With the pandemic, the one factor that everyone was required to deal with was the inability as a group to celebrate the most personal hallmarks of living, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and most tragically, funerals.

Weddings that had been planned well in advance, sites booked, caterers contracted, and dresses delivered were suddenly put on hold indefinitely.

Brides who had planned on large bash receptions for 150 quickly realized it would not be in the near or not-so-near future.

Some postponed for a year, some indefinitely, but many decided to have smaller wedding celebrations with their closest family members and friends that they truly valued. In thirty years of catering weddings, these were the least stressed brides I’ve ever enjoyed the pleasure of serving.

Since everyone in the world was dealing with the same restrictions and fears, couples realized that no one was offended by not being invited and guests that would have normally felt obligated to include were suddenly not part of the equation.

So many brides have told me that it was a whirlwind after a large wedding. They don’t remember talking to half of the people there and regretfully were so caught up in the logistics of moving a large party forward on time, were never able to completely be in the moment.

Smaller, more intimate weddings mean less stress, less cost, and more flexibility

The brides who were ‘forced’ to have smaller groups ranging from 25 to 75, were the most relaxed and happy I’ve seen. One bride spent at least half of her time sitting with her great-grandparents telling stories and sharing memories. She later recounted how wonderful that was and was certain that it never would have occurred with the originally planned wedding of 150. Now that was an irreplaceable memory.

If you have to plan a smaller wedding, remember the advantages and truly enjoy your special day.

Couples have more recently attended smaller weddings and have experienced the advantage. Wisely, they have opted for a smaller guest count and thus, saved so much of the stress, money, and time they would have committed to a large gathering. Most admitted that the perfect size was around 80 guests and included the people they wanted to share this special moment with and not those they felt obligated to invite.

If you are concerned that your numbers are growing exponentially and include cousins you haven’t seen in years, workmates that you only grab lunch with, or neighbors you once lived next to ask yourself this; would listening to our vows and being present for this incredibly personal and hallmark moment, be an event these people would even want to attend If there wasn’t a ‘party involved’ after?

To avoid stress and to enjoy every moment of your day, smaller more manageable numbers make everything easier. This is the day to be with the people most valuable to you and your partner.

Here’s to your love and the ones that love you both.