Having 175+ or perhaps even 300+ guests? Worried it might not feel intimate but you don’t want to trim the list? I’ve got several solutions for you that will help make your big guest list still feel like an intimate wedding for you and your guests!
Seating 25+ tables all in one large ballroom or event space is going to feel massive. It’s a sea of tables everywhere you look. Instead, look for a venue that breaks up the space with columns or other architectural elements or bushes or landscape elements if outdoors.
Susan of Weddings by Susan Dunne says, “First start by designing your floor layout to feel cozy, you can do this by adding multiple sections of long tables to create an intimate feel. Also consider changing your plated dinner to family style dinner, this way your guests can pass the bread and create a warm and inviting family dinner. Lastly, have fun and think outside the box by curating something that truly represent you as a couple.”
Can’t find a venue that offers “space breakups” like I mentioned above? Create your own by renting hedges, lounges, or even cabanas that make you feel like you’re in multiple rooms. That will help “shrink” the space and make your large guest list seem much more intimate.
Callista of Callista and Company adds, “Well-designed layouts are a smart way to make a large guest list feel more intimate. Seat guests at a couple of very long tables instead of breaking everyone into smaller groups during dinner. Then encourage guests to mingle after dinner with an abundance of comfortable lounge furniture, dessert stations, and an interactive alternative to a traditional guest book.”
Heather of LVL Weddings and Events says, “When you have a large number of guests, I suggest hosting a full wedding weekend! That way you can say hello to many of the guests at the welcome party the night before, enjoy the wedding and not worry about getting to speak to everyone and then mingle at brunch sharing stories of the incredible night before.”
She also offers an excellent tip for large weddings. “Remember moving a large number of guests from one area to the other can take a bit of time, as well as dinner service is longer so be sure to stretch out your reception timing to ensure a smooth flow and plenty of time for service, formalities and dancing!”
“Personalization is key when aiming to make a large guest list feel more intimate. Greet your guests with a handwritten note in their welcome gift. Incorporate time to talk to each guest at some point during your wedding weekend (pre and post events are key for accomplishing this), and consider leaving a thoughtful message on your guests’ dinner menus or escort cards. Then show your guests extra appreciation after you receive images from your photographer, by sending out curated selections of images of interest to them,” says Callista of Callista and Company.