My first instinct was to make the font for the “go small” part of the title in a smaller print… then I realized going big or going small should be exactly the same size, large and bold because it’s all good!
If it’s good for you, it’s good. I love to tell our brides… when you walk into the room, our goal is that you say” YES, this is me!” One of the first choices you will make after the date is where and how many. And that decision sets you down a path that will, in many ways dictate your choices later.
The first step is to really envision what your wedding day will look and feel like. If you both come from large families who are excited to be part of this day, then your list may be longer than you realize, and a big wedding is in your future. Big weddings are for those whose culture and vision include lots and lots of guests. Intimate weddings give you an excuse to invite only those you love and who know you well… business associates and golf buddies not included…or cousins twice removed.
How DO you see yourself walking down a long aisle with a stunning train or barefoot on the beach? Everybody you know or your nearest and dearest. Where do you want your focus to be? On each other and your favorite posse or in the center of a dance jam — what excites you?
Intimate weddings are usually seventy-five guests and under. This gives you lots of choices destination either at home or abroad, and the opportunity to go all out… designer dress, incredible location, stunning flowers and all those touches that might not be able to happen with a larger party.
If it’s important to go big then you need to make sense of it. Logistics and personalities are important to put into perspective. And you will need help.
The bigger the celebration, the more the stress, the pressure is on to please a lot more people when you go big… especially the pressure to be the hostess with the mostest on your wedding day when all you want to do is to have fun and celebrate. We do recommend help!
One of the hottest trends in weddings now is the smaller guest list. Here are some of the reasons:
1. Relax! You will feel more at home with your guests. Your wedding will feel more like a soft breeze than a mighty wind.
2. Spending time with your guests: I just spoke with a bride who's guests are coming from all over the world…and all expecting to spend the week with her! An intimate wedding allows you to really spend time with those who are important to you.
3. Menu – If food design is important to both of you, and the menu is an important part of your celebration, you can customize a menu that is truly your vision. Not as easy when serving 200.
4. Budget, budget, budget! You will spend far less and have much more. You can splurge or you can be the ultimate DIY bride with 100 napkin rings to make rather than 300.
5. It is all you – you and your new husband are really the center of attention – not the music or lights.
6. Location, location, location – You can go just about anywhere! A beautiful inn on the beach or a journey up the river by boat… imagine it and you can make it happen!!
Just be sure that the location suits an intimate celebration.
How do you make it happen when dealing with family and friends? It would be gracious to explain to them how you both feel about your decision. You could even assure them that the people they feel should be included might be invited to a post-wedding gathering.
I have had the privilege to be part of many weddings, large and small. I have loved them all because we were able to create exactly what our brides wanted for their celebration. I always thought that big and beautiful was really spectacular. However, recently we had the opportunity to be part of a very special wedding celebration with 15 guests. The photos of the wedding reflect the joy of the couple and their families. And that's what it's all about.
Festivities is known for the finest in catered foods, sophisticated presentations and innovative event designs. For almost 30 years, this brother –sister team have kept their business on the cutting edge of food and event design. Multiple time winners of “Best of the Gold Coast”, Roe and Bill offer their clients a warm, customized experience when planning their most important celebrations.
Rosinne K. Chlala
Co-Owner/Event Consultant Festivities
203-847-7774
info@festivitiesevents.com
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Photograph by Kate Eiseman