Planning a wedding involves a whirlwind of decisions, and among the biggest is finding the right-sized venue. Should it be a small, cosy space that gives everyone the warm fuzzies, or a grand hall where your love story plays out like a grand spectacle? It’s an exciting, yet important choice. But don’t stress—we’re here to help guide you through it.

What’s the Vibe You’re After?

Let’s start with how you want your day to feel. Do you picture a day surrounded by your nearest and dearest, sharing meaningful moments with everyone you pass, or is your dream more about dancing under chandeliers with hundreds of guests, all cheering you on? Picturing this will help you to understand what type of wedding you want and what sort of Cambridgeshire wedding venue you should consider.

An intimate wedding often brings a sense of closeness. It’s more personal, allowing for longer conversations with your guests and a relaxed vibe. You’ll be able to interact with everyone at the event, making it feel like a special gathering of those closest to you.

A grand wedding has an entirely different energy. There’s a palpable buzz in the air when you have hundreds of guests, and the larger venue can lend itself to a bigger, more dramatic production. Imagine a large dance floor filled with laughter, speeches echoing through a majestic hall, and your grand entrance making a real statement.

So, when choosing between an intimate or grand wedding venue, think about the atmosphere you want. Do you want your wedding to feel like a cosy family dinner or an epic celebration?

Guest List: Size Matters

It might seem obvious, but the size of your guest list will likely be the first thing to guide your venue decision. Before you can start venue hunting, you need to know how many people will be attending. It’s one thing to imagine a grand, sprawling venue, but will it feel empty if you’ve only invited 50 people? Likewise, squeezing 200 guests into a charming, intimate venue can quickly turn into a logistical headache.

  • Small weddings (up to 50 guests) – If your guest list is more modest, a smaller venue will keep things comfortable and ensure the space doesn’t feel oversized for the number of people attending.
  • Medium weddings (50-150 guests) – This is the sweet spot for many couples. You can opt for a medium-sized venue that still feels intimate but gives you enough space for dancing, mingling, and seating guests comfortably.
  • Large weddings (150+ guests) – Bigger weddings naturally call for bigger venues. A grand ballroom, a spacious outdoor setting, or even a historical building can provide the room you need to accommodate everyone without feeling cramped.

Once you’ve got a good handle on your guest list, it’ll be much easier to narrow down the venues that suit your needs.

Budget Considerations

Weddings come with a wide range of costs, and your venue will likely take up a big slice of that pie. Larger venues tend to cost more, not just in rental fees, but also in the extras—more tables, more chairs, more decor, and sometimes more staff to keep everything running smoothly.

An intimate venue, on the other hand, can help you save on a few of these expenses. Since you’re catering to a smaller crowd, you’ll need fewer resources to pull it all together. It’s also worth noting that smaller venues can often feel naturally decorated. Think rustic barns, cosy gardens, or small boutique hotels where less is needed to make the space feel special.

On the other side, grand venues can be worth the splurge if you want that “wow” factor. These venues often come with larger capacities and the infrastructure needed to handle bigger events—like parking, on-site staff, and more amenities. But with that grandeur comes a higher price tag.

Venue Style and Personality

Your venue is more than just a place to host a party; it’s a backdrop to one of the most memorable days of your life. So, beyond size, think about its style and how it aligns with your wedding vision.

Intimate venues are often brimming with character. Whether it’s a charming countryside cottage, a chic restaurant, or a quiet beach setting, small venues offer a sense of individuality and personal touch. The cosy charm of these spaces often makes them naturally beautiful, meaning less effort (and budget) required for decorating.

Grand venues have their own charm too, often providing a blank slate for you to build your dream day. Imagine elegant estates, majestic castles, or luxury hotels, all ready to be transformed. These spaces can host larger-scale weddings with a variety of setups, giving you the freedom to go all out with elaborate decor if that’s what you’re after.

Logistical Ease: Don’t Forget Practicalities

While style and atmosphere are vital, you’ll also want to make sure the venue works for your guests. Consider things like travel and accommodation. A larger venue in a more remote location might require guests to find overnight stays, while a smaller venue close to home could make logistics simpler.

Another thing to think about is how flexible the venue is with things like catering, layout, and entertainment. Smaller venues might come with some restrictions in these areas, while larger venues often have more options, giving you more freedom in how your day is structured.

Reflecting on Your Priorities

At the end of the day, choosing between an intimate or grand wedding venue comes down to what matters most to you. Are you aiming for a close-knit gathering, where every guest is part of your inner circle? Or do you envision a massive celebration with plenty of space for everyone you love and more?

Think about your guest list, your budget, the atmosphere you want, and the venue’s personality. Most importantly, choose what feels right for you and your partner. There’s no right or wrong size for a wedding—just the one that matches your vision perfectly.