Small Weddings: Intimate, Affordable, And Memorable

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to the guest list and venue. A small wedding can be a great option for couples who want a more intimate and personalised celebration. It allows couples to focus on creating meaningful connections with their guests and can also offer more flexibility with the budget.

A small wedding typically has 50 or fewer guests, with some couples opting for a micro-wedding of 20 or fewer guests. This smaller scale offers endless benefits, from cost savings to unique venue options and a smoother planning experience.

Small weddings provide an opportunity for couples to prioritise what is important to them and create a bespoke wedding experience. They can choose to splurge on certain aspects, such as a top-shelf open bar or a designer dress, without compromising on the overall experience.

Additionally, a smaller guest list can lead to a more curated wedding design, with the opportunity to allocate more budget towards elements like floral installations, stunning tablescapes, and personalised details.

For couples with a large family or a limited budget, a small wedding can be a practical and meaningful choice. It allows them to celebrate their special day in a way that feels authentic and true to themselves, surrounded by their closest loved ones.

Venue Options: Think outside the box—from restaurants to backyards, the world is your oyster

Venue Options: Think Outside the Box

With a small wedding, you can get creative with your venue choice. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Restaurants: Opt for a restaurant that you and your partner love. Restaurants are great for small weddings as they offer unique spaces with everything you need in one place. Just ensure that the style of the interior and the existing decor resonates with you, as restaurants often have restrictions on decorations.
• Family homes: For a cozy and low-maintenance setting, consider hosting your wedding in the backyard of your house, your childhood home, or a family member's property. This option allows you to create an intimate affair in a meaningful place. If your guest list is closer to 60, you may want to consider renting bathrooms.
• Airbnbs: Look into beautiful private homes on the rental market. Airbnb venues offer flexibility to move between spaces and can be cost-efficient. Just be sure to check with the host beforehand, as some properties do not allow gatherings or weddings.
• Small spaces in large venues: If you're set on a traditional venue like a ballroom or an industrial loft, consider utilizing smaller spaces within these venues, such as libraries, courtyards, theaters, or smaller galleries.
• Backyards: Your own or a loved one's backyard can be the perfect setting for a small wedding. Aim for a beautiful, clean, open space with lots of potential for decor. With the right setup, you can create a magical atmosphere.
• Private properties: Consider unique private properties like barns, mansions, estates, or rooftops. These venues often provide a fraction of the cost of traditional venues while offering a large amount of luxury space.
• Nature spots: If you love the outdoors, consider a field or meadow, a forest preserve, a beach, or a lake or river shore. Decor is key for these venues, and you can create a magical setting with the right touches.

With a small wedding, you have the freedom to choose an unconventional venue that reflects your personality and style. Whether it's a cozy restaurant, a family home, or a unique private property, the options are endless for creating an intimate and memorable celebration.

Budget Flexibility: Save costs by inviting fewer people and splurge on other expenses like a dream photographer or venue

Small weddings offer a great opportunity to be flexible with your budget. By inviting fewer people, you can save costs and splurge on other expenses, such as a dream photographer or venue.

The size of your guest list will significantly influence your wedding planning, including your venue and budget. A smaller guest list means you can choose from a wider range of venues, such as small museums, wineries, restaurants, or parks, which may not be able to accommodate larger groups. You can also save on rental fees and decorations, as a smaller guest list allows you to opt for more intimate spaces.

Catering is typically another large expense, accounting for about 29% of the average wedding budget. By reducing the number of guests, you can significantly lower these costs. This also gives you the opportunity to splurge on other aspects of the catering, such as offering personalised gifts or large floral arrangements to each guest, elevating their experience.

Photography is another important aspect of your wedding, as these memories will last a lifetime. By saving on other expenses, you can allocate more of your budget towards hiring your dream photographer, ensuring you capture every moment of your special day.

With a smaller guest list, you will also have more opportunities for quality time with each of your guests. You can spend time walking through the vineyards with your dad or chatting with your best friend by the pool as the party winds down, creating meaningful memories with your loved ones.

Additionally, a smaller guest list means less wedding planning. You will have fewer details to manage, allowing you to better enjoy your engagement and reduce stress. Overall, a small wedding gives you the flexibility to allocate your budget where it matters most to you, creating your dream day.

Design Elements: With a smaller guest list, allocate more of your budget to design elements like stunning tablescapes or calligraphy signage

Small weddings offer the perfect opportunity to focus on personalisation and create a more meaningful experience for you and your guests. With a smaller guest list, you can allocate more of your budget to design elements, such as stunning tablescapes and calligraphy signage.

Tablescapes

A beautifully designed tablescape can elevate your wedding and create a lasting impression. To achieve this, consider the following:

• Choose table linens, runners, and napkins in your desired colour palette, adding textures and patterns for visual interest.
• Create layers with voluminous table runners, folded napkins, and a full place setting, including chargers and multiple dishes.
• Incorporate stationery, such as elegant menus and place cards, styled on top of the dish settings or next to the glassware.
• Add various heights to your table design with floral arrangements, candles of different sizes, and risers.
• Include hanging installations, such as florals or candles, for a unique and fuller effect.
• Enhance the lighting with candles or, for a luxurious touch, opt for crystal chandeliers.
• Personalise your tablescape with embroidered linens or customised napkins acting as place cards.
• Choose an epic location as the backdrop for your tablescape, ensuring tall decor items don't obstruct the view.

Calligraphy Signage

Calligraphy adds a romantic and personalised touch to your wedding. Consider incorporating it in the following ways:

• Invitations and stationery: Elegant calligraphy on invitations, save-the-dates, and other paper goods, such as ceremony programs, escort cards, and menus, set the tone for your wedding.
• Acrylic or non-traditional materials: Experiment with writing on acrylic sheets, cacti paddles, or palm leaves to match your wedding theme.
• Signage: From welcome signs to seating charts, calligraphy signage adds a unique and elegant touch to your wedding decor.
• Vows: Consider displaying your vows in a romantic scroll of calligraphy, or even writing them out yourself with a personalised touch.
• Decor: Calligraphy can be incorporated into various decor elements, such as mirrored signage, throw pillows, and even customised wine labels.

Crowd Control: Avoid overwhelming crowds and enjoy more quality time and rich conversations with your favourite people

Small weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. By keeping the guest list intimate, couples can enjoy more quality time with their loved ones and create a more meaningful experience for everyone involved.

Know Your "Why"

Before you start planning, it's important to understand why you want a small wedding. Do you want to create a more intimate atmosphere? Are you looking to save money by having a smaller guest list? Or do you simply want to avoid the stress and pressure of planning a large-scale event? Knowing your "why" will help you stay focused and make decisions that align with your vision.

Define Your Guest List

The key to a successful small wedding is to be intentional about your guest list. Consider who you truly want to be there on your special day. As wedding planner Ashley Mason suggests, think about the people you would call or text during a major life moment. These are the people who have been important in your past and will continue to be important in your future. By being selective about your guest list, you can ensure that you're surrounded by your favourite people and create a more meaningful celebration.

Choose an Appropriate Venue

The size of your guest list will also influence your choice of venue. Opt for a space that can accommodate your guest count comfortably. This could be a private villa, a quaint bed and breakfast, a boutique hotel, or even your own backyard. By choosing a smaller venue, you can create a more intimate atmosphere and potentially save on decorations, as these spaces often have well-manicured grounds.

Be Mindful of Plus-Ones

When creating your guest list, it's important to set clear boundaries regarding plus-ones. Consider only allowing plus-ones for guests who are in serious, long-term relationships. This will help you manage the number of guests and ensure that you're only inviting people who are truly close to you.

Plan Activities that Encourage Interaction

To make the most of your small gathering, plan activities that encourage interaction and quality time with your guests. Instead of a traditional dance floor, consider alternative entertainment such as lawn games, a live painter, or even karaoke. You can also create a lounge area where guests can relax and catch up. These interactive activities will bring everyone together and create lasting memories.

Consider a Destination Wedding

With a small guest list, you have the flexibility to consider a destination wedding. Intimate guest lists pair well with exotic locations. Not only will your guests have the opportunity to travel and explore new places, but you'll also be able to create a weekend of events and activities that bring everyone together.

By following these tips and trusting your instincts, you can plan a small wedding that is both memorable and meaningful. Enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to break tradition to create a celebration that truly reflects who you are as a couple.

Planning Experience: Planning a small wedding is often less stressful and gives you more time to enjoy your engagement

Planning a small wedding can be a unique and special experience that allows you to focus on what matters most to you and your partner. Here are some tips to help you plan your small wedding and make the process less stressful:

Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries

It's important to communicate your plans for an intimate wedding early on to your loved ones. This will help manage their expectations and avoid any hurt feelings. Be firm and confident in your decision, as a small wedding can offer a more personalised and meaningful experience for you and your guests.

Be Intentional with Your Guest List

A small wedding allows you to be more selective with your guest list, ensuring that each person is someone you truly want to share your special day with. Consider creating a tiered guest list, starting with your closest family and friends, and only including those who are truly important to you. This will help you stay within your desired guest count and create a more intimate atmosphere.

Choose a Venue that Fits Your Vision

When selecting a venue, think outside the box! Consider unique locations such as inns, bed and breakfasts, upscale restaurants, or even Airbnb properties. Look for venues that align with your desired vibe and activities for the day. For example, if you and your partner love mountain biking, a local ski resort could be the perfect setting. Don't forget to consider the number of guests you plan to invite, as some traditional wedding venues have minimum guest requirements.

Select Vendors that Align with Your Vision

Not all vendors are a good fit for a small wedding. When choosing your vendors, look for those who specialise in intimate weddings or have experience planning smaller events. This includes your wedding planner, photographer, caterer, entertainment, florist, and other professionals you may require. Ensure they understand your vision and can provide the level of service and attention to detail you desire.

Focus on Personalisation and Meaningful Details

A small wedding gives you the opportunity to splurge on meaningful details and create a personalised experience for your guests. Consider incorporating interactive elements, such as a cocktail-making demonstration or a live band. Add special touches like handwritten invitations or place cards, and don't be afraid to think outside the box to make your day unique and memorable.

Manage Your Budget Effectively

With a small wedding, you may have more flexibility with your budget. Consider allocating funds to areas that are most important to you, such as a top-shelf open bar, a unique venue, or amazing entertainment. You may also choose to spend more on certain vendors, such as a talented photographer to capture the emotional moments of your intimate celebration.

Remember, planning a small wedding is all about creating a personalised and meaningful experience for you and your guests. By setting clear expectations, being intentional with your guest list, choosing the right venue and vendors, focusing on personalisation, and managing your budget effectively, you can plan a stress-free and unforgettable celebration.

Frequently asked questions