Getting engaged is, without a doubt, extremely exciting. But along with the thrill, you will get a million questions that need an answer. Namely, the bridal planning process is not simple because you must make some really big decisions. And deciding whether you should have a big wedding vs small wedding will be the first priority. Let’s break down the pros and cons of both options to help you make the right choice.
Big Wedding Vs Small Wedding
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 Burlington, VT.
Big Weddings
A big wedding certainly has its advantages – you have numerous options, and you get to celebrate your wedding day with many friends and family. However, there are also some factors might influence the whole concept of your wedding experience.
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 something to enjoy.
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 guests, 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 100 or 200 people is not cheap. Generally, the bigger wedding venues are more expensive and require more decor. Then, you need to provide food and drinks for each guest, which can add up fast. 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 —factors that add complexity to an already long list of to-dos.
Small Unions
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.
Pros of Small Unions
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 otherwise or explore numerous reception spaces until you discover one that perfectly matches your dream wedding vision.
Cons of Small Unions
Creating a guest list can get tricky
Opting for a smaller wedding can lead to uncomfortable conversations explaining why certain individuals did not make the guest list. Moreover, you may face pressure from parents or other family members to invite relatives. But in this situation, it is essential to remember that this is your story and event, and you should do what your heart tells you to do! While it might be tough, staying true to your vision and priorities will ensure your wedding day reflects what’s most meaningful to you both.
Access to vendors
When your guest count 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 and vision for the big day.
How Wedding Planners Can Help with Both Big and Small Weddings
Whether you’re planning a big wedding or an intimate wedding, a wedding planner is invaluable for ensuring every detail is perfectly executed and your day unfolds without a hitch. Here’s how a wedding planner can help, no matter the size of your wedding:
- Budget Optimization: Wedding planners can help you maximize your smaller budget by suggesting cost-effective solutions for both small and big weddings, ensuring you get the best value without sacrificing quality or style.
- Managing Details: For a big wedding, planners handle multiple vendors, timelines, and logistics. For a micro wedding, they ensure that every detail, no matter how small, is personalized and executed perfectly.
- Vendor Coordination: Planners have established relationships with trusted vendors, which means they can help secure the best deals, saving you time and stress, no matter your guest count or venue size.
- Personalized Experiences: Whether for a medium wedding or a grand celebration, planners ensure your vision is brought to life with tailored touches that make your day truly unforgettable, ensuring it reflects your unique style and personality.
Hiring a wedding planner helps streamline the process, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to enjoy every moment.
Complete Weddings + Events Burlington
Ready to start planning your dream wedding? For more wedding advice, check out our blog, and connect with us to bring your big (or small) day to life!