Ever seen jaws drop after you tell someone you’re inviting 120 guests to your wedding? All of a sudden, your cousin pipes up, “Wow, is that...small or massive?” The definition of a small wedding is more slippery than you think. Different cultures, families, and budget ranges shape what counts as intimate, average, or grand. The wedding world has changed a lot, especially after recent years, so if you’re wondering where you stand with your 120-strong invite list, you’re not alone. Let’s break open what 120 really means in wedding numbers, how guest lists work around the world, and the secret sauce for making any celebration feel personal.
The Numbers Game – What Guest List Size Really Means
So, is a 120 person wedding small? Short answer: not usually. In the wedding universe, numbers speak louder than any Pinterest vision board. In New Zealand, the average wedding hovers between 80 and 130 guests—sitting you right in the sweet spot. It’s the same across Australia, the UK, and even the States, according to wedding industry reports from the last few years. COVID lockdowns did skew things for a while. Micro-weddings (less than 30) and tiny backyard "minimonies" became pop culture for couples who couldn’t wait a year or more to tie the knot. But now, things are swinging back up. Event venues are built for 80-180 guests, which makes 120 smack in the middle of the average range.
If you call 120 "small,” some aunties might think you’ve excluded half your family tree on purpose. Others—think about couples from huge Samoan families—might call 120 an elopement. The “right” size is completely tied to the people and place. Here’s a breakdown that planners generally use:
- Micro-wedding: 20 guests or less
- Small wedding: 20-50 guests
- Medium wedding: 50-150 guests
- Large wedding: 150+ guests
By that chart, you’re solidly in the “medium” camp. It's not extravagant, but definitely not as cozy as a twenty-person dinner. Most venues, caterers, and photographers base their mid-tier packages on 100-150 guests, so you’ll have plenty of options open if you’re at 120.
How Wedding Sizes Vary Around The World
The idea of what’s “small” isn’t just down to maths. Where you live and your cultural background shape the expectation. Here in Auckland, a 120-person celebration is seen as the sweet spot between intimate and vibrant. If you head over to India or Indonesia, a “small” wedding might have upwards of 300 guests, with multi-day events. In contrast, French countryside weddings may only include immediate family (as little as two dozen people), and Iceland’s tiny villages sometimes cap out at 40.
Even within New Zealand, culture plays a big part. Māori and Pasifika weddings traditionally involve wider extended family, with invite lists swelling fast. Yet, more couples here now opt for “experiential” weddings—think glamping on Waiheke with 30 guests—especially if they’re funding it themselves. Modern couples are less bound by expectations and more by their own comfort and budget. One stat New Zealand wedding planners reference: up to 65% of couples in 2024 trimmed their guest list just to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Social trends are shifting. More folks want a chance to chat to every guest properly rather than rushing from table to table. Others love a big dance floor and that Friday-night-house-party energy. There’s a trend for “just right” weddings—big enough for joy, small enough for the couple to breathe. If your group of 120 feels right for your heart and budget, it’s already perfect.
Guest List Math – Why 120 Might Actually Be Ideal
Here’s a truth bomb: wedding size impacts nearly everything. The vibe, the cost, your menu, even the time couples get to spend with their guests. A group of 120 hits a happy medium. Here’s why lots of people find it ideal:
- It’s big enough for a buzzing atmosphere—a packed dance floor, full tables, happy chatter—but not so huge you get lost in the crowd.
- Venues love it. Most places, from vineyards to hotel ballrooms, are designed for just over a hundred. This makes planning logistics, food, and cost way less complicated.
- You actually remember who was there. After all, 120 friends and family members can all fit in one group photo if you’re clever about it.
- The budget is manageable. A simple wedding calculator shows that costs per head add up fast—food, drinks, rentals, favors. Having 120 means you can treat guests well, maybe even splash on optional extras (special cocktails, a live band).
- It’s enough folks to cover all “must-invite” family without sacrificing your key friends. Often, couples find this number the best blend of obligation and genuine connection.
If you’re feeling anxious about crossing the 100 mark, remember that venues and caterers often apply “per 10 guests” pricing after a base package. The jump from 100 to 120 isn’t as painful as going from 30 to 50, so your budget breaths a little easier.
A fun fact: According to a survey of Kiwi wedding planners last year, about 48% of couples who aimed for 120 invited guests actually saw closer to 110-115 turn up. Schedules, travel, and cold feet can shift numbers a bit, so expect a few last-minute changes.
Creating the Right Atmosphere with 120 Guests
Here’s where the magic happens. No matter your headcount, the real question is: how do you make the day personal and unforgettable? With 120, you get a golden window of opportunity. Too big, and you need a PA system just to find your bestie. Too small, and Aunt Trish refuses to dance. Here are some tricks to nail the vibe:
- Group your seating. At 120, you have space for creative table layouts—long banquet tables, round tables, or a mix. Try seats of 8-10, so people aren’t lost in a sea of strangers.
- Food stations or themed buffets shine with this number—the catering team can manage a menu without chaos or delays.
- Personal touches go far. Write little notes for each guest (or break them into table cheers by sharing stories at each table). Guests love feeling seen.
- Consider a “first look” or pre-ceremony cocktail, so you actually get time for chats before everyone hits the bar.
- Don’t skimp on music. With 120, a live band or energetic DJ fills the dance floor, but it isn’t so big that you need extra speakers or tech help.
- If you have lots of out-of-towners, organize a welcome dinner or brunch the day after. It spreads social time so the main day isn’t just a blur of handshakes.
The beauty of 120 is flexibility. You’re not stuck to either end of the spectrum. You get all the options—quirky entertainment, team dances, hired photo booths—without awkward emptiness or crowd control drama. Your wedding still feels like you, not a staged event for distant relatives.
Tips for Trimming or Expanding Your Guest List
Let’s be real—sometimes 120 can creep to 140 before you know it, especially after your parents remember “just one more” person. Or perhaps you’re still wondering if you could make it more intimate for an extra-personal feel. Here’s how to manage the numbers:
- Decide early whose wedding this really is. Yours as a couple, or a community-wide celebration?
- Make rules for invitations—no “plus ones” unless the person is in a serious relationship, or perhaps “no kids” unless immediate family.
- Use A/B lists: the “must-haves” go out first; then, as RSVPs decline, you can send a round two of invites. Just do it early so no one feels snubbed.
- If you want to expand, focus on people who have made your relationship special the past two years—not just distant acquaintances. Your celebration should be filled with people who’ll remember your day, not just collect another wedding favor for the shelf.
- Feeling under pressure from family? Set boundaries. Blame the venue capacity or budget limits if you need to. “Sorry, we really can’t go higher than 120; the venue will charge for extra tables.” It works!
And if you’re second-guessing the number? Remember, the best weddings don’t obsess about the headcount. They care about hugs, laughter, and moments you actually remember. Lots of couples say their biggest regret is spending the day greeting hundreds while missing out on the fun. Quality always beats quantity—and 120 gives you a solid, manageable slice of both.
So, is a 120 person wedding small? Not really—most would say it’s right in the “medium” zone, with space for all the people you love and enough room on the dance floor. Your wedding, your way—the numbers just shape the details. Everything else is pure joy.
