An Argument for the Small Wedding

This topic may fall on some readers as something totally unrealistic for them. I understand how guest lists can grow. I watch it happen all the time. And I do have a great time with large weddings. I can’t think of one that I have disliked. But, the idea of the small wedding has somehow been dismissed or overlooked. I have come to really admire those that host small weddings and the amazing things that can be done with them. So, here are my points for why small weddings are equally as fabulous.

Since everyone has a different idea of small, I’ll explain. I believe that I had a relatively small wedding with 120 guests. But, if I were to do it over again, I would keep it really small. 30-40 people – max. That’s small. One reason I would choose to do this is that I actually prefer small groups in terms of entertaining as opposed to large parties. Not that I don’t have a good time at large parties. But, if I am the hostess I love a small group. I adore a dinner party where people can really talk and have great conversation (this reminds me that I will be reinstating dinner parties at my house…). And when I really think about it, I would want my version of a small wedding to feel like the most fabulous dinner party ever.

There is another side to this small number that is attractive. The price tag. Now, before you get all excited, let me tell you that I could spend the same amount on 30 people as I could 200. You don’t have to. I’m just saying that I could. That may sound ridiculous. But, think about it. With the same budget, imagine giving your guests the best of the best. The best food and drink. The best music. You could have the most amazing dress (which you should) and your decor would be perfect. You could get exactly what you want because you aren’t getting that much of it. This is the epitome of quality vs. quantity. And since your attention isn’t divided among a huge crowd of people, you get to spend real quality time with your guests. What a luxury!

I decided to start pinning some more inspiration photos for such a wedding. I kind of see this scenario as fitting a destination wedding perfectly. Sky’s the limit on where this could be when you have a small group! The Caribbean, France, Italy, Greece??? While I would take any and all of those destinations (I swear I’m going to talk one of my two as-yet-to-marry sisters into something like this), I am going to imagine an understated and absolutely gorgeous wedding in the vineyards of Napa.

So, here is my inspiration board for a small wedding in Napa Valley. I’ve pinned a few more photos here: http://pinterest.com/invisionwedding/napa-wedding/. Just a note: I have a great love for olive leaves as a greenery option. I wish I saw more of them used. So, I decided to include them here. At any rate, enjoy!