Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and small weddings come with their own unique challenges. Deciding to have a small wedding means you can save money, be more flexible with your budget, and spend more quality time with loved ones. Small weddings, or micro-weddings, are usually defined as consisting of 20-60 guests, but can be as small as 10 or fewer. With a small wedding, you have more venue options, from restaurants to Airbnbs, and more freedom to set the events and schedule for the day. However, it can be difficult to decide on a guest list, and you may feel guilty about not inviting certain people. To make your small wedding feel special, you can add personalized touches, such as handwritten cards for each guest or a photo slideshow of you and your partner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of guests | 10-60, with 20 or fewer considered a "micro wedding" |
| Venue | Restaurants, backyards, Airbnbs, ballrooms, industrial lofts, libraries, courtyards, theatres, small galleries, museums, botanical gardens |
| Food and drink | Dinner, cocktails, dessert |
| Entertainment | Music, bonfire, yard games, board games, photo slideshow, get-to-know-you games, trivia |
| Budget | More room to splurge on top priorities, decorations, and activities |
| Invitations | Handwritten cards to each guest |
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What You'll Learn
Small weddings save money
The first way that small weddings save money is obvious: with fewer guests, you'll have a lower total bill for food and drink. But there are other ways that a shorter guest list saves you money, too. With a small wedding, you have more venue options, and you're not limited to places that can accommodate large crowds. You could have your wedding in a restaurant, a library, a courtyard, a theatre, a small gallery, or even your own backyard. You could even look into hiring a beautiful private home, which will give you the flexibility to move between spaces.
With a small wedding, you'll also have more flexibility with your budget. You can be more thrifty overall, or you can choose to spend more on certain things that are important to you, like an interactive drink display at cocktail hour, a statement overhead installation at your reception, or a fireworks show. You can also save money on entertainment, as your guests will be happy to mingle and celebrate without any extra activities.
Finally, with a small wedding, you can save money on your guest list. Because your guest list is so small, every guest should be someone that you can't imagine having your wedding day without. This means you won't feel pressured to invite people out of a sense of obligation, and you can avoid the trap of "what you do for one, you should do for all".
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$5 $12.99
Choose a non-traditional venue
Choosing a non-traditional venue for your small wedding can be a fun and unique way to celebrate your special day. With a smaller guest list, you have more freedom to select an intimate and unconventional space that reflects your personality and interests as a couple. Here are some creative ideas to consider:
Restaurants and Cafes
Restaurants are a great option for a small wedding venue as they often have private event spaces and are equipped with the necessary facilities. Opt for a spot that holds a special place in your heart, perhaps a place you and your partner frequent, so you can share your favourite cuisine and ambience with your guests. If you're looking for a more relaxed setting, consider a coffee shop for a cute breakfast wedding. While restaurants may have restrictions on decorations, be sure that the existing décor and interior style resonate with your vision.
Outdoor Adventures
If you and your partner are nature lovers, consider exchanging your vows in a stunning outdoor setting. A beach wedding is a popular choice for its breathtaking views and atmosphere. For a unique twist, explore the option of a canyon, valley, or forest preserve, which offer ample scenery for gorgeous wedding photos. For a truly intimate experience, imagine saying your vows in a cave, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Airbnbs and Private Homes
Exploring Airbnb venues is an excellent way to find a small wedding venue that checks all the boxes. You can discover beautiful private homes that offer flexibility to move between spaces and create a cost-efficient celebration. Just be sure to check with the host, as some properties may have restrictions on gatherings.
Unconventional Spaces
Think outside the box and consider spaces that aren't typically used for weddings. From art galleries and libraries to warehouses and treehouses, these venues provide a blank canvas for your unique wedding décor. If you're feeling adventurous, embrace your shared interests and choose a venue that reflects them, such as a ski lodge, baseball stadium, or even a rock-climbing gym.
Backyard Celebrations
For the ultimate in cosy and low-maintenance settings, consider hosting your wedding in your backyard, the backyard of your childhood home, or a family member's property. With a small guest list, everyone will fit comfortably, and your guests can learn more about your background and personal history.
Remember, with a small wedding, you have the freedom to be creative and flexible with your venue choice. Embrace your individuality and create a day that truly reflects who you are as a couple!
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More time to be in the moment
Small weddings are increasingly popular, and for good reason. One of the main benefits of a smaller guest list is that you'll have more time to be in the moment and soak it all in. With a large wedding, couples often find themselves rushing around, trying to speak to everyone, and are never fully able to connect with their guests.
With a small wedding, you can take your time and savour the day. You'll be able to have deeper, more meaningful conversations with your guests, and you won't feel like you're missing out on anything. This also means you can be more thoughtful with your budget and splurge on some of your top priorities. You might choose to spend more on food and drinks, or go all out on decorations and activities.
A smaller wedding also means you have more flexibility with your venue. You're not limited to large spaces that can accommodate big crowds, so you can choose somewhere that really reflects your personality and style. This could be a unique venue like a museum, botanical garden, or even your own backyard. You could also look into private homes on the rental market, which can offer a cost-efficient and intimate setting.
With a small wedding, you can also be more intentional with your guest list. Each guest should be someone you can't imagine having your wedding day without. This way, you can ensure that everyone present is someone who knows and loves you, creating a warm and familiar atmosphere.
Overall, a small wedding gives you the opportunity to create a truly personalised and meaningful experience for both you and your guests, allowing you to be fully present and create lasting memories.
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Make it personal
Small weddings are a great opportunity to make the event personal and create emotional resonance. Here are some ways to achieve that:
Guest list
Be intentional with your guest list. Make sure every guest is someone you cannot imagine having your wedding day without. This way, you can ensure that each guest feels valued and special. It's okay to reflect on your relationships and consider who you absolutely want to witness this meaningful moment.
Venue
Small weddings offer more flexibility in terms of venue. Think outside the box and consider local art museums, rustic barns, boats, mountaintops, warehouses, or even libraries. Choosing a unique venue can make your wedding more personal and memorable.
Officiant
Pick an officiant who knows you well as a couple and individually. This could be a close friend or family member who can share stories and speak with confidence about your relationship. Having an officiant who has a deep love for the couple adds a special touch to the ceremony.
Music and readings
Choose meaningful songs and readings that showcase your personalities and interests. Select songs for different moments, such as the wedding party's walk down the aisle, and consider incorporating acoustic musicians or a string quartet for a memorable experience. If you love a certain author, pick special lines or passages that resonate with you. You can also include movie quotes, poems, or song lyrics that reflect your tastes and interests.
Vows
Personalise your vows to make the ceremony more intimate and special. Reciting handwritten vows can be a unique way to share your love story with your guests. If public speaking isn't your forte, consider exchanging vows in a scenic setting, creating a memorable experience for both you and your guests.
Interactive elements
Incorporate interactive elements to engage your guests. For example, create a travelling "photo booth" picture frame that can move around the room, providing fun photo opportunities. You can also include an interactive cocktail moment, where the bartender puts on a show, such as smoking glasses over an open flame.
Favours and place cards
Small weddings allow for personalised touches, such as handwritten notes or favours for each guest. Place cards can also be customised with calligraphy or poems that remind you of each guest, creating a thoughtful keepsake.
Catering
With a smaller guest list, you have more freedom to get creative with catering. Consider an extended cocktail hour with heavy appetisers or unique beverage presentations. If you're serving signature cocktails, name them to add a personal touch.
Photography
Invest in a great photographer and videographer to capture the special moments of your day. Small weddings can be just as special as large ones, and having beautiful photos to share with your extended circle of family and friends can be invaluable.
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Fewer guests, bigger budget
A small wedding gives you the freedom to be more flexible with your budget. With fewer guests, you can afford to splurge on your top priorities, whether that's an interactive drink display, a statement installation, or even a fireworks show.
The number of guests you invite has a significant impact on your budget. Food and drink are usually the biggest expenses, so reducing your guest list can lower your total bill. With a smaller group, you also have more freedom to choose a non-traditional venue, such as a restaurant or a private home rental, which can be more cost-efficient.
To make your budget go further, consider choosing a venue in your backyard, a family member's property, or a city park, as these options often have low or no fees. If you're set on a traditional venue, look for smaller spaces that are ideal for intimate groups, like a library or a courtyard.
You can also save money by choosing a less popular day and time for your wedding. Evening wedding receptions and weekends tend to be more expensive than brunch or afternoon receptions and weekdays. Additionally, consider the wedding season, as hosting your wedding between May and October will likely be more costly.
With a small wedding, you can also be more intentional with your guest list, only inviting those you can't imagine celebrating without. This will make your guests feel special and honoured to be included in your intimate celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
Small weddings are a great way to save money, as they are generally cheaper than larger weddings. They also allow you to spend more quality time with your loved ones and create a more meaningful experience for you and your guests.
Small weddings typically consist of 30 to 60 guests, while micro weddings have 20 or fewer guests. However, the definition of a small wedding ultimately depends on the couple.
Small weddings can be held in unique venues such as restaurants, backyards, Airbnbs, museums, or botanical gardens. You can also incorporate personalized touches such as a photo slideshow, interactive games, and music that reflects your personality and interests.
