Small Intimate Wedding or Gala Affair - Which is Right for You?

He's popped the question. Your friends and family are excited. And, then the barrage of questions about your upcoming wedding begins! Unless you've been planning your wedding since you were a little girl, you are likely to feel overwhelmed with all of the decisions you'll be making in the near future. After all, this is when you decide the overall theme for your special day. As such, you have some big decisions to make. Namely, you have to determine if you want this to be a once in a lifetime celebration including everyone you've ever known or a small intimate affair with just your closest friends and family?

Considering Your Budget

For many brides to be, this decision is closely tied to the amount of money they have available to fund their wedding day. For some, parental help is welcomed with open arms, which also means allowing their input into some major decisions, such as who will be on the guest list. For others that are footing the bill with no extra monetary assistance, paring down the guest list and other more frugal options may come into play.

Americans spend a staggering amount on wedding receptions each year- to the tune of more than sixteen million dollars. Much of that money is allocated to the reception, since many times a church ceremony comes at very little cost. The majority of reception sites charge per person that attends, so knowing what different venues charge will determine the number of guests you can comfortably afford to invite. And, if you have to add a couple of extras, you know in advance how much money those additional guests will cost you.

Considering Venue Limitations

Another important factor you will need to consider are the limitations of the venue you have selected. For example, each venue will have a maximum occupancy guideline. This guideline may mean you will have to invite less than the number of guests you planned to invite. If you were planning on having an open bar, you'll want to make sure alcohol is allowed on the premises. For catering options, you may be able to choose your caterer or you may be obligated to use the one utilized by the venue you book. So, knowing these guidelines before you look at various venues will help narrow down your choices.

Finally, be prepared to listen to countless opinions from friends and family about what you should and shouldn't do for your wedding day. If you are receiving financial help, you may have to get input from the contributing party - even if it wasn't exactly what you had in mind.