More than 100 of my closest friends and few close family members joined me for a night of dining, dancing and impromptu singing. The funny thing is, there were so many people there, that besides the photos, my personal recollection of that evening is limited at best.
In the years following, I managed to limit my birthday party guest list to 70, 50 and at my most recent celebration, 25 people. (Disclaimer: my most recent celebration was planned by my husband)
Why the change?
Instead of building an impressive guest list focused on the number of people, I learned to be a better hostess and focus on the atmosphere and goal of my celebration:
- Will guests be able to mingle with new people?
- Will the atmosphere be welcoming to the majority of guests?
- Does the location, decor and food set the mood for the event?
The goal of our wedding was to showcase an upscale Latino celebration, while embracing our combined cultures (Italian, Hungarian, American and Mexican-American), and creating an atmosphere to allow for my friends to meet my hubby's friends, his family to meet my family, and everyone - at least in theory - to be able to mingle.
Our wedding reception was that: a reception for a limited few friends and family members. We never planned on having a party.
But different strokes for different folks, right?
Whereas our reception was focused on the details, an upcoming wedding in which my hubby and I are both invited, is focused on the number of people (totaling more than 300!), and a party atmosphere.
This isn't uncommon: My hubby and I have been invited to several events and parties that are focused on the number of people in attendance.
The details, including atmosphere - or vibe of the event - are mostly overlooked.
Will the guests gel or not?
Will the host or hostess make sure that guests mingle?
Is the quality of the event or party compromised by simply focusing on the number of guests?
These are all questions that I have found many hosts in their quest to "show-off" the success of their event or celebration overlook:
The number of people in a room do not give the event more klout.
Actually, the most memorable events are those that are intimate and welcoming for everyone involved.
I'm sure that you will agree with me on this: They happen to feel much larger than they were!
The lesson in this story is this: never base the success of a celebration or event on the number of people there.May your next celebration feel as large and be as welcoming as your heart is.
