Planning a small wedding can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll make. It allows you to focus on the people who mean the most to you, keep things more relaxed and often save a little budget to spend on those extra touches. But if you’ve ever tried to write a guest list, you’ll know how tricky it can be to keep it small.

Here are five practical tips to help you stick to your small wedding guest list without the stress.

1. Limit Plus-Ones

It’s one of the easiest ways to keep numbers down. Instead of automatically offering every guest a plus-one, reserve them for people in long-term relationships with partners you actually know. It keeps things personal and avoids a room full of unfamiliar faces on your wedding day.

2. Limit Children

If you’ve got a big family or lots of friends with little ones, this can make a huge difference to your numbers. Many couples now opt for an adults-only celebration, and that’s absolutely fine. The key is to communicate your decision kindly and clearly in your invitations, there are plenty of polite wording options out there to help.

3. Close Friends & Family Only

If you’re going for a really intimate vibe, consider narrowing the list to immediate family and just a handful of close friends. Parents, siblings, grandparents and your ride-or-die crew. This way, your day is filled only with people who play the biggest roles in your life right now.

4. Keep Your Guest List Private

The more people hear about who’s on your list, the more opinions (and pressure) you might face. To save yourself the stress, keep your guest list between you and your partner for as long as possible. If you do share it, let others know you’re keeping things intentionally small and the list is final.

5. Stick to Your Ground & Don’t Overthink for your small wedding

It’s easy to feel guilty about not inviting that old uni mate or distant cousin, especially if you went to their wedding. But remember: this is your day. If they’re not an active part of your life, chances are they’ll understand (and may not even expect an invite). Trust your instincts and focus on celebrating with the people who matter most.

The bottom line: A small guest list means more time, attention and love for each person you invite. It’s not about who you leave out but about making space for the people who make your world brighter.

And with a smaller crowd, it also means you can really treat your guests to something memorable. Having live music, adds atmosphere without overpowering the room, and feels even more special in an intimate setting. From romantic ceremony moments to a lively dinner entrance, sax can bring everyone together and make your small wedding feel big on heart. Get in touch today.

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