From a Planner’s point of view, a wedding is a wedding is a wedding! A celebration of two people who are in love and want to share the remaining days of their lives together! For your planning purposes, no matter what the size of the guest list is, the same steps are taken to reach the end result – a happily married YOU!
Big weddings (to me, that would be anything over 125 people) are lots of fun and can feel like a family reunion for some! The vibe on the wedding day can be more engaging as there are more people to get out on the dance floor, mix and mingle with, etc. Guests who are part of your various life groups (workmates, college friends, hometown friends, extended family members, etc.) get a chance to see each other and make the celebration even more lively! (pc: Stephen Reasonover Photography at Shadow Creek Weddings & Events)
And, yes, bigger weddings cost more – the national AND Maryland averages are just over $33,000! So, the more people on your guest list, the higher the food and beverage tab, rentals, more centerpieces, etc. While, yes, you may want everyone you know to be on your guest list, COVID-19 is leading couples to rethink their big guest list as they begin planning for the wedding day.
The Bridal Society, an international organization that provides certification to wedding planners and venues, and of which Events by Lexi is a member, provides this information about smaller-style weddings:
- an elopement is just the two of you (and maybe 2-4 friends/family members) enjoying a beautiful ceremony and then perhaps dinner at your favorite eatery
- a micro-wedding is a small ceremony only, with less than 25 people, with the reception elsewhere, perhaps dinner in a private room at a favorite restaurant (an event that is typically 2-3 hours)
- a mini-wedding is a ceremony, with less than 25 people, and would include time for photographs, followed by a dinner reception (a 3-4 hour event)
- a mini-plus-wedding is a ceremony with less than 25 people and would include plenty of time for photographs, followed by a reception that would include dinner and dancing (probably a 5+ hour event)
- a multi-wedding celebration is a ceremony now (similar to a micro-wedding) and a big celebration/reception on another date
With a smaller wedding or elopement, your guest list may include just immediate family and a few close friends – those who you couldn’t imagine getting married without having there! Overall, the expenses are typically lower, which means you could really splurge on your food choices, or have that decadent cake flown in from your favorite bakery in Paris! Or pay extra for a fabulous photographer, so you’ll have beautiful pictures (forever!) of your wedding day and its details. (pc: Brad Barnwell Photography in the couple’s back yard)
What does all of this mean for planning?! Yes, you can probably take care of the details for your smaller wedding, but do you have the time to do so? So, then, there is the question of do you need a wedding planner/coordinator? The answer is “yes” — all couples benefit from having some assistance in planning for the big day – whether big or mini! If you choose to have your elopement or smaller wedding in an area not close to where you reside, a planner/coordinator can make all the arrangements and all you have to do is arrive at the intimate venue, relaxed and ready to get married! You could still make the final decisions about the wedding pros (or leave it up to your planner/coordinator – the choice is yours). The Certified Wedding Planner would research and find those amazing wedding professionals that you want to have for your dream wedding!
Contact me to learn more about how I can help you!
