George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and deciding whether to have a large or small wedding is one of the first details to consider. There are many advantages to having a small wedding. Firstly, small weddings tend to be more cost-effective, with lower venue hire costs and less money spent on catering, alcohol, and decor. Small weddings also allow couples to be more flexible with their choice of venue and can create a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere, giving the couple more time to interact with their guests. Small weddings can also be more environmentally friendly, producing less waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of guests | 10-60, with micro weddings consisting of 20 or fewer guests |
| Cost | More cost-efficient |
| Venue | More options available, including non-traditional venues like restaurants, backyards, museums, botanical gardens, etc. |
| Personalization | More opportunities for personalization, creating a more meaningful experience for the couple and guests |
| Quality time | More opportunities to spend quality time with loved ones |
| Flexibility | More flexibility with the budget and schedule for the day |
| Guilt | May experience guilt or stress due to the small guest list |
| Expectations | Important to set expectations early to avoid hurt feelings |
| Guest list | Be intentional and selective with the guest list, choosing only those closest to the couple |
| Activities | Opportunities for interactive games, music, bonfires, and other activities to create a relaxing and interesting space |
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What You'll Learn
Saving money
Small weddings are generally between 30 and 60 guests, while a very small wedding or a micro wedding consists of 20 or fewer guests. A small wedding gives you the ability to spend more quality time with your loved ones and also saves you money. Here are some tips to save money while planning a small wedding:
Venue
Choosing a non-traditional venue like a restaurant, your backyard, or a family member's property can save you money. Restaurants are equipped with everything you need, from bathrooms to kitchen staff. If you prefer a more traditional venue, consider choosing a smaller space that is ideal for intimate groups, such as a library, courtyard, theatre, or small gallery.
Timing
Opting for a Friday or Sunday wedding can save you thousands of dollars on venue rates. During the off-season, you may also be able to negotiate lower rates.
Food and drinks
Instead of a towering wedding cake, opt for a smaller cake for the photo op and get a sheet cake for guests. This will save you money, and the wedding cake itself doesn't have to feed everyone. You can also save money by buying the alcohol yourself instead of paying marked-up prices through your venue or caterer.
Decorations
Using candles with bud vases instead of centrepieces can save money on decor. You can also reuse the bridal party's bouquets as centrepieces. Dried baby's breath and dried lavender are cheaper alternatives to fresh flowers.
Wedding dress
Ordering your wedding dress at least eight or nine months in advance can help you avoid rush fees. Trunk shows, sample sales, and buying second-hand or from a department store are also great ways to save money on your wedding dress.
Photography and videography
You don't need a two-person videography team for your wedding. A solo shooter can capture everything with a solid timeline and plan. You can also save money by asking a friend or family member to handle the wedding photography.
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More quality time with loved ones
Small weddings are increasingly popular and for good reason. One of the biggest advantages of a small wedding is that it gives you the opportunity to spend more quality time with your loved ones. Instead of rushing around a large venue, trying to speak to every guest, a small wedding allows you to sit, relax and connect with your nearest and dearest.
With a small wedding, you can create a more personalised experience for your guests. You can choose a unique, non-traditional venue, such as a restaurant you and your partner love, a botanical garden, or even your own backyard. You can also be more flexible with your budget, choosing to splurge on certain details, such as an interactive drink display or a fireworks show, without blowing your budget.
A smaller guest list also means you can be more intentional with your invitations. You can ensure that every guest is someone you truly want to be there, someone who has supported you and your partner over the years. This will make your guests feel honoured and special, and it can also help to avoid any hurt feelings among friends and family.
With a small wedding, you can also plan a weekend of events in an exotic place. Since your guests will be spending money on travel and accommodations, a destination wedding is more feasible with a smaller group. You can create a relaxing and interesting space, with music, games, and activities that reflect your interests and create a unique, memorable experience for you and your guests.
Overall, a small wedding gives you the freedom to create a bespoke wedding experience, with more time to connect with your loved ones and enjoy the moment.
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Creative venue options
Small weddings are increasingly popular, and with good reason. They offer a more intimate and meaningful experience for you and your guests, and they can also save you money. With a small wedding, you have more flexibility with your budget and more venue options.
- Restaurant – Restaurants are equipped with everything you need for a wedding, from bathrooms to kitchen staff. Choose a restaurant that you and your partner love, so you can share the ambiance and cuisine with your guests. Just be aware of any restrictions on decorations and choose a restaurant with interior decor that resonates with you.
- Airbnb rental – An Airbnb rental can be a great option for a small wedding, especially if you can find one by the beach or a lake. Just be sure to check with the host beforehand, as some properties don't allow gatherings.
- Backyard or family property – For a cozy and low-maintenance setting, consider having your wedding in your backyard, your childhood home, or a family member's property. This can add a personal touch to your special day.
- Traditional venues – If you're looking for a more traditional venue, such as a ballroom or industrial loft, these sites often have smaller spaces that are ideal for intimate groups. You can also consider overlooked areas like a library, courtyard, theater, or small gallery.
- Exotic locations – With a small guest list, you have the option to throw a weekend of events in an exotic place. Since your guests will have to travel and spend money on accommodations, a destination wedding is more suited to a smaller group.
- Unique spaces – With a small wedding, you can explore unique venues that might not accommodate large crowds, such as museums, botanical gardens, or even your local park for the ceremony.
Remember, the definition of a "small wedding" is up to you, but it typically ranges from 20 to 60 guests, while a micro wedding consists of 20 or fewer guests.
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Personal touches
Small weddings offer a great opportunity to focus on personal touches that can make your wedding day extra special and memorable. Here are some ideas to consider:
Venue and Decor
With a small wedding, you have the freedom to choose a non-traditional venue that resonates with you and your partner. This could be a beloved restaurant, a backyard, or a beautiful private home rented through Airbnb. You can also get creative with your decor, such as matching your cookies to your theme or adding a statement overhead installation at the reception.
Guest List and Interactions
Be intentional with your guest list, ensuring that each guest is someone you truly want to share your special day with. Consider creating personalised handwritten cards for each guest, expressing your gratitude for their presence and support. You can also incorporate interactive elements, such as a blank canvas for guests to draw self-portraits or an ice cream truck where you serve cones to your guests for a sweet and memorable moment.
Music and Entertainment
Create a personalised music playlist that reflects your journey as a couple. Include songs that hold a special meaning or are connected to your favourite memories. If you want to add a playful twist, organise yard games or board games to keep your guests entertained and engaged.
Personalised Vows and Rituals
Make your wedding ceremony even more intimate by personalising your vows. You can also incorporate unique rituals, such as a ribbon ceremony (handfasting) where your hands are tied together with ribbons or fabric during the ceremony. This adds a visually appealing element to your photos while also symbolising your union.
Food and Drinks
Infuse your personality into the food and drinks served at your wedding. This could range from grilled cheese appetizers to pudding shooters for dessert. You can also include family recipes with short backstories on the printed menu, adding a touch of sentimentality to the dining experience.
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Unique experiences
Small weddings offer the perfect opportunity to create a unique and intimate experience for you and your guests. Here are some ideas for making your special day memorable:
Unique venues
Small weddings allow you to choose from a variety of unique and intimate locations, such as your backyard, a national park, or even your favourite restaurant. A beach wedding is another great option, offering a beautiful setting without the need for extensive decorations. Alternatively, rent a property with a beach view or opt for a non-traditional venue that holds a special meaning for you and your partner.
Personal touches
Incorporate creative decor and interactive elements that reflect your personalities and love story. Custom signage, with meaningful quotes or inside jokes, adds a charming touch. Create a photo display or slideshow of your relationship, including fun and silly moments, for your guests to enjoy.
Interactive stations
Engage your guests with interactive stations, such as a s'mores-making station around a fire pit, a photo booth with props, or lawn games during cocktail hour. A mac and cheese bar is another memorable idea, offering a fun and delicious experience.
Entertainment
Surprise your guests with unique entertainment options. From a pop-up karaoke booth to a mobile axe-throwing activity, there are plenty of ways to delight your guests. For a magical touch, consider hiring a magician, or add a touch of glamour with a champagne tower.
Guest book
Involve your guests in a unique way by creating a ""bucket list" guest book. Ask each guest to contribute an idea for an adventure or activity for you and your partner to enjoy during your marriage. This interactive approach will leave you with a meaningful keepsake.
Small weddings provide the perfect opportunity to focus on personal touches and create a memorable, intimate atmosphere that celebrates your love story.
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Frequently asked questions
Small weddings are a great way to save money, as they are generally cheaper per head. They also allow you to spend more quality time with loved ones and create a more personalised experience for you and your guests.
Small weddings typically consist of 30-60 guests, while a very small or "micro" wedding has 20 or fewer guests. However, the definition of a "small wedding" is ultimately up to you.
With a small wedding, you have more flexibility when it comes to choosing a venue. Unique sites such as museums, restaurants, or botanical gardens are more likely to accommodate smaller wedding parties. You could also consider hosting your wedding in a backyard or renting an Airbnb.
When creating your guest list, it's important to be intentional and only invite those you cannot imagine having your wedding day without. It's also a good idea to set expectations early and spread the word that you are keeping the wedding small, so that those who do receive an invite feel special.
A small wedding doesn't have to feel like a production. Simple touches such as background music, bonfires, yard games, or a fun dessert can make the day more enjoyable for you and your guests.
