The Benefits of a Small Wedding & Why They Have My heart
If you’ve worked with me or just know me as a person, you know how important authenticity is to me and my approach to the wedding industry. I will ALWAYS be the hype man in your corner validating what you want out of your day. Perhaps golden hour wheat field engagement shoots aren’t my vibe, but if that’s what your heart wants, then I want you to have the most perfectly golden dreamy grassy photos there ever was. I probably won’t be the one taking said photos, but the sentiment remains (and I would obv happily recommend some photographers that would be stoked to take this on). I guess what I’m trying to say in a pretty inefficient and maybe unclear way, is that I’m about to break down why small weddings have my heart. But, I don’t want you to think I’m trying to put down larger/more traditional weddings while I do so. This is not big vs. small or big weddings suck. It’s why small can be awesome, despite the pressure some couples might feel to stick to that guest list their parents want. If you have your heart set on a big celebration, it’s not my intention to talk you out of it. I think this post could be for the couples who already might be considering something smaller, but haven’t yet committed, the couples who think about a big wedding and don’t feel like it’s them, or the couples who might not even know how awesome a cute little wedding can be.
Here’s why choosing a smaller wedding can lead to a more enjoyable experience for both the couple and their guests:
1. Saving Money or Investing in Higher Quality Options
One of the most obvious benefits of a smaller wedding is the cost savings. With fewer guests to feed, fewer chairs to rent, and fewer invitations to send out, the overall budget for a small wedding can be significantly lower than that of a larger event. However, in girl math world, this just means you have more to put towards higher-quality options—such as a luxurious venue (a villa in Italy perhaps???), better food (adding an ice cream truck to come out for dessert???), extra flowers/decor, or that dress you fell in love with before looking at the price.
Ultimately, with a smaller guest list, you can indulge in finer details that might otherwise be out of reach budget wise with a larger wedding. This allows you to create a more personalized, memorable experience for both you and your guests.
2. More Mindful Time with Each Guest
One of the most special aspects of a smaller wedding is the opportunity to spend quality time with each guest. Instead of feeling pulled in multiple directions, you can engage in more meaningful conversations, catch up with old friends, and share intimate moments with family.
At larger weddings, it’s easy to feel like a guest at your own celebration, simply because there’s so much going on. A smaller guest list allows you to be present in the moment, making the day more memorable for both you and your guests.
3. Lower Pressure for the Couple
Larger weddings often come with tight timelines and high expectations. The pressure of making sure everything goes according to plan can be overwhelming. With a smaller wedding, the pressure is significantly reduced.
There are fewer people to coordinate with, and the schedule tends to be more relaxed. The day moves slow and mindfully. With a smaller wedding, you don’t have to worry about pleasing a crowd of hundreds. Instead, you can focus on what truly matters: actually being able to allot 3 hours for portraits. Just kidding….maybe.
4. More Control Over the Timeline of Events
Similar to the last point, when you have a large guest list, it often means squeezing everything into a tight timeline. Getting ready, first look, ceremony, family formals, portraits during cocktail hour, entrances, a dinner that’s usually running a bit behind, speeches, dances, sunset portraits and finally that short period of time late into the reception where the couple finally gets a chance to relax.
A smaller wedding, however, offers you more flexibility. Want to have a family brunch before the ceremony? Cool. Want to book a studio for portraits between the ceremony and dinner? Easy. Want a more leisurely feeling dinner? A tasting menu experience? No time limit on speeches? Stopping at a brewery or your favourite coffee shop before dinner? Have your 25 closest friends and fam stay with you in a villa in Italy for the week? All very real possibilities. With a smaller wedding, all of a sudden, you can actually make your day exactly what you would imagine as the best day ever. No conforming. No pressure. Just freedom to adjust the timeline to fit your preferences.
5. Extended Time for Portraits
This is probably subjective and based on personal experience, but every time I have felt rushed to do portraits, it has been at a big wedding. On the flip side, every time I have been able to take my time with portraits, it’s been a smaller celebration. All of my favourite work has been created at weddings with 80 guests or less.
Having more time to take photos allows you to get creative, gives you the ability to explore travelling to another location like a studio, results in a higher variety of portraits, and allows you to assess your surroundings to make a more mindful decision about where to take the best photos.
6. Spending More Time Enjoying the Day Instead of Answering Questions
At larger weddings, couples can often feel like they’re constantly answering questions and ensuring everything is going according to plan (spoiler, it never does…not even in a negative way, just realistically). When there are fewer people to interact with, whether that be vendors or guests, you can actually enjoy the day without worrying about keeping track of what feels like a billion micro decisions.
Instead of being pulled in all directions, you’ll have time to feel grounded, notice and take in the little moments throughout the day, and enjoy your meal. A smaller wedding allows you to focus on what matters most—being with your partner, having fun, and truly celebrating your love.
7. Less Stress in Planning
With fewer guests to manage, there can be less to coordinate. Or, at the very least, even if you are girl mathing and investing in more, it will always be a smaller box to play in and keep track of. Instead of decorating an entire banquet hall, it’s the private moody second floor of a restaurant with a max capacity of 30. You can simplify your planning process by narrowing down on quantities of décor, seating arrangements, and party favors, making it easier to stay organized and stress-free. A smaller guest list can also mean fewer logistics to deal with, so you’ll have more time and energy to focus on what really matters to you.
8. A More Intimate Atmosphere
A smaller wedding creates a more intimate, cozy atmosphere. With a select group of loved ones in attendance, the mood tends to feel more personal and relaxed. The exchange of personal vows feels more comfortable when you're surrounded by only those closest to you, and the overall ambiance can be more heartfelt.
9. Stronger Relationships with Vendors
When you’re hosting a smaller wedding, there’s often more opportunity for you to personally connect with your vendors. Whether it’s your photographer, florist, or caterer, working with a smaller guest count can allow you to receive more attention and personalized service. This can result in a more tailored experience and help ensure that your vision for the wedding day comes to life seamlessly.
10. Easier to Incorporate Special Touches
A smaller wedding gives you the chance to incorporate personal, meaningful touches that might be overlooked at a larger event. Whether it’s a family recipe for dessert, a hand-written thank you note to each guest, or a unique activity or tradition that holds sentimental value, you can infuse your wedding day with elements that feel extra special and unique to you and your partner.
11. Easier to Host in Unique Venues
Larger weddings often require traditional, spacious venues to accommodate the large guest count. But with a smaller wedding, you can be more creative with your choice of venue. From art galleries to private gardens, boutique hotels to family estates, a smaller guest list opens the door to more intimate and unique venue options that might otherwise be unavailable to you with a larger wedding.
12. Reduced Environmental Impact
Weddings can have a surprisingly large environmental footprint, with food waste, travel emissions, and excess single use items or decorations that get thrown out the next day. A smaller wedding means fewer resources are consumed, reducing your overall environmental impact. With careful choices, you can opt for eco-friendly alternatives, such as locally sourced food, sustainable décor, or thrifted seating, creating a wedding day that aligns with your values.
13. Redirecting Funds to a Dream Honeymoon
Arguably deserves to be higher up on the list??? Take that wedding budget (or most of it?) and plan the most iconic vacation ever. Past trips and experiences come up so often in conversation between Trav and I, they truly have such a lasting impact. We have spent so many days together, and of course it would be impossible to remember each one. But, I can easily recall every day of every trip we’ve taken. Maybe that’s just me. Or, maybe vacations and experiences have this special ability to make us feel like we’re in a dream world, being together in a place sometimes far away from home with our best friend, allowing us to mindfully take in, feel and permanently stamp every detail into our memories. Poetic way to say I need to be in an airport with you soon Travy……are you reading this? Can someone send it to him? Thanks in advance.
Conclusion
With fewer people to consider, you have the freedom to create a wedding that truly reflects your personality and values. Whether you’re looking to spend more time with loved ones, opt for a non-traditional ceremony, a relaxed dress code, or a creative theme, a smaller wedding allows you to break free from traditional norms and make your day exactly how you envision it. It’s your celebration, and with a smaller guest list, you can make it entirely your own. By considering these additional benefits, you can see how a smaller wedding not only alleviates stress but also allows you to create a deeply personal and memorable experience.
While large weddings are traditionally popular, a smaller wedding offers countless benefits that can make the day feel more personal, meaningful, and less stressful. By saving money or investing in higher quality options, spending more time with loved ones, and having the flexibility to control your timeline, a smaller wedding can create an unforgettable experience that you and your guests will cherish forever. So, if you're considering a more intimate celebration, remember: sometimes, less truly is more.
