Small weddings never really happen for most people in this part of the world, and that term "small" already can cause anger/chaos/misunderstanding and much more between the couple to be and their parents especially if they can afford to throw the biggest wedding.
However, some people just want a very intimate wedding, and that means they do not want everyone from their village/town to attend. Hahaha [Of course, without causing drama and getting the parents unhappy].
So, here are few ways to convince your families to have a small wedding:
1. Draft the list of your friends and family into A, B, and C tiers. Invite the A group who is most likely the closest to you. Don't worry people will hear or see it; they will understand.
2. Let your parents know very early in the preparation (once there is a wedding date/proposal), what number of guests they are entitled to either they are contributing to the wedding or not. Knowing this early will help so they would only invite the people they need to rather than after a long time when they might have invited people unknowingly.
3. Consider a destination wedding because this will have both financial and time commitments on your guests and only people very close to you will commit.
4. Make your invitation plus one adult and maybe plus one child. So you don't have so many children at your wedding.
Nevertheless, please note that you need to/should find a relaxed time to explain your decisions to your parents, so they don't feel hurt or ignored. Also, get in touch with as many distant relative or friend that feels hurt by your decision not to invite them and explain to them why you couldn't, so they know it is not personal.
Don't feel pressured to invite them though.
Lastly but most importantly, know that you are not obliged to invite anyone to your wedding. Therefore, feel free to go with what you really want because your happiness is all that matters.
I hope this helps. All the best.
Photo Credit: Tracing Abby