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Just Said Yes April 2020

Too Few Guests!?

Laura, on June 28, 2018 at 3:16 PM Posted in Planning 0 8
HELP! My hubby and really want to plan a vow renewal since our wedding didn't go as traditionally as we would have preferred (minor understatement!) the first time round. My dilemma is that we dont know very many people. How many guests is too few? Right now our list is only upto about 15 that we would want to invite.

The ceremony would take place in a beautiful outside location, of which there are plenty of options where we live so this is not a concern. The reception is where I'm struggling. I dont want our guests to be bored. Our idea for the "reception" is just an elegant dinner in a fine dining restaurant with live jazz. Do you think this would work? What elements do you think we should add (if any) to pad out the event?

Our main motivation for wanting to do this renewal is that we had only known each other for a very brief time when we tied the knot. Now, 5 years on, we feel we are at the stage now where we would naturally be talking about getting married, had our beginning been a bit more conventional. We never had proper photography (I have 1 or 2 candid smart phone photos that were taken by guests of that day that I actually like) which really saddens us. Our vows will be so much more meaningful now, since back then we were more or less taking a chance of one another. Now we have built a foundation and want to honor it with a more formal event. I value tradition, despite my crazy getting married on a whim! And I just want to solidify our union and make it "proper". I would like for hubs to wear a tux and for me to be in a floor length art deco/gala style bridal dress. Not the traditional white poofy gig with tons of tulle, since I recognize this is not a wedding. But just to give you an idea of what o have in mind visually...

I am English and my hubby is American. We live in Charleston SC.

Any thoughts/ideas appreciated!

Thanks! Xo

8 Comments

Latest activity by Amy, on June 28, 2018 at 7:04 PM
  • DC Wife 10.27.18
    Master October 2018
    DC Wife 10.27.18 ·
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    I actually prefer an intimate wedding. I don't think its possible to have "too few" guests. I think your plan sounds lovely. The most important people will be there and that's you and your husband.

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  • Kristina
    Master August 2018
    Kristina ·
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    There's never "too few" guests. I think this sounds lovely! A small, intimate dinner afterwards won't get boring as long as you don't expect them to be there longer than a few hours!

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  • B
    Dedicated June 2018
    Brooke ·
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    I attended a similar wedding.. they did a morning ceremony and a big brunch afterward. It was fabulous for a smaller group. We then took afternoon naps and went a nightclub that evening and reserved a VIP area for those who wanted to continue the party later.

    I think your idea is spot on because it fits you two and includes only those who truly matter to you. Charleston is an amazing city so you won't have any shortage of beautiful locations for photos!

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  • M
    Super October 2018
    Michelle ·
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    I only have 9 guests and our reception is dinner in a private room at a restaurant. We hope they will not be bored with alcohol and food. We do plan to have a little mad lib game where guests can fill in the blank, such as best marriage advice, how many kids they think we will have, etc. I don't think there needs to be a lot of entertainment as long as you are okay with a family dinner vibe. Our reception after pictures is 2 hours.
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  • Kari
    Savvy September 2018
    Kari ·
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    That sounds great, never too few. I honestly would have been fine eloping in a hot air balloon... (That is a thing near me!) If you want easy planning there are places that call it eloping, but you get small cake/music/photos/music and it can have about 25 guests if you are wanting more like a packaged deal. I personally loved the idea because it was at a state park by waterfalls and such but our guest list is starting out before declines, at 115 people due to close relatives and family friends. Invite as little as you like. If I was from SC area I would be more help in suggestions but I can only share what I have come across in OH.

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  • The Nuptials
    VIP July 2018
    The Nuptials ·
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    I would treat these folks to something special and make the event black tie with all the trimmings.
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  • L
    Just Said Yes April 2020
    Laura ·
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    Yes! The black tie vibe is definitely what I am going for. When you say treat them, can you elaborate? Do you mean by way of a gift? Or..?
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  • A
    Savvy December 2022
    Amy ·
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    As long as the people that you want most are there, that is all that matters. The number of guests don't. It's your day, enjoy it!
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