Wedding Size Guide: Guest List Size for Small, Medium, and Large Weddings. What You Need to Know

Planning your wedding guest list is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make—one that directly impacts your budget, venue, timeline, and overall experience. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, understanding the average guest list sizes and the costs associated with each can help you make informed, intentional choices. I recently came across this helpful blog post and decided to share it with you all, along with my own personal opinion and knowledge from working all different types of wedding over the last 16 years. These statistics are for the Seattle and Utah regions. Places late New York City and California markets might be a bit more high than whats listed.

Here’s a breakdown of what typically defines small, medium, and large weddings, along with their average costs, pros, cons, and logistical considerations.

Small Weddings (10–50 guests)

Average Cost: $10,000–$20,000
Per Guest Estimate: $200–$400

Pros:

• More time with each guest

• Intimate and personal atmosphere

• Easier to find unique venues like restaurants, Airbnbs, or gardens

• Less stress and coordination required

• Lower total cost (especially for catering and rentals)

Cons:

• Not everyone can be invited, which may cause hurt feelings

• Smaller guest lists may feel less like a “party” and more like a dinner

• Fewer people to celebrate with (some couples love a packed dance floor!)

Logistics to Consider:

• You can splurge more on quality: higher-end food, florals, or a luxury photographer (hi!)

• Travel accommodations are easier to arrange

• Often quicker to plan
  

Medium Weddings (50–150 guests)

Average Cost: $25,000–$45,000
Per Guest Estimate: $175–$300

Pros:

• A good balance of intimacy and celebration

• More flexibility with venues and layout options

• Easier to include extended family and friends

• Feels festive without being overwhelming

Cons:

• Costs start to increase significantly, especially for catering and rentals

• Planning becomes more complex (seating charts, multiple vendors, timelines)

• It can be challenging to balance time with guests

Logistics to Consider:

• Venue size becomes more important—make sure there’s space for dining, dancing, and mingling

• More vendors involved (DJ or band, planners, catering staff)

• Budget can stretch quickly if not carefully managed

Large Weddings (150+ guests)

Average Cost: $50,000+
Per Guest Estimate: $200–$500+

Pros:

• Grand, festive atmosphere with lots of energy

• Everyone you love can be included

• Full experience with all the bells

• and whistles (large wedding party, live entertainment, luxe decor)

• Often includes traditions and cultural elements

Cons:

• Higher cost across all categories: food, rentals, florals, transportation, photography, and planning

• Can feel impersonal or rushed

• Requires extensive planning and coordination (professional planner is a must!)

Logistics to Consider:

• Larger venues or outdoor tents often needed

• Requires more staff and vendor coordination

• Consider shuttle services or hotel blocks for guests

• More potential for logistical hiccups with a higher headcount

How to Choose the Right Guest List Size for You

• Start by deciding what kind of experience you want to have. Is it meaningful connection or a lively celebration?

• Be realistic about your budget and what’s most important to you—photography, food, location, or decor?

• Think about your venue options—some places have strict capacity limits.

• Consider your emotional bandwidth. Do you thrive in a big crowd or crave intimacy?

No matter the size of your wedding, the goal is the same: to celebrate your love in a way that feels true to you. Whether you’re surrounded by 20 people or 200, your wedding can be meaningful, beautiful, and unforgettable. I have put together a very detailed wedding planning guide to help you plan your wedding day with ease.

If you’re looking for timeless, elegant wedding photography—whether you’re planning a cozy elopement or a luxury celebration—I’d love to be part of your story. Reach out to me on my contact page and let’s chat about how we can make your day last forever in photos!