Are you trying to decide on a wedding size? The size of your wedding impacts so much about your day, so it’s important to carefully consider your options. You can opt for a large, 200-person wedding, a medium-sized affair, or a small or micro wedding. Keep reading as we dive into the pros and cons of having a small wedding, including the benefits of a micro wedding in Lake Tahoe.

4 Pros and Cons of Having a Small Wedding

We know that choosing your wedding size can be one of the most challenging aspects of wedding planning. Here are four pros and cons to help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of having a smaller, more intimate celebration (typically 10-50 guests). Plus, we’re sharing the benefits of going super small with a Lake Tahoe micro wedding (typically 10 or fewer guests)! 

Small Wedding “Pro” #1

Having a small wedding means having a small guest list. Having a small guest list means you have more time with each guest. With a limited number of attendees, you can engage in meaningful conversations and create lasting memories with everyone present. This intimate setting fosters deeper connections, allowing you to truly appreciate the presence of your closest family and friends. It also opens up the opportunity for personalized touches and moments that a larger wedding might not afford, making the event feel even more special.

Small Wedding “Con” #1

You might find it hard to exclude people from your guest list. Deciding who makes the cut can be stressful and may lead to hurt feelings among those who aren’t invited. Friends and extended family members might feel left out, and navigating these relationships becomes a delicate task. The limited guest list could also mean that some significant people in your life, such as coworkers or distant relatives, miss out on sharing this important day.

Benefit of a Lake Tahoe Micro Wedding

Having only 10 guests makes it easy for you to explain to people why they weren’t invited. When planning a micro wedding in a stunning location like Lake Tahoe, the exclusivity of the event becomes a clear reason for the limited invitations. It’s easier for your friends and acquaintances to understand that you wanted an exceptionally intimate celebration. 

Small Wedding “Pro” #2

The average small wedding cost is less expensive than a traditional wedding, allowing you to allocate your budget toward other priorities. You can splurge on other elements, such as a luxurious honeymoon, exquisite decor, or custom attire. It also provides an opportunity to invest in high-quality experiences for the guests who do attend, ensuring a memorable and elegant affair without breaking the bank.

Small Wedding “Con” #2

Limited budget flexibility may result in sacrifices in other areas. While the overall cost is lower, you might find that certain desired elements, like a premium venue or elaborate decorations, remain out of reach due to the confined budget. This can lead to tough choices about prioritizing certain aspects of the wedding over others, potentially compromising your vision for your special day. Balancing the desire for an intimate celebration with the quality of the experience can be a challenging task.

Benefit of a Lake Tahoe Micro Wedding

With a micro wedding, you can focus your budget on creating a truly unique and luxurious celebration. Having only a handful of guests allows for an investment in high-end services and amenities that would be impractical for a larger crowd. In a place like Lake Tahoe, this might mean booking a lakeside venue, hiring a gourmet chef for a private dining experience, or arranging bespoke activities like a boat tour or scenic hike. The reduced guest list ensures every detail is meticulously planned and executed, offering an unparalleled level of personalization and quality.

Small Wedding “Pro” #3

Having a small wedding means you can incorporate more personalized and creative ceremony details. With fewer guests to manage, you can take the time to craft unique, heartfelt elements that reflect your relationship. This might include writing personalized vows, incorporating meaningful traditions, or designing custom decor that holds sentimental value. The intimate atmosphere also provides the perfect setting for interactive elements, such as guest participation in the ceremony, making the event feel exceptionally special and memorable.

Small Wedding “Con” #3

There may be less room for a traditional grand celebration. Larger weddings often come with a sense of grandeur, from opulent venues to extensive entertainment options. With a smaller guest list, the scale of the event is naturally reduced, which might limit your ability to host elaborate festivities like a full-scale live band or a grand ballroom reception. You might feel that the intimacy of a small wedding doesn’t quite capture the celebratory spirit you envisioned for your big day.

Benefit of a Lake Tahoe Micro Wedding

A micro wedding in Lake Tahoe offers you the perfect blend of intimacy and breathtaking natural beauty, creating a memorable experience without the need for grandiose elements. The stunning landscape serves as its own form of decoration, providing a picturesque backdrop that enhances the overall ambiance. With only a few close loved ones in attendance, you can infuse your ceremony with deeply personal touches, knowing that the beauty of the surroundings will complement and elevate the intimate atmosphere. This balance ensures a heartfelt celebration that feels both special and visually spectacular.

Small Wedding “Pro” #4

Planning a small wedding is typically less stressful and time-consuming. With fewer guests to coordinate, you face fewer logistical challenges and decisions to make. This simplicity allows you to focus on enjoying the planning process without becoming overwhelmed by intricate details and large-scale arrangements. The more manageable scope of a small wedding often leads to a smoother, more relaxed event where you can fully immerse yourself in the joy of your special day.

Small Wedding “Con” #4

Even with the benefits of simplicity, the emotional toll of excluding certain friends or family members can weigh heavily and may even counteract the stress-free planning process of a small wedding. The pressure to keep the event small might lead to difficult conversations and feelings of guilt. Balancing the desire for a stress-free planning process while preserving relationships can prove to be a challenge.

Benefit of a Lake Tahoe Micro Wedding

A micro wedding in Lake Tahoe minimizes planning stress while maximizing the impact of the event. The intimate nature of a micro wedding means that you can carefully curate every detail without the complexity of managing a large guest list. The serene environment of Lake Tahoe naturally promotes relaxation, allowing you to focus on the beauty of your surroundings and the significance of your commitment. With fewer logistical concerns, you can enjoy a seamless planning process and a tranquil, unforgettable celebration.

North Tahoe Event Center Is the Perfect Venue, No Matter How Small You Go

Whether you plan on having a small wedding or want a Lake Tahoe micro wedding, choosing North Tahoe Event Center as your wedding venue will make your intimate celebration spectacular. With breathtaking views and a serene setting, our venue offers the perfect backdrop for your big day, no matter how small (or big!) your guest list is. Get in touch today to learn more and schedule a tour of our space!