According to The Knot’s 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average number of guests couples have at their wedding was 136. If you live in New Jersey or New York City, or California it’s likely that the number is even higher. While having a large wedding is fun and exciting, it can sometimes lack that sense of intimacy smaller weddings have. We’ve put together a guide to help you create an intimate feel for your wedding even if your guest list exceeds 400 people.
With the right steps, you can have it all – a large wedding with a warm sense of intimacy. Read on to see how to make a large wedding venue feel intimate:
Host a Wedding Pre-Party
This isn’t just an excuse to have another party, rather it’s a way to spend more face time with your guests as you approach your wedding day. This is especially important for making family and close friends feel connected and included. Having a bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, and even an intimate welcome dinner for out of town guests will go a long way in creating an intimate feel on your wedding day. Another great idea is to host a brunch the next morning with close family, friends and out of town guests.
Make Your Wedding Guests Feel Welcome the Moment They Arrive
No matter what size wedding you have, at The One and Only Westmount Country Club your guests will be welcomed with sparkling champagne and a smile from the moment they step inside our facility.
You can also put up welcome signs to greet guests to the ceremony or reception. Providing them with a schedule of the day, especially if you’re holding your ceremony on-site, is another welcoming touch.
If they are staying in a hotel, providing welcome baskets with some wedding details and even things to do in the area will also go a long way.
Consider the Ambiance of the Room
There are some small adjustments you can request to make your wedding feel more intimate and cozy. Warm lighting is one great example. Both our Grand Ballroom and Continental Room are filled with lots of natural light, and as the sun goes down warm, cozy lighting in the rooms will provide a relaxed, intimate feel to your reception.
You should also think about the centerpieces you choose. While large centerpieces are stunning and grand, they can make it difficult for guests to see or interact with others at their table. Consider your centerpiece from the guest’s point of view when making your final decision. Incorporating candles into your decor and centerpieces is another great way to create an intimate mood.
Encourage Guests to Mingle During Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour is the perfect time for guests to mingle and interact with one another. Food is served buffet style encouraging your guests to get up and move around the room. It’s also a perfect time for you and your new spouse to mingle as well, which brings us to our next point.
Mingle With Your Guests
Yes, it’s your wedding day and you want to enjoy it and it can be a lot to say hello to each and every guest, but it’s important to acknowledge everyone who has come to celebrate with you. Having a receiving line right after the ceremony is one way to do this. Other couples choose to mingle with guests during their cocktail hour, while some choose to do so during the seated dinner. Other couples choose to greet and thank guests for coming at the end of their wedding instead. Choose whichever way that best suits you and your soon-to-be-spouse, but don’t skip this important step.
Invite Everyone to the Dance Floor
For your first dance your DJ or band will likely invite all of your guests to watch your first dance as a newlywed couple. Following this dance is the perfect time to encourage your guests to join you on the dance floor. Some couples choose to go into another slow dance, while others may decide to jump right into the partying with a faster number.
