Intimate wedding: Between 50 and 75 guests. Small wedding: Less than 50 guests. “That number can fit comfortably in a backyard with 6 or so tables,” she says.
How many guests are typically invited to each size wedding? These numbers may vary a little depending on who you're speaking with, but a small wedding typically includes 50 people or under, a medium wedding has a guest list of anywhere from 50-150 guests, and a large wedding has over 150 attendees.
Only invite immediate family members.
If that's the case, you might want to rethink things, particularly if you want to invite some friends along. It's not unheard of to draw a line in the sand after first cousins, aunts, and uncles. The only people you should tell you're going small are your immediate family.
Small weddings can range in size, but typically include around 20-80 people and are just as special — and potentially a lot less expensive — than a large celebration. Wondering how to pull off the perfect small wedding? TMRW sought out the pros to get a few tips.
Intimate weddings (also called micro-weddings) are intentionally small celebrations with only a handful of guests in attendance. This might come as a surprise to those who've been following our photography for a while, but actually HALF of Adventure Instead's couples bring their family along on their wedding day.
Intimate wedding: Between 50 and 75 guests. Small wedding: Less than 50 guests. “That number can fit comfortably in a backyard with 6 or so tables,” she says.
Over 100 but less than 300 guests is considered to be a medium wedding or mid-size event. Numbers are relative, though, so if your family typically attends weddings with upwards of 300 guests, a 100-person event might feel small to you.
As a rule of thumb, you can usually expect around 75-85 percent of those invited to actually attend the wedding. Sending out save the dates six to eight months in advance will give guests time to prepare for the wedding—ultimately increasing the number of people who will attend.
Traditional etiquette would imply that you don't need to invite the new partners of your wedding guests, especially if they've been together for 6 months or less. However, if you can afford to, it is a really nice thing to do. Guests that don't know anyone at your wedding will be much happier with their partner there.
Tell key people.
They're in the best position to explain the news to grandparents, aunts and uncles, and distant cousins. As for friends, if you can, meet up with your closest pals, either individually or together, and explain that you want a small wedding with just a few family members.
Unbreakable Rule #1: RSVP Promptly
Prompt RSVPs are important because wedding venues and vendors require a firm headcount ahead of time. Plus, there's that all-important seating chart to consider. Don't make your bride and groom wonder if you'll be there, RSVP "yes" or "no" as soon as you can.
The average wedding held in 2022, including both the ceremony and reception, cost $30,000, according to The Knot. That's the most couples have spent since 2018 ($33,931), before COVID-19. It's also $2,000 more than the 2021 average, which totaled $28,000 for the ceremony and reception.
A recent study conducted by event management software company RSVPify generally corroborates that 80 percent estimate, finding that, of couples who used their platform to manage RSVPs, an average of 83 percent of invited guests accepted their invitation, while 17 percent declined.
With a more intimate guest list, you can focus on creating a personal and unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Typically a very small wedding of less than 20 guests is called a micro wedding, while a small wedding is considered as having between 30 and 60 guests.
Disadvantages of Small Weddings
When you choose a smaller wedding, your guest list naturally includes fewer people, which can cause friction and drama when family members and friends find out they're not invited.
A simple wedding ceremony can help you save money and open up some opportunities when it comes to your actual wedding day and even your honeymoon. If you're having a wedding during the COVID era, then you may seriously want to consider keeping the ceremony small, at least for this year.
Having a private wedding with no guests will definitely come with less stress, less expense and more intimacy. You and your partner will have time to focus and reflect on one another and your life together. It will truly be your day. So enjoy, and if you need help planning your unique private wedding, reach out!
It all depends on factors like the size of your families and friend groups, your culture and religion, and even your vision for your big day. But you asked, and we shall answer! Typically, a guestlist of 75 to 150 people is considered an "average" wedding size.
The number of bridesmaids selected for a bridal party, is very much down to the size of the wedding. For instance, a small wedding of up to 100 people, is unlikely to have 9 bridesmaids. But a wedding of 500+ people, may do. Typically, on average, brides tend to go for around 3-5 bridesmaids.
Classic elegant wedding
Classic weddings and elegant wedding themes go hand in hand. This wedding aesthetic prioritizes traditional decor and other details that will never go out of style, such as monograms, pastel wedding color palettes, formal and black-tie dress codes, and fine china.
Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding, but that custom is rapidly changing. Couples are increasingly choosing to handle at least half of the wedding expenses on their own. Early planning and a written budget can help avoid miscommunication when deciding who pays for what.