Inauguration 2013: 5 Ways It Will Be Different

Jan. 19, 2013— -- Four years ago, the first African-American president was sworn into the country's highest office. People traveled from all over the world to the Capitol to watch Barack Obama's swearing in. This year, Inauguration Day is shaping up to be a bit more subdued. Here's how:

1. Smaller Crowds

More than one million people attended Obama's first inauguration and millions more watched on television and online. But according to CNN, only 800,000 people are expected to attend this year. Some could argue that it has something to do with Obama's appeal, but the reality is that it's pretty typical for a second inaugural event to draw less people. George W. Bush, the last two-term president had the same thing happen to him. The difference: his second inauguration drew between 300,000 and 400,000.

2. Fewer Parties

President Obama's first swearing-in was accompanied by 10 official inaugural balls. This year, that number will drop down to two. This is common for second inaugurations. But as this ABC News slideshow points out, it's not the absolute rule. Bill Clinton's first inauguration involved 11 inaugural balls, a number that ballooned to 14 four years later.

3. Corporations Will Help Pick Up the Tab

Donors and taxpayers covered costs associated with Obama's first inauguration. This year, however, the $50,000 donation limit has been lifted, and unlike last time, corporations will also help pick up the tab. The Inaugural Committee has decided to allow corporations to foot some of the bill and limited the amount of information released about donors, which has led to criticism from some, including Open Secrets, which tracks donations in politics. According to ABC News, the first inauguration cost about $170 million, which covered everything from security to large-screen televisions on the National Mall. There's no tally for this year's festivities, yet.

4. Less Coverage

Broadcast and cable networks devoted all day to the inauguration four years ago. They put together special evening programs and reporters covered everything from the first dance to the inaugural address. As Business Insider notes, networks will scale back this year, and many will return to regular programming in the afternoon.

5. Milder Weather

Attendees at Obama's first inauguration were bundled up, and for good reason. According to WTOP, it was a chilly 28 degrees at noon on Inauguration Day. Temperatures are expected to be a little warmer this year, likely in the 30s. And while that's not exactly warm, it's a lot more pleasant than Ronald Reagan's second inauguration in 1985. The temperature at noon that day was a bitter seven degrees. George H.W. Bush fared a little better, with crowds enjoying the mild 51 degree weather.

Bonus: The Oath

Chief Justice John Roberts botched the oath of office and he administered it again the next day in the White House to avoid any question of whether the president had truly been sworn into office. This year, Roberts will again administer the oath twice, but under different circumstances. Obama's first term technically ends on Sunday, so Roberts and Obama will participate in an official swearing-in that day. But since inauguration ceremonies traditionally don't take place on Sunday, a second, public swearing-in will be held on Monday.