Big or Small Wedding? Pros and Cons

So, you’re getting married and you’ve got an idea of almost everything laid out… but have you considered what your guest list is going to look like? There are pros and cons to having a big or small wedding, so it’s not like there’s a one size fits all answer. It has to be about what you and your spouse need and want from your wedding day.

If it helps you make your decision at all, however, we have a run-down of the most notable benefits and drawbacks of both large and small guest lists…

Big Weddings

The big, white wedding that you see in so many Hollywood movies doesn’t do it for everyone, but there are those who dream of such an occasion. If you are one of those people here’s a run-down of the pros and cons;

The Pros

Making your guest list will be very, very easy as there may be no need to cut anyone, or at least you won’t have to cut many people. This means less tension, less arguing, and less to worry about for you and your spouse. It also means you’re guaranteed a lively dance floor when the reception rolls around (and a few more gifts!).

On the downside, however, it will be pretty expensive and time consuming to plan a big wedding with an extensive guest list. More people means more food, more drink, a bigger venue, and more space to decorate. It’s a lot of work, expense, and time for one day, but if you love the result it will no doubt be worth every second and penny.

Small Weddings

A small, intimate wedding and reception are very popular, and not just for those on a low budget. While a smaller gathering is most likely to be less expensive, you might choose to spend the more of your menu, flowers etc. You can also plan with more alacrity, and it allows the bride and groom more time to spend with each and every guest. It’s more personal and laid back, and the money saved can be used on some of those little touched that really make a day special. For those who don’t want a huge fuss, a small gathering of your nearest and dearest may be the way to go.

Of course, the disadvantages to a small wedding is that when you prune a guest list so heavily, it’s only natural that some people will feel left out or disappointed at the turn of events. This is why it is so key to let people know that it will be a small, intimate affair as soon as possible; let them know it’s not a snub. Some people also find that it can be harder to keep the party vibe going with a smaller crowd, but all you really need is a great DJ to get things started.

So, which do you think is best? A big or small wedding?