Because bigger isn’t always better, especially in the times we are living in. Couples are opting for a more intimate celebration to get quality face time with each attendee as well as create a more relaxed, casual vibe. But casual doesn’t have to mean simple—there are so many ways to craft a bite-sized event that’s brimming with custom-curated details!
When a couple is planning a small wedding, they may be more inclined not to hire a wedding consultant. But take it from us—smaller is not synonymous with simpler. When the wedding is small, every detail is noticed, so careful attention to detail is called for. There’s no hiding behind the crowd at a small celebration—snafus that might have gone unnoticed with 200 people milling around will be painfully obvious with 50 guests and under.
But there’s more to it than a 90 percent decrease in your guest list. There are planning changes to make, details to consider, and a proportionally larger budget to work with. Small weddings provide a bit more wiggle room with the budget, which allows ample opportunity to get creative. Here are 5 tips for a small wedding that you’d want to consider while planning your intimate ceremony.
Make It A Destination Wedding
Picture Courtesy: @silviaslitti
With a small guest list, the world practically becomes your oyster when choosing a wedding venue. For a memorable experience, consider unexpected options that wouldn’t be able to accommodate a large group of people, such as public landmarks, scenic hilltops, or beaches. If there’s ever been a dream location you and your partner wanted to travel to, why not have it serve as the backdrop to your wedding ceremony?
Power Of Personalization
Picture Courtesy: @alineapict
Go nuts with décor personalization. Think everything from welcome notes and place cards, to gift bags and centerpieces. Fewer guests on the invite list mean more opportunity to go above and beyond with your wedding decor, especially for pieces like escort cards and place cards that are generally provided for each person. You might not have the time (or resources) to source antique china sets and vintage stemware for hundreds of guests, but if you’re only inviting a few dozen people, it could seem more practical. Other options include handwritten thank-you notes and individual wedding menu cards for each guest.
Splurge On To Make A Luxe Affair
Picture Courtesy: @josevilla
When the wedding is small, you can splurge a bit. Emotional catering or party entertainers? Yes, please. A small wedding gives you the chance to really go all out. Guests can possibly stay at a luxurious inn or your rehearsal dinner can be more elaborate and take place in a wine cellar with a wine-pairing for each course. If you’re a foodie, splurge on a five-course gourmet meal, complete with table-side preparations or carvings.
Be Unconventional
Picture Courtesy: @megsmithphotography
Intimate weddings give you the room to go unconventional by ditching the traditional style ceremonies. Unleash your creativity by designing some out-of-the-box ideas for your wedding. Get tents for a more cozy environment, hire your favorite food truck, get themed games like solving a murder mystery which involves spending more time with guests. Or, close the evening with a group breathing or mindfulness exercise or a gratitude sharing circle to cap off the evening on a positive note.
Consider Family-Style Seating Arrangements
Picture Courtesy: @megannollphotography
Seat your nearest and dearest at a long table and enjoy a family-style meal together. Having fewer guests allows for a much more intimate reception where everyone can get to know one another. Rather than struggling through the seating chart, printing place cards, and having assigned seating for your wedding guests, one of our favorite small wedding ideas is to allow guests to choose their own seats for a family-style meal.
Feature Image Credit: @jesswitheyphoto
