Wedding Size

The size of your wedding is usually determined by your budget, not your level of enthusiasm. If money is an object (and it usually is), party planners advise self-restraint.
A wedding reception is your biggest expense as a new couple -- representing about half of what you will spend, so do your homework and make the best choices for you.
The size and style of your wedding are somewhat related. Formal weddings are usually large, with guests numbering up to 300 or beyond. Since formal weddings traditionally include a sit-down dinner, they are more expensive.
Informal weddings can be large, too, but the celebration dinner is often served buffet-style. Either way, you'll want to get several quotes from caterers and venues before you make the final decision to go large or small.

Here are some factors to consider when planning the size of your wedding:
" You're not obligated to invite guests or escorts of your single friends. You should, however, invite your guest's long-time steady or live-in girlfriend or boyfriend.
" Do you want to have your wedding in an unusual location? This may limit the number of guests.
" Do the parents of both parties want their own guest list included?
" If you can't afford to invite everyone important to you, reconsider your reception location. If you find an atypical location or a popular location during the off-season for the right price, you can free up your budget to include more guests.
" Since more guests mean more food, think of ways to cut down on your catering bill. Or vice versa.
" Rethink the time of day of your wedding. How about a morning ceremony followed by a reception brunch?