When you imagine your wedding day, what comes to mind? Do you picture it as an intimate dinner with your closest friends and family? Or perhaps, you want it to be a lively celebration with a band, a packed dance floor, and hundreds of guests cheering you on?
Whichever one you desire, the choice between a small gathering and a large celebration often comes down to wedding sizes. And equally important is the wedding venue size. These two choices will shape almost everything about your special day, from the ceremony, guest list, and reception to décor and catering.
To choose what’s right for you, you should know the difference between small vs large wedding venues, and the pros and cons of each.
In this blog, we help you understand just that.
What Do Wedding Sizes Really Mean?
As someone who is planning their wedding, these questions will be at the top of your head:
- What is an average-sized wedding?
- What is the typical wedding size?
- What is considered a large wedding?
- How can I decide on small wedding venues vs large wedding venues?
Here are all the answers you need:
What is Considered a Big Wedding?
Wondering how many people is considered a big wedding? Well, most planners agree that once you pass 150 guests, you’re in “big wedding” territory.
And, if you’re planning a 150 people wedding or more, you’ll need to consider a banquet hall in Los Angeles or other large event venues Los Angeles. These spaces are designed to accommodate large crowds and will have the right infrastructure; think dance floors to professional catering.
What’s a Small Wedding Size?
Typically, a small wedding size is 50 guests or fewer. These micro gatherings feel personal and relaxed, giving you the chance to connect with everyone there. Many small venues in Los Angeles cater to this style of celebration, offering cozy atmospheres where details like a curated wedding menu or unique décor can really shine.
Medium-Sized Weddings: The Comfortable Middle Ground
Not every wedding falls neatly into the “small” or “large” category. Many couples find themselves in the middle with a medium sized wedding of about 80 to 120 guests. Think of it as the Goldilocks option—not too small, not too big, but just right.
An average sized wedding is often large enough to create energy and excitement, yet still manageable when it comes to budget and logistics. It gives you a substantial wedding party size without feeling overwhelming. Also, medium-sized venue in Los Angeles often strike that ‘just right’balance between space and intimacy.
Why Wedding Size Matters When Choosing a Venue
Think of it this way: in a small venue, your best friend’s toast might feel like an intimate conversation. In a large hall, it becomes a performance, echoing across the room as hundreds of people raise their glasses.
Remember, neither is better or worse—it’s about matching the atmosphere to your vision.
Small Wedding Venues: Cozy and Intimate
Here, the focus is on quality over quantity. You can savor time with each guest, spend more per person on things like a creative catering menu in Los Angeles, and personalize your ceremony and reception with thoughtful details. Many couples find that smaller weddings are less stressful to plan, and that the end result is often warmer and more memorable.
Think of it this way: in a small venue, your best friend’s toast might feel like an intimate conversation. In a large hall, it becomes a performance, echoing across the room as hundreds of people raise their glasses.
Remember, neither is better or worse—it’s about matching the atmosphere to your vision.
Small Wedding Venues: Cozy and Intimate
Here, the focus is on quality over quantity. You can savor time with each guest, spend more per person on things like a creative catering menu in Los Angeles, and personalize your ceremony and reception with thoughtful details. Many couples find that smaller weddings are less stressful to plan, and that the end result is often warmer and more memorable.
The Trade-Offs
On the flip side, you’ll need to keep your guest list tight, which can be a challenge if you have large families or wide social circles. And while you’ll have freedom to decorate your wedding venue, certain traditions, like an expansive wedding reception layout or live entertainment, may not fit as naturally.
Large Wedding Venues: Full of Energy
A large wedding carries undeniable energy. Walking into a ballroom filled with 200 people applauding your entrance is an experience you’ll never forget. Large venues, like wedding venues in Los Angeles that specialize in big celebrations, often come with built-in benefits: professional staff, in-house catering in Los Angeles, valet parking, and spacious dance floors that can truly handle a big crowd.
The Trade-Offs
Of course, size comes with added complexity. More guests mean more logistics. We’re talking about higher costs, more planning, and the need to carefully calculate catering portions so no one leaves hungry. And while the atmosphere is incredible, it can be harder to spend meaningful time with each person when you have a crowd of 250.
How to Choose a Wedding Venue Based on Size
So, how do you decide between small vs large wedding venues? The answer lies in asking the right questions.
Start with Your Guest List
Begin by looking at the size of your wedding party and your overall guest list. Are you closer to 40, 120, or 200? This number will naturally guide you toward small venues, a medium-sized venue in Los Angeles, or one of the large event venues Los Angeles is known for.
Factor in Your Budget
Each extra guest adds to the cost of catering, rentals, and décor. A good provider will help you understand how your guest count translates into expenses and guide you in finding the right balance between your vision and your budget.
Think About Flow
Wedding size also impacts how the day unfolds. Smaller groups move easily from ceremony to reception, while larger guest lists need more structured transitions, from seating charts to buffet lines. Considering the flow of your day can help you decide which size of venue will work best.
Think About Your Energy
Ask yourself how you want to feel on the day. Do you thrive in the energy of a big crowd, or do you feel more at ease sharing moments with a smaller circle? The answer often points you toward the right wedding size, and the type of venue that can best support it.
Consider Location and Services
Finally, think about practicalities. Do you prefer traditional wedding venues in Los Angeles, a chic restaurant vs venue setup, or something outdoors? Will the venue let you decorate your wedding venue, or do they offer ready-made packages with specific wedding reception layouts?
These details might seem small, but they often determine how seamless your day feels—and whether the venue can truly accommodate your vision from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the choice between a small, medium, or large wedding comes down to the kind of celebration you want to create. What matters most is finding a venue that can bring that vision to life.
For couples exploring wedding venues in Los Angeles, Vivaldi Venues in Glendale offers adaptable halls, elegant interiors, and professional services that make planning easier, no matter the size of your guest list. From décor to catering, their team helps manage the details so you can focus on enjoying your day.
Ready to start planning? Contact Vivaldi Venues today and discover a space designed to celebrate your love, your way.