events—some, if they can effectively arrange or cordon off their space(s) so as to not appear cavernous or empty, can (and, more importantly, will) accommodate smaller-thanaverage parties. Worcester’s Tuckerman Hall is one example. Although the 1902, gold-glistening hall typically caters to nuptials teeming with around 150 guests, they’ve hosted events as small as 70, according to Executive Director Paul Levenson. In that case, “we made it look
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full with different decorations and greenery,” he explained. Also, for smaller groups gathered in a large setting such as Tuckerman, space between tables will tend to be “more gracious,” Levenson said.The number of people at each table will likewise be less, while the dance floor, by contrast, will likely be larger. Ultimately, Levenson noted, size is a personal decision that comes down to the couple. “They have to find the exact spot that’s right for them.”
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In doing so, consider your budget first, then think about the atmosphere you want to create for your “big” day.As for that ambiance, do you want it completely laid-back and casual? Semi-formal? An activity-packed gettogether? The Rookwood Inn, which requires that all of its 19 rooms be booked for weddings, has hosted receptions that were as casual as pizza buffets or lobster bakes. According to innkeeper and owner Amy Lindner-Lesser, smaller parties can also lend themselves to destination weddings: Guests and the couple can make a weekend of sightseeing and outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking. “Number one, it’s more personal,” she said. “The couple gets the chance to spend time with their guests, and enjoy their own party. Everything is much more intimate and tailored.” In other instances, couples can utilize appropriate indoor or outdoor settings to impart the feel of a garden party. For a wedding at Rockport’s Seaward Inn, which boasts a seaside location, couples and their guests can linger on the ocean-view landing to play croquet or bocce ball, according to owner Nancy Cameron-Gilsey. To further foster this casual feeling, many smaller weddings typically opt for buffets, she said. “The intimacy that you have at a smaller wedding is wonderful,” said Cameron-Gilsey. “Compared to 200 people coming together, it just doesn’t feel the same.” This air of casual ease is precisely what Tanya Hoffman and her husband Christopher were going for when they planned their nuptial event. The Gloucester couple wed on Sept. 10, 2011, at Seaward Inn before a casual assembly of 60 guests (they were originally planning on 50, Hoffman explained, but the number crept up a bit – read more on that later). With just two bridesmaids at her side, the bride wore a casual dress while her husband’s groomsmen were decked in linen suits and flip flops. “We wanted something small, quaint and New England-like,” Hoffman explained. “We really stayed true to ourselves.” Ultimately, Hoffman and others noted that one of the greatest benefits of having a smaller affair is the flexibility, whether it’s the basic details of the day or the ability to infuse that extra unique flair.