I saw a lot of couples getting engaged last fall and winter. Congrats!! Many of you are already reaching out to vendors to get an idea of how generous your wedding budgets should be. SMART! With the influx of weddings we’re looking to see in 2022, a lot of you are wondering if a small wedding may be right for you and your partner.
In 2021, the average wedding cost was $22.5K. 👀Surprised? That’s actually lower than previous years because couples had less attendance.
Wanna know a secret? A large part of the budget goes to the wedding venue and catering. Which means the more folks you plan to invite and entertain, the more it will cost you.
How can you save? Put a healthy chunk of your budget towards the things you value the most. If you want to focus on a special day that signifies the commitment you’re making to one another, focus on the essentials you need to make that happen, and then splurge a little other areas of importance ( like photography… because come on! You’re going to want to remember this day!)
Peace – Intimate Wedding Priority #1
Is peace on your wedding day a priority for you and your partner? Do you want to deal with managing of hundreds of guests and a wedding party or would you rather have a calm vibe on the wedding day? While it could be cool to have everyone that ever babysat you, alumni from high school and college, and your coworkers at your wedding, you’ll feel obligated to “make your rounds”. The more folks you invite to your wedding, the more you’ll have to entertain with small talk and catch up with. And if you may even feel bad for those you don’t get a chance to say ‘hi’ to. Yikes! By keeping it small, you keep it enjoyable, keep the focus on you and your partner, and relieve unnecessary stress.
Bonus: If you want some added peace, consider a small venue that’s far from the busyness of the city that can guarantee some tranquility. Extra bonus if you can treat yourself to some pre-wedding R&R by making it a getaway!
Intimacy – Intimate Wedding Priority # 2
Is intimacy a core value of your relationship? Take a moment and think about the people that really matter to you both. Who has supported your relationship? Think about the people that hold a significant place in you lives and who you’d want present for this big step in your lives together.
Hoping to spend a lot of time together with your partner on your wedding day? A small, intimate wedding is definitely for you. When you choose to limit the amount of guests, you’ll get to spend more time with your special person and engage with people you really know well without feeling overwhelmed.
Cost – Intimate Wedding Priority # 3
Hey, let’s be real. Traditional weddings aren’t cheap. If you don’t have a dowry or help from parents, weddings can become a financial burden. While I definitely don’t recommend downplaying the significance of the marriage and celebrating your union, I do recommend doing what’s best for you and your future. Ultimately, large weddings are like ticketed event. That means that each person you invite, each butt you seat, and mouth you feed can cost you between $35-150 per person! For some couples, having a really great time with a smaller amount of people is more desirable than an OK time within their budget for 150 – 200 people.
You can maximize your dollars by hiring quality vendors and keeping your guest list small. Couples that choose to work with my team truly value timeless photos and want an easy experience, so they make sure to prioritize wedding photography in their budgets.
In the end, deciding whether to have a grand affair or an intimate gathering for your wedding is all about creating the best experience possible. From something small and cozy to a large traditional celebration – there are advantages and disadvantages with both options. Make sure you reflect on these before making that final choice!
