Determining what size a wedding should be isn’t always an easy decision, especially if the couple’s extended family and friends are vast. Between the cost of the venue, food and beverage and additional accommodations, budgeting a “per person” estimate to help calculate what’s logical is imperative. For example, according to Value Penguin, the average cost of each wedding guest is $62 per plate. Therefore, for a wedding of 66 guests, prepare to spend roughly $4,075.00.

Keeping the cost in mind, consider the ratio of a small, medium and larger scale wedding. According to the Brides Guide, a small wedding is between 2-50 guests, medium is 50-175 guests, and large is anywhere from 175+ guests. Therefore, if you have a larger wedding and the average plate is $62.00 per person, prepare to save $10,000 for food solely.

Ultimately, the final decision is up to the couple and what they can afford, but here are some additional pros and cons to consider for each size of wedding. Small weddings create a sense of freedom because options such as eloping, having a courthouse or destination weddings are more probable. Keeping a short guest list is easier to manage as well.

The benefit of medium sized weddings is that this size typically fits venues perfectly. Most venues build out packages and structures to hold up to 175 people. As that number begins to grow further, the options become skimmed. If you’re having a local wedding, you can afford it and you have some sort of assistance planning, a medium scale wedding is possible to achieve.

Larger scale weddings make sense for big families. If you’re contemplating how to shorten your guest list just for the sake of making space, don’t! Trust your intuition and have the people you want surrounding you on your wedding day. Although accommodating a group this size may bring challenges, it’s been accomplished a dozen times over.

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