Anyone pre-covid have a wedding with just 20 guests?

[Anonymous]

Curious about the experience of a truly intimate wedding. Were other friends angry they weren’t invited? A big wedding is out of the question for us so it elope or 14 guests (all friends as neither of us have family that can travel). Thinking of picking a drivable inn or ski resort and paying for all accommodations for our guests.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My wedding had 45 people including us, so a bit bigger than you're asking but still quite small. It was 2 long tables in a private room at a fabulous restaurant in NYC. We wanted to throw the best dinner party ever, and that's what it was. Everyone loved it and years later people say it's one of the best weddings they've ever been to because the food was insanely good. Still had open bar and a band. All in it cost under 20K in 2013.

[Anonymous]

We had 10 guests. Small beach ceremony with intimate dinner afterwards. Some family was disappointed, but understood. My MIL was the only person angry, and she could have come. My FIL came, but she refused in principle. Her loss, it was a wonderful day.

We were planning a wedding, but the cost was insane. We decided to use the money for a down payment on our first home instead

[Anonymous]

Yes, but not first wedding for either of us. FWIW, that’s what I also wanted for my first wedding, but my then MIL overruled me.

[Anonymous]

We had 24. Immediate family and our two closest friends only.

It was fabulous. People understood that it wasn’t a question of not making the cut because it was so small. And it was tiny, all held at a lovely country inn with an excellent restaurant that we took over for the weekend. I wouldn’t change a thing.

[Anonymous]

I did. It was a first wedding for me. I had a small circle and did not a huge production. I considered the country inn thing but logistics were too difficult. Had a garden ceremony at Hollin Hall and a reception at 2941 which has a room for 20. I

[Anonymous]

Yes, we did immediate family and a few close friends too. It was nice, not that expensive (also did a country inn with a restaurant) and years later no regrets. I am not comfortable being the center of attention.

[Anonymous]

We had just 12 guests and it was truly wonderful. I don’t know if anyone was upset about not being invited but I certainly never sensed they were.

[Anonymous]

I attended one. The brides cooked all the food themselves (one was a chef). It was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever been to.

[Anonymous]

We had 12 or 14 guests, immediate family only. It was nice. And didn't cost much. Wouldn't have wanted a big ceremony though.

[Anonymous]

We had less than 15 people at our wedding. Immediate family and close friends. At the time, I had a larger “friend” group. They were pissed at not being invited and dropped me from the group (I didn’t care). My actual extended family were supportive and sent cards afterwards.

[Anonymous]

We had immediate family only. Our friends weren't mad. I have good friends who eloped. I wasn't upset. Frankly, people are probably relieved to not have to deal with going to your wedding. People are pleased to be there for you, and a few truly enjoy weddings. But most people just go out of obligation

[Anonymous]

My first wedding (my first husband is deceased) had 18 people in attendance. The entire ceremony and dinner reception were traditional, just small. The ceremony was at St. Mary's and then we had dinner at La Bergerie, which sadly has been closed for a while. I wore a regular bridal gown and my sister who was my maid of honor wore a beautiful bridesmaids dress. We did flowers, a wedding cake, the whole enchilada.
In fact the cake ... it was a 3-tiered wedding cake. The tiers were small but still there were 3 of them!

Yes, I think some people felt left out but we both felt pretty strongly (for different reasons) about keeping it small and intimate. We sent out announcements after the fact. We did not have a big party or anything like that to celebrate our one-year anniversary or anything like that.

I think your plan sounds lovely, OP. I hope that you have a wonderful wedding ceremony and celebration, and I wish you and your future spouse many years of happiness together.

[Anonymous]

We had around 20 guests. I think if I had to do it over I might just elope. I also thought about a destination wedding which if it's kind of local might be nice, and easier to plan than an actual remote location.

[Anonymous]

We had 35 people. We both have small families so that made it easier. About 15 of the 35 were family or very close family friends. The rest were our friends. It was perfect.