If you’re planning a wedding, there are many details to decide, and one of the most important details is the number of guests you’ll be inviting. Small weddings are ideal for many couples and offer numerous benefits for those who want to keep the guest list short and celebrate their big day with a more intimate crowd.
What’s Considered a Small Wedding and What Are the Benefits?
Typically, a small wedding is considered to have a guest list of fewer than 50 people. Ultimately, the size of a “small wedding” is subjective and depends on the couple’s preference, budget and the type of wedding they envision. One of the biggest reasons couples opt for a small wedding is because it allows for a more intimate and personal experience. You’ll be surrounded by your closest family and friends on this special day, which can create a more meaningful and emotional atmosphere.
A small guest list also allows the couple to spend more time with each of their guests. Some couples would rather have more time for meaningful conversations, to take lots of photos, and make more intimate memories that will last a lifetime, instead of hosting a huge guest list and possibly not having time to visit with everyone. Planning a small wedding can be less stressful than planning a large one, as you won’t have to worry about accommodating a large number of guests or dealing with more complicated logistics.
A small wedding is usually much less expensive than a large, traditional one. Some couples prefer to save money on catering, venue rental, and other wedding-related expenses and instead use those resources for a honeymoon or some other aspect of starting their married lives together. With a small wedding, you often have more flexibility to choose a date, time, and location that works best for you and your guests. You can also likely be more flexible with the details of the wedding, like the dress code, decorations and menu.
How to Plan a Small Wedding
The timeline to plan a small wedding is largely the same as a larger wedding event. The guest list and venue have to work together, so you’ll need to prioritize the folks you want to have present for your small ceremony. Start with immediate family and your innermost circle of friends. Once you decide on the number of guests, you can begin looking for a venue. Small weddings are typically more affordable, which could make it easier to secure the venue of your dreams. Whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding, winter or summer, determine your must-haves and secure a venue that can accommodate it.
Smaller weddings don’t typically include wedding parties, however, you can have a maid of honor or best man join you in the ceremony. This is a great way to have a few close individuals there for your big day without worrying about the greater responsibility of having a full wedding party. You may also decide for or against traditions like having a wedding cake, flower girl or ring bearer. Depending on the venue you choose, you may need to hire a caterer or plan the menu yourself, and consider serving a buffet-style meal or having a food truck to keep costs down.
A small wedding still allows you to be creative and personalize your wedding, by choosing a theme or color scheme that fits your style and personality. Some couples choose a more hands-on approach with a smaller wedding, and may keep details like putting up decorations and setting up for the event in house with help of family and friends. Once you have all the details planned, send out invitations to your guests and get excited for the big day!
Historic Acres of Hershey offers a variety of wedding packages, which include micro-weddings, elopements, and smaller gatherings. Give us a call to discuss your options and check our beautiful space and availability.