Some of my brides like it really big, and some are happier with it being a bit smaller.
Now that I have your attention, you can get your minds out of the gutter. LOL
The size i'm talking about today is the size of your wedding venue.
I have done hundreds and hundreds of weddings and the thing I have noticed over the years is that couples do not always pick a venue that's size appropriate compared to the number of guests they are expecting.
I have worked and still work in some of the nicest venues that South Florida and the Florida Keys has to offer. Most of them beautiful and scenic, but are they the right size for your wedding.
This blog is not so much for the couples that are having over 75 guests. When you're having a larger group, you do want space and elbow room so everyone is not on top of each other.
It's the smaller weddings that i'm discussing here. I did a wedding a few weeks ago that had only 25 guests, yet they had their wedding at a venue that could accommodate almost 200. The result is it looks like most of the guests didn't show up. Not to mention the money you spent for the big property, you could have allocated that money for flowers, catering, or other extras that may have been out of your budget because you spent it on the venue and site fee.
Don't get me wrong, I love a big venue when it's appropriate. You don't want a small venue where your guests are crammed in like sardines. Like the three bears trying the porridge. One is too hot, one is too cold, and one is just right. Find the venue that is just right for the amount of guests you expect.
Another reason to choose a smaller venue when you are expecting only a limited number of guests, it's easier to keep the party going and keep the energy level up. When you're only expecting a small amount of guests, it's a good idea to keep the dinner tables, the bar, and the dance floor in the same area. When your DJ or MC wants to rev up the crowd, it's better to have everyone close by. This is why I love indoor venues. You have a captive audience. Everyone is in the same room. They aren't wandering off. They may be at the bar, or sitting at their table, or on the dance floor, but they are in the same room. You can have that same experience at an outdoor venue, but make sure it isn't so massive that your guests get lost.
Again, if you're having a big wedding with a large guest count, it really doesn't matter, but when your having a small intimate wedding, pick a small intimate venue.
One of the venues I work has both. One side is massive. Lots of space and scenic views. The other venue is smaller, more intimate, with those same scenic views.
By picking the right venue, you can take your wedding from empty and cavernous, to exciting and full, and a wedding your guests will remember for a long time.
Don't fall in love with the first venue you see or research. You didn't marry the first guy or girl you dated. Shop around. Think about how many guests you're expecting, and use a wedding planner to show you whats available. And YES, hire a planner. You may think you can do it on your own, and maybe you can, but they will make sure everything is perfect and will coordinate all of your other vendors. And if you're thinking you can't afford a wedding planner, you would be surprised, especially with all the money you're saving by picking a smaller venue.
I'm not against big venues. I love them and they have their place, but if you're only having between 25 and 50 guests, you may want to consider a smaller more intimate venue.
And by the way, if you're considering having your wedding at a major hotel, inside or out, beach or patio, many of them have different size wedding areas just for this reason. Depending on the number of guests, they will steer you to the area that will best suit you.
Make your small wedding a BIG deal. So in closing, size does matter.