Because of so many restrictions, brides have continued to plan their wedding with reduced guest lists. This was adopted in response to COVID, but it can come with big benefits. This trend could be here to stay for two reasons: 1) a nicer menu and 2) a more intimate wedding ceremony.
We had more than 5 brides reschedule their ceremony (and reception), last year, continuing to make the guest list smaller and trying to figure out if it had to be outside or inside, right up until the last minute. Kason and Anna moved their October wedding up to August of 2020, cut their guest list in half and moved it outside. It was very stressful for the guests, the parents and of course, Kason and Anna. But, it also allowed them to focus on what mattered most (nicer food and a more intimate ceremony). Saving that money on the wedding is allowing them to save for a first home, sooner, rather than later. Even today, they both agree, that the size of the guest list was better – with or without COVID restrictions.
Yes, closed venues, restrictions on traveling and limits on in-person gatherings have forced couples to narrow choices but it may allow brides-to-be to give up the extravagant, picture-perfect wedding fantasy. At the end of the day what matters is you’re getting married to the person you love, your friends and family are going to be there, and you don’t have the financial burden that comes with a large wedding. Kason and Anna had that kind of wedding. With a smaller wedding, you’ll have more time to connect rather than have surface-level greetings to hundreds of guests. The entire environment allows the two families joined as one to connect, more deeply, getting to know one another and the new spouse.
Honestly, the size of a wedding has continued to decline in recent years (with or without COVID). 153 guests in 2007, 131 guests in 2019. This number took a dive because of 50-guest restrictions last year. An average of 66 guests was mainstream in 2020. Of course the COST of a COVID wedding went down from $28,000 in 2019 to $19,000 in 2020, too.
Smaller weddings can come with other financial benefits – like letting couples and families save more money to put toward other goals, like buying their first house. While we are talking about changing old traditions, if you really need cash more than you need flatware and linens, don’t feel bad about requesting cash or gift cards. You can even add them to the registry, to take awkwardness out of your request.
Now that restrictions on gatherings and travel are easing up, you are free to choose an intimate gathering or a huge, over-the-top guest list. Consider the long-term implications of spending that wad of money at the beginning of your life with your love. Perhaps you should choose, instead, a small, family event, even if restrictions aren’t demanding it.
Whether you are renting a neighboring house or a huge, wedding venue, you still are responsible for the alcohol license. Even if you are just offering a champagne toast. Don’t expect the venue to have it or even the caterer. Make sure you ask the question and know that is YOUR responsibility. Apply for a One-Day Alcohol License (also known as a Banquet License), here. Simply choose one-day license. Make sure to apply more than 14 days before you event, as it can sometimes take that long to be approved. We’ll help you along the way, verifying that your application is filled out properly and complete. If you have more questions, call us 800.785.0161.
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