Big Wedding or Small Wedding: Let’s Break It Down!

You don’t need to commit to a label, but knowing your energy (and budget) can help you figure out what kind of day will feel the most you! Below, I am walking you through the pros and cons of both so you can feel confident choosing your path, whether it’s a big wedding or small wedding, or somewhere right in the middle!

Big Wedding or Small Wedding?

The Big Wedding

For the couple who wants to throw a party their grandkids will hear about!

Why It’s a Vibe:

There’s just something electric about a packed dance floor, champagne towers, and hearing a hundred people cheer when you’re officially married. A big wedding lets you bring all your people into your love story. Think: high energy, a full-day experience, and photo ops for days.

Pros:

• All your favorite humans in one place, the energy is unmatched.
• The party of the decade (hello, live band, signature cocktails, and a packed dance floor).
• Epic photos filled with moments you didn’t even see happening.
• It feels big because it is big!

Cons:

• Budget, baby. It adds up fast, venues, catering, rentals… it all multiplies.
• You’ll need a solid planner or timeline to juggle all the moving parts.
• More guests = less one-on-one time. It’s easy to spend the whole night saying “hi” instead of soaking it all in together!

Best for you if:

You’re extroverts who love a big crowd, you’ve got a solid guest list you can’t imagine cutting, and you’re dreaming of a celebration that brings the house down.

The Small Wedding (aka Micro, Intimate, Cozy, Chill… whatever you wanna call it)

For the couple who wants to keep it close, meaningful, and maybe even a little unconventional!

Why It’s a Vibe:

Small weddings are all about intentional moments, slower timelines, and soaking in every second. Whether it’s 5 people or 50, it’s not about the number, it’s about how it feels. More time with your partner. More space to breathe. And more energy for you.

Pros:

• Actual face time with each guest. You won’t have to squeeze 100 hugs into one hour.
• Less stress = more presence. It’s easier to stay grounded when the pace is slower.
• More flexibility. Host it in a backyard, on a mountaintop, at your favorite restaurant, you get to write the rules.
• Often more budget-friendly. You can go all-in on the details that matter most to you.

Cons:

• The guest list decisions can get spicy. Trimming it down is no joke.
• Some folks might take it personally. (That’s on them, not you.)
• If you crave chaos and hype, you might miss that high-energy atmosphere.

Best for you if:

You’re introverts at heart, you value deep convos over large crowds, and you want your wedding day to feel like a beautifully curated dinner party with your favorite people in the world.

So… Big Wedding or Small Wedding?

Here’s the thing, both options are valid! You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. This isn’t about what your friend did or what your family expects. This is your day. What kind of experience do you want to look back on? What would actually make you feel good at the end of the night?

If you still feel torn, ask yourself:

• What feels more like us?
• What do we want to prioritize, people, intimacy, experience, or flexibility?
• What kind of energy do we want surrounding us when we say “I do”?

That clarity will lead you home!

You Can’t Get It Wrong! Ready For Your Big Day? Let’s Chat!

Wren and Rose Photography | Chicago Wedding Photographer

Whether you’re planning the party of the century or a quiet morning ceremony with your dog as your witness, the right choice is the one that celebrates your love, on your terms. Big Wedding or Small Wedding? Honestly? Either can be unforgettable. Just make sure it feels like you! Ready for me to capture it? Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!