Becoming engaged is undeniably filled with immense excitement. However, this exhilarating moment also ushers in a plethora of inquiries that demand attention. Specifically, orchestrating the perfect wedding is no small feat, as it necessitates significant choices. Chief among these decisions is determining whether to opt for a big wedding vs a small wedding, making it the foremost consideration.
The scope of your union will influence many decisions you will make along the way. Therefore, it is essential to determine what you want for your special day from the very beginning. Some couples have envisioned their wedding even before the engagement. Nonetheless, others are not really sure what to choose. So, let’s see the pros and cons of big and small wedding celebrations in the Albany and Saratoga Springs area.
Pros for Big Weddings
You can go big with the planning process
If you have envisioned a fairytale celebration, then a large wedding will give you a chance to achieve it. In other words, you will not have to put a limit on your ideas. When you throw a big event, that means you will have space for everything. For instance, if you want a photo booth, a kid-friendly corner, or a game area for your reception – you can easily go for it. This way, you will ensure that even the no-dancers will have fun.
Access to vendors
Many vendors have requirements when it comes to weddings. That is, they have specific conditions or minimum spends you need to meet to get their services. For instance, if you are hosting a small wedding, certain venues or catering services may not make sense since they require a certain spend for you to use their services on a Friday or Saturday. Nonetheless, when a large union is in question, more of them will likely be “open for business” as they know a larger spend will occur.
You do not have to feel bad about your guest list
When organizing a small wedding, you might easily find yourself in a difficult situation. You have a limited number of people, but you do not want to offend anyone. So, you might spend hours thinking about how to find the best solution for inviting people. However, that is not the problem with large celebrations since you can invite anyone you want.
Cons for Big Weddings
Large unions are pricey
Hosting an event for about 200 people is not cheap. Generally, the bigger venues are more expensive and require more decor. Then, you need to provide food and drinks for each guest. So, if you have a limited budget, you might feel that you are about to break the bank.
Planning can get stressful
Planning a big wedding brings extra stress. Finding a venue that can handle over 200 guests is challenging, so you might need to look beyond your local area. Additionally, you will need to think about dietary restrictions, seating arrangements, and keeping children entertained if they are invited.
Pros of Small Weddings
If you look into the comparison of a big vs. small wedding, you will see that small celebrations also have a lot of things to offer.
They are more affordable
One great advantage of small bridal celebrations is their affordability. Namely, they are ideal if you have a limited budget. You do not have to spend a fortune, and you will probably save some money for a dreamy honeymoon.
Numerous venue options
When you are not hosting a union for a large number of people, you have more options for bridal spots. You can book a stunning small venue you wouldn’t be able to otherwise or explore numerous reception spaces until you discover one that perfectly matches your dream wedding vision.
Cons of Small Weddings
Creating a guest list can get tricky
While small weddings offer several benefits, they also come with their share of cons. One of the most significant drawbacks is limited guest inclusion. The smaller guest list means having to make tough choices about who to invite, potentially leaving out important people, and causing hurt feelings. Small weddings can also lack the grandeur and extravagance that some couples desire, as they may not have the space or budget for elaborate decor and entertainment.
Organizing a small wedding doesn’t necessarily reduce the stress of planning. In fact, it can sometimes intensify it, as you may feel pressure to create a more personalized and detailed experience for each guest. Additionally, a small wedding may limit your options for venues, as some locations may be too large or not cater to intimate gatherings.
Ultimately, the cons of a small wedding largely depend on individual preferences and circumstances. While they can offer a more intimate and cost-effective celebration, it’s essential to consider the potential downsides and decide which style of wedding aligns best with your vision and values.
Access to vendors
When your guest list drops, typically the budget follows. As mentioned before, if you are hosting a smaller event, certain vendors’ minimum spends might not make sense. For example, if a vendor has a $5,000 catering minimum spend, and you only want 50 guests, spending $100 on food for each guest may not be feasible for your event.
Deciding on the kind of union you want to have can get challenging. Nonetheless, now that you have the advantages and disadvantages of a small and big wedding, you can make a decision that will suit your priorities.
For more wedding advice, check out our blog, and connect with us to bring your big (or small) day to life!
Planning For A Big Wedding vs Small Wedding
Opting for a day-of coordinator when planning a big wedding offers a multitude of advantages that can significantly enhance the overall experience. A day-of coordinator serves as a reliable point person, ensuring seamless execution on the wedding day. One primary benefit is stress reduction for the couple, allowing them to enjoy their special day without the burden of managing logistics.
The coordinator’s expertise in event management proves invaluable in coordinating with all vendors. From the florist to the caterer, photographer, and entertainment, the coordinator liaises with each vendor to guarantee a synchronized and smooth flow of events. This ensures that the timeline is adhered to, preventing any delays or hiccups that might disrupt the celebration.
A day-of coordinator’s experience in troubleshooting and quick decision-making proves crucial in handling unexpected issues that may arise, such as last-minute changes or technical glitches. This allows the couple to remain focused on the joyous moments and interactions with their guests.
Enlisting a day-of coordinator for a big wedding ensures that the countless moving parts come together harmoniously. Their expert management of vendors, timelines, and unforeseen challenges ensures a flawless and memorable day for the couple and their guests, allowing everyone to revel in the festivities without worry. Click here to see how Complete Weddings + Events Albany Signature Coordination service can benefit you!
Complete Weddings + Events Albany, NY
Whether you want a big wedding or a small wedding, let Complete Weddings + Events in Albany, NY help turn your wedding dreams into a reality. With our photography, videography, DJ, photo booth, and coordination services, we’re here to make your wedding day an unforgettable experience.
Contact us for more information on our services and pricing for your big day!