither is wrong – it’s just about what matters most to you!

Here’s our honest advice: forget about what everyone else is doing and focus on what feels right for you. Maybe that’s 25 people at a super cool dinner party, or maybe it’s 200 people dancing until dawn. Either way, it’s YOUR day.

Whatever size you choose, make sure you build in moments during your day to connect with your partner. Because at the end of the day, whether you’re surrounded by 20 people or 200, the most important thing is that you’re marrying your person.

So choose your wedding size with confidence, and know that as long as you’re staying true to yourselves, it’s going to be PERFECT!

Whatever size you choose, just make sure those moments are captured beautifully – because whether it’s an intimate gathering or a massive celebration, these are memories you’ll want to relive forever.

Click HERE to learn more about hiring our team to capture every beautiful moment of your special day!