Small and intimate weddings are on the rise. While many 2020 couples had no other choice than to scale down their guest count, this trend may stick around long after the global pandemic. Small weddings have several attractive features - cost saving, intimacy and less stress. At the same time, a big wedding can be a blast! Determining the guest count can be a tricky step in the wedding planning process. Here are a few things to consider.
Your budget. First and foremost, understand the limits of your budget. Break down your budget per person by considering the following: catering per person, transportation capacity, cost of favors.
Your venue. Each venue has limitations on capacity. Ask your venue liaison how many people can the space comfortably hold. Maximum capacity is not the same as optimal capacity. At the same time, too much empty space can be a buzzkill.
Your vibe. The more guests, the more people on the dance floor. But, big celebrations aren't for everyone. If you and your partner are more comfortable in a small intimate gathering, you may consider steering clear from the hooplah that comes with a large guest count.
Your type of guests. There are so many important people in your life. In addition to considering what relationships are most important to celebrate with, think about what it would entail to keep each guest happy. Kids, for example, may need a separate menu and/or fun activities to keep them engaged.
Solidifying a guest count can be a balancing act between practicality and you and your partner’s wants/desires. Ultimately, work with your partner and your planner to craft a list of people who truly matter to you. The number of guests will contribute to the overall style and design of the wedding festivities, so spend some time thinking through this decision.