Intimate Wedding vs. a Traditional Wedding

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes, but in recent years, the idea of an intimate wedding has gained popularity. For some couples, a smaller, more intimate celebration feels just right, while others dream of the grandeur and tradition of a larger gathering. If you’re torn between having an intimate wedding or a traditional wedding, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each to help you decide what’s best for your special day.

Photos: Brittany Mahood Photography

What is an Intimate Wedding?

An intimate wedding typically includes fewer than 50 guests and focuses on creating an intimate experience. It combines the structure of a traditional wedding but with a smaller guest list, often allowing for more flexibility and personalization.

The Pros of an Intimate Wedding

Budget-Friendly

One of the biggest draws of a micro wedding is the cost savings. Fewer guests mean fewer expenses—everything from catering to rentals can be reduced, allowing you to either save money or reallocate your budget to splurge on what matters most to you, like amazing food and drinks or a designer dress.

More Intimate Experience

With a smaller guest list, you have more quality time to spend with each of your guests. This creates a more relaxed and personal atmosphere where everyone feels connected and involved in your day.

Less Stress

Planning a wedding for 150+ guests can be overwhelming. A intimate wedding simplifies logistics, allowing for a more straightforward planning process. With fewer details to manage, you can focus on the elements that truly matter to you without getting bogged down by the larger-scale tasks.

Greater Venue Options

With a smaller group, you open up a wider range of venue possibilities. Whether it’s a cozy restaurant, a rooftop garden, or even a beautiful Airbnb, venues that wouldn’t typically accommodate a large event become viable options.

More Personalization

With a smaller event, it’s easier to add personal touches that reflect your style and story as a couple. Whether it’s custom favours, handwritten notes, or a more personalized menu, your wedding can feel deeply connected to you and your guests.

Photos: Megan Steen Photography

The Cons of an Intimate Wedding

Limited Guest List

The smaller guest count means you’ll likely have to make some tough decisions about who to invite. For couples with large families or many friends, narrowing down the guest list can feel restrictive and may lead to difficult conversations.

Less of a Party Atmosphere

If you envision a lively celebration with dancing, music, and a full dance floor, an intimate wedding may feel a little quieter. While this can be a pro for some, others might miss the big party atmosphere that often comes with a larger wedding.

Fewer Traditional Elements

A smaller wedding often means some traditional elements, like a large bridal party or grand reception entrance, may not be as fitting. For couples who value these traditions, an intimate wedding might not fully align with their vision.

Photos: Bennett Murphy-Mills Photography

The Pros of a Traditional Wedding

Incorporates Family and Friends

With a traditional wedding, you can invite a larger number of people, ensuring that all your loved ones—family, friends, and even co-workers—can be part of your celebration. For couples who want to include their extended social circles, this is a big plus.

Big Celebratory Atmosphere

For those who dream of a big, lively party, a traditional wedding offers just that. With a packed dance floor, elaborate decor, and all the wedding traditions like cake cutting and bouquet tossing, there’s a festive energy that comes with a larger gathering.

Opportunities for Traditions

Traditional weddings often allow for the inclusion of cultural or religious traditions that might be difficult to incorporate in a smaller setting. Whether it’s a church ceremony, a large bridal party, or other meaningful customs, a traditional wedding can provide the stage for these significant moments.

More Gift-Giving Guests

While this isn’t the most important aspect of a wedding, a larger guest list typically means more wedding gifts. This can be helpful for couples who are starting their lives together and would appreciate the support from family and friends.

Photos: Brittany Mahood Photography

The Cons of a Traditional Wedding

Higher Cost

With more guests comes more expenses—venue size, catering, rentals, entertainment, and favours all add up quickly in a traditional wedding. For couples on a tight budget, the costs can be overwhelming.

More Stressful to Plan

Planning a wedding for a large group requires more attention to detail, organization, and coordination. Managing a bigger guest list, more vendors, and complex logistics can result in more stress leading up to the big day.

Less Time with Each Guest

While having a larger guest list means you get to share your day with more people, it also means you have less time to spend with each guest. You may find yourself rushing through quick conversations and struggling to connect with everyone in attendance.

Venue Limitations

Larger weddings often require more spacious venues, which may limit your choices. Additionally, some venues may have restrictions on guest numbers, further complicating your selection process.

Photos: Mandy Wright Photography

Which Wedding Style is Right for You?

When deciding between an intimate wedding and a traditional wedding, consider your priorities. Are you dreaming of an intimate gathering where you can deeply connect with your guests? Or do you envision a big, festive celebration filled with all your friends and family?

There’s no right or wrong answer, only what feels right for you as a couple. Whether you opt for a cozy intimate wedding or a grand traditional affair, the most important thing is that your day reflects your love story and creates memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.