Whether you planned to party with a crowd or that guest list seemed to multiply overnight, there are so many great reasons to have a big wedding. There are very few times when you get to have all of the people you love in one place, so why not make the most of it? And a crowd can lead to a killer dance party! But of course, the thing you can sometimes lose is a feeling of intimacy, especially when the guest count starts to creep past 200 people. So, how do you give your big day that personal, warm, and inviting vibe, even when there are more guests than you had in your high school class? We have a few expert tips to help you make a big wedding feel intimate.
Big guest lists mean big spaces, which can sometimes feel too sprawling and sterile instead of cozy and personal, so it will take a few feats of design (and careful planning) to make your guests feel welcome instead of just part of the crowd.
It all starts with your venue. While huge ballrooms and function spaces might be your first choice, instead look for a space with more personality. Time your day to move guests through the venue, giving them a tour from the ceremony on the lawn to cocktails on the patio to dinner inside. Moving guests through multiple spaces (versus having everything all in the same place) allows you to work with spaces that might be on the smaller size, creating a cozier feel.
