Re: shorter/smaller weddings
For my mayoun we had around 50 people, all immediate family members. For my mehendi we had 150 people. Most of them were from my husbands side who I had never met before and my MIL is very traditional so she had to invite every1 despite knowing them/not knowing them. The wedding had 400 people and the valima 200. Me and hubby are the eldest of both families so they wanted something grand.
Honestly I had the time of my life at these events but if I could go back in time and change the number of people invited I WOULD!! Smaller is always better financially and mentally for the bride in my opinion. The wedding was extremely hectic and I have never shook so many hands or hugged so many strangers in my life. Me and hubby hardly ate anything and there was alot of unnecessary drama with all the people and what not, especially the little ones oh god make sure you know what to do with them!
I would opt for a smaller and more organized wedding. Unfortunately it didn't happen but when it comes time for my sister we know what to do now hahaha