Does Having a Smaller Wedding Actually Save You Money?

There are lots of lovely reasons to choose a smaller wedding. You may love the idea of celebrating with only the people you're closest to, want something more relaxed and intimate, or simply not have a huge guest list.
But there's another reason couples often consider going smaller: surely fewer guests means a cheaper wedding?

The answer is... sometimes!
Having fewer guests can absolutely reduce the cost of your wedding, but probably not in quite as many areas as you might initially think. Some wedding costs are directly linked to your guest numbers, while others will cost roughly the same whether you're inviting 30 people or 80.

Where can you save by having fewer guests?

Photo Credit: Zayd Images

The most obvious saving is usually food and beverages.

If your caterer charges per person, reducing your guest list can make a significant difference. The same applies to drinks. Fewer people naturally means less wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks to provide.

There can be savings in other areas too, including:

• Invitations and stationery

• Table linen and place settings

• Guest transport

• Favours, if you're having them

• Some elements of your florals and table styling

• Furniture or equipment that needs to be hired per guest

These smaller savings can quickly add up.

But Plenty of Wedding Costs Don’t Change

This is the part that’s easy to overlook when working out your wedding budget.

Some wedding expenses remain fairly similar whether you’re celebrating with 30 guests or 80 guests.

Your photographer isn’t likely to cost less because there are fewer people at your wedding. The same applies to your celebrant, wedding attire, hair and makeup, entertainment, wedding rings, and flowers for your wedding party.

Depending on the venue you choose, your venue hire may also remain the same regardless of your guest numbers.

So while reducing your guest list can lower your overall wedding spend, it doesn’t necessarily mean your wedding will cost less than half as much.

A Smaller Wedding Can Also Mean Spending Differently

Photo Credit: Stacey Cavalier Photography

One of the things we love about smaller weddings is that couples often use the opportunity to create a different kind of celebration.

With fewer guests to cater for, you may decide to put your budget towards the things that matter most to you.

This could mean:

• Investing in an incredible dining experience

• Choosing premium florals

• Booking a photographer you’ve always loved

• Providing accommodation for your closest family and friends

• Offering a special guest experience

• Creating a full wedding weekend rather than a single-day celebration

A smaller guest list can give you more flexibility to personalise your wedding and focus on the moments you value most.

Of course, you can also choose to save the difference and put it towards your future together.

So, Is a Smaller Wedding Cheaper?

Photo Credit: Libby Ellmers Photography

It certainly can be.

If keeping your wedding budget down is important to you, reducing your guest numbers is one of the most effective places to start. Catering and beverages are often some of the biggest wedding expenses, so having fewer guests can create meaningful savings.

However, the most important question is:

Who do you genuinely want there when you get married?

If the answer is 25 people, wonderful.

If it’s 85, that’s wonderful too.

Your guest list should reflect the kind of wedding experience you want to create and the people you want by your side, not simply a number you feel your wedding should have.

Photo Credit: George and Jane Photography

Thinking About a Smaller Wedding in Christchurch?

We’ve seen some incredibly special smaller celebrations here at Waipuna Estate. With fewer guests, there is often more opportunity for everyone to spend quality time together, and the entire day can feel relaxed, personal, and meaningful.

Whether you’re planning an intimate garden ceremony, a beautiful dinner with your closest loved ones, or a celebration surrounded by family and friends, Waipuna Estate provides a stunning setting for weddings of all sizes.

If you’re considering a more intimate celebration, you might also like our guide to Planning a Small Intimate Wedding in Christchurch, where we share more ideas and advice for creating a beautiful wedding with a smaller guest list.

Ready to see if Waipuna Estate is the right setting for your wedding? Explore our wedding packages or book a viewing and come experience the venue for yourself.

Photo Credit: Koru Photography