How Many People Should I Invite to My Wedding?
If you’re in the process of planning a wedding, there are many factors for you and your fiancé to consider. But there is one element to wedding planning that frequently challenges engaged couples: The guest list!
When it comes to choosing wedding guests for your special day, there are a few factors that you have to consider first. Here, we’ll take a closer look at who to invite to weddings based on the desired size and venue space.
Wedding Size
When couples begin planning their weddings, they often refer to their special day in terms of the desired size. For example, one bride might say, “We’re hoping to plan a really big wedding,” while another may phrase it, “We envision a smaller wedding.” This begs the question: What do people mean by “big” or “small” weddings?
While there’s some variability and it may seem relative, wedding planners typically envision wedding sizes as follows:
- Small Wedding – Less than 50 guests
- Medium Wedding – 50-150 guests
- Large Wedding – More than 150 guests
Which Wedding Size is Right for You?
Many elements come into play when deciding the size of your wedding. Budget is one consideration. With this in mind, one of the most important things families can do when they start planning a wedding is to determine what they can realistically afford. This can help you to plan your invites accordingly.
For example, if you have a large family but a smaller budget, then different priorities will emerge. A larger venue will be a must, which may mean cutting back on other things like decor and location. Conversely, if you have a small guest list and a large budget, you’ll have a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing a space, location, catering service, etc.
Pros and Cons of Big and Small Weddings
Even if you have a huge budget, a smaller wedding may be more appealing. On the other hand, it might be critically important for you to have all your friends and family present, even if you’re working with a smaller budget.
This is where your unique vision for your special day comes into play. Stop for a second and consider what you envision when you think of your dream wedding. Are you surrounded by a large group of celebrants? Do you see only your nearest and dearest by your side?
There are also some basic pros and cons associated with different wedding sizes. Big weddings allow you to invite everyone you want, and can therefore be significantly less stressful for you when the question of how to choose wedding guests comes up. They also have a grand and festive feel that may be more difficult to replicate with fewer guests in a smaller venue.
Meanwhile, smaller weddings have a more intimate feel and you don’t have to share your big day with distant relatives. However, you also run the risk of offending someone left off the list when choosing wedding guests. Small weddings give you more opportunities on your big day to spend with the people who matter most. They are also (generally) less expensive!
Find Your Dream Wedding Venue
Wedding venues are also something to think about when planning your special day. If you’ve always fantasized about getting married in a particular place, you’ll need to find a venue that can accommodate the size of your wedding. Depending on your guest list, some venues have limits while others have guest minimums. Still, venues offer a variety of flexible spaces for weddings, including indoor and outdoor options.
Take the Spa at Norwich Inn, for example. Our Grand Ballroom and Grand Patio, Conservatory, Hunt Room, and Garden Patio allow us to accommodate different wedding sizes, including small weddings and elopements. We also offer a range of wedding packages to suit various budgets and visions.
One last thing to keep in mind when planning your wedding: If you’re hosting a destination wedding, wedding weekend, or simply have guests who want to stay overnight following the party, look for a venue that has overnight accommodations for your guests.
So, how many people should you invite to your wedding? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer! It’s ultimately up to you. By leading with your aesthetic goals (and budget), you are sure to successfully plan the wedding of your dreams. We are happy to help you bring your special day and unique vision to life.
To start the process of planning an exquisite wedding at the Spa at Norwich Inn, submit your Event Request form today.
