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As a caterer, I have seen the full spectrum of weddings, grand 400 plus guests, 100 guests in a more intimate setting, and when it comes to choosing what kind of wedding and reception you want, here are some factors to keep in mind:

Large wedding:
Do I know everyone that is going to attend?

I, myself am a pretty social person, but I don't personally know 500 people first and last name that I would invite to share my day, but there are many people with huge families that you don't want to exclude. If large wedding is what you have in mind, about 70% of the people you actually invite are able to attend.

At least make your rounds and personally thank every table for their attendance at your event. The more people, naturally, the more time it will take to do this. Have one of your bridesmaids tag along to politely remove you from a guest that is monopolizing your time.

Food, especially for a larger wedding, make sure that the caterer brings enough of a selection for your guests, with alternate menus for diabetic, vegetarians, and wheat allergies.

With a large wedding, a schedule letting your guests know where to go and what is coming next is always helpful. Recommend having a day of wedding consultant.

Gift gathering - Put someone you trust to gather your gifts and gift cards to a predetermined location.

Hire a clean up crew, you spent thousands on your wedding and reception, you shouldn't be cleaning up garbage, see if the caterer has this option, or hire a youth organization looking to make a little extra money.

Wedding crashers - With larger weddings, it's harder to notice the people that don't belong, if you can, have a list at the door, with table assignments, this way people know where they should sit, and you don't end up with freeloaders. Multiple tables with smiling attendants will get everyone organized faster and in a more orderly fashion.

Smaller Weddings -

When choosing to go with a smaller amount of people you can lessen your overall costs by inviting less, or have a formal experience in an intimate setting.

Many venues have limits to the amount of guests, so try to stay around there for your invitations and RSVPs. If you want an adult only affair, let it be stated in your invitation, kids are cute, but for some functions, having an adult only wedding may make things smoother.

When there are children, have activities to keep little ones busy, hire a couple of nannies and have a space available for little ones who get overwhelmed to relax and play.

Same process with the greetings at the table, thank them all for coming by name if you can.

I hope that helps out some brides and grooms to be!

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A wedding magazine is the perfect start to planning your wedding; browse for ideas, pick styles and colors, and get in touch with the reality of planning.

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