It’s not unusual for a couple to claim they are planning a small wedding, and then actually wind up with hundreds of guests on the big day. To plan a truly intimate wedding, careful planning is essential. According to the Brides American Wedding Study, most weddings have fewer than 200 guests, with the average being 167 guests. These numbers would be considered a large wedding. If you’re looking for a venue that can accommodate a smaller wedding, we have you covered. Let’s dive in.

What Is Considered an Intimate Wedding?

An intimate wedding is generally considered to be 50 to 75 guests. An intimate wedding is often characterized by a cozy wedding venue, a simple ceremony, and an intimate celebration afterward, including dinner and perhaps some dancing. This is very different from large weddings, which are often held in formal venues and end with a huge party and buffet.

What Is Considered a Small Wedding?

A small wedding, although similar to an intimate wedding, is actually even smaller. A small wedding is often less than 50 guests. When you choose to go small, you will have greater flexibility with some aspects of your wedding. This could include the food you choose to serve, the types of decorations you use, and definitely the venue where you hold your ceremony and reception.

How to Purposefully Make a Smaller Wedding

Ensuring your gathering remains is really all about who you invite and how you plan. Keeping a close eye on the guest list will be priority number one. You want to keep it within those intimate bounds so that you aren’t suddenly facing a large wedding. You will also want to be thoughtful about the day you plan your wedding. Purposefully choosing a weekday can help you justify slashing your wedding guest list. You might even consider a holiday wedding date.

Don’t Forget a Thoughtful Explanation If Not Invited

If someone ventures to ask you why they weren’t invited, you should have a thoughtful explanation planned. This explanation should offer why you wanted an intimate wedding to begin with. And then you can explain how important it was for you to celebrate in your own personal way.

Destination Weddings Are Perfect For Smaller Guest Lists

If you are looking for an intimate wedding venue, we are here to help. We have the premier location located in the heart of Steamboat Springs, CO. Reach out to The Boathouse Steamboat Springs for the perfect wedding venue in Colorado and discover information on our event packages.