a big wedding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big wedding" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a wedding that is grand, lavish, or extravagant in size, scope, or budget. Example: She had always dreamed of having a big wedding, with all of her family and friends in attendance, so she spared no expense in planning the perfect celebration.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shelley: My mother wanted a big wedding.

The New York Times

"I'm not a big wedding person.

The New York Times

I thought: we'll never have a big wedding.

The New York Times

It wasn't a big wedding, about 40 people, mostly family.

The New York Times

There was a couple preparing for a big wedding dance.

The New York Times

A big wedding was not something he desired.

The New York Times

"Every mother wants a big wedding," Mr. Ratchik said.

The New York Times - Style

It was a big wedding held outside near a lake.

The New York Times - Magazine

He said he didn't want a big wedding and I believed him.

The New York Times

They were married in a big wedding after he'd finished at Colgate & she at Smith.

The New Yorker

Not a big wedding at our age — something small and maybe a dinner afterward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you want to highlight the financial aspect of the wedding, use phrases like “lavish wedding” or “extravagant wedding” rather than just “a big wedding”.

Common error

Avoid using "a big wedding" when referring to a simple or intimate ceremony. This phrase implies a grand scale and can be misleading if the wedding is small and personal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big wedding" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is frequently used to describe a wedding that is grand or extravagant in size, scope, or budget.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big wedding" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a wedding characterized by its large scale and often elaborate nature. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Academia sources. When using this phrase, consider the nuances you wish to convey, and whether alternative terms like "grand wedding" or "lavish wedding" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the scale of the wedding you are describing to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grand wedding

Emphasizes the impressive and elaborate nature of the wedding.

a lavish wedding

Highlights the opulence and extravagance of the wedding.

an extravagant wedding

Similar to lavish, focusing on the luxurious and costly aspects.

a large wedding celebration

Specifies that the wedding is not just a ceremony, but a full celebration.

a huge wedding

Indicates that the wedding has a large number of guests.

a massive wedding

Similar to huge, but suggests an even larger scale.

a formal wedding

Shifts the focus to the style and etiquette of the wedding.

a traditional wedding

Highlights the adherence to cultural or religious customs.

a wedding with many guests

Explicitly states the high number of attendees.

an elaborate wedding ceremony

Focuses on the intricate details and planning of the ceremony itself.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a big wedding"?

Depending on the context, you could use "a grand wedding", "a lavish wedding", or "an extravagant wedding" to convey a similar meaning.

How does "a big wedding" differ from "a small wedding"?

"A big wedding" implies a large number of guests, a significant budget, and often a formal setting. In contrast, "a small wedding" suggests an intimate gathering with close friends and family, a lower budget, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Is it better to have "a big wedding" or a small one?

The choice between "a big wedding" and a small one depends on personal preferences, budget constraints, and the couple's vision for their special day. There's no inherently 'better' option; it's about what suits the couple best.

Can "a big wedding" be done on a budget?

Yes, it's possible to have "a big wedding" on a budget by making strategic choices such as opting for a less expensive venue, DIY decorations, and a buffet-style meal.