Small Wedding Size: Practical Tips for an Intimate Celebration

Thinking about keeping your guest list tight? A small wedding size can feel more personal, easier to manage, and often cheaper. You’ll spend less on venue, catering, and decorations, and you’ll get more one‑on‑one time with each guest. Below we break down the key decisions you’ll face, from choosing the right number of guests to squeezing every pound from your budget.

How Many Guests Should You Invite?

There isn’t a magic number, but most couples aim for 30‑80 people. If you’re debating between 50 and 100, check out our "100‑Person Wedding Budget (2025)" post – it shows the cost per guest and helps you see where the price jumps. A 60‑guest list usually fits well in a small banquet hall or a cozy restaurant. Remember, every extra seat adds food, drink, and tableware costs, so keep the list tight to stay in control.

Saving Money on a Small Wedding

Even with fewer people, costs can creep up. Start with the venue: off‑season months like January or February often have lower rates, and our "Least Popular Months for Weddings" article explains why those dates can be a hidden gem. For flowers, consider doing a DIY bouquet using cheap stores – the "Dollar Store Flowers" guide shows how to make them look real. You can also cut invitation costs by ordering 100 pieces in bulk, as detailed in the "Cost of 100 Wedding Invitations" post.

When it comes to attire, a small wedding lets you relax the dress code a bit. The groom’s suit doesn’t have to match every groomsman – our "Should the Groom’s Suit Match the Groomsmen?" piece busts that myth and offers creative alternatives. Even the father of the groom can keep things simple with a classic color palette, saving on tailoring fees.

Food is another budget lever. Buffet or family‑style service usually costs less than plated dinner. If you’re serving a cake, a modest two‑tier design can look stunning while keeping the "Traditional Wedding Cakes" costs down. Don’t forget to ask the baker about storing leftovers – the "Can You Eat a 1 Year Old Wedding Cake?" article has tips for safe storage if you want a keepsake.

Finally, photography doesn’t have to break the bank. A 10‑hour coverage package often covers the whole day, as explained in "Is 10 Hours Enough for Wedding Photography?" and can be cheaper than full‑day options. Ask the photographer about editing bundles to avoid surprise fees.

Bottom line: a small wedding size gives you flexibility. By trimming the guest list, picking off‑season dates, DIYing where you can, and using our targeted guides, you’ll keep things intimate without overspending. Ready to start planning? Browse the posts linked above for step‑by‑step numbers, then build your dream day one smart decision at a time.