Pop-Up Wedding: Invite Strategies For A Small, Intimate Ceremony

Pop-up weddings are a unique and exciting way to celebrate your special day. If you're planning a pop-up wedding, you might be wondering how to invite people to your celebration. Here are some tips to help you get started:

First, consider the size of your guest list. Pop-up weddings are typically small and intimate, with 10 guests or fewer. However, it's your wedding, so you can decide how many guests to invite. Keep in mind that the number of guests will impact your budget and venue choices.

When creating your guest list, start by making a master list of everyone you would consider inviting, including family, close friends, colleagues, and distant relatives. From this list, separate out your top-tier guests, the people you couldn't imagine getting married without. These guests are non-negotiable and will be your priority invites.

Next, think about the type of invitations you'd like to send. You can find pop-up wedding invitations on sites like Etsy, Amazon, and specialist companies like Lovepop and Pop Up Occasions. These companies offer custom, personalized pop-up invitations that match your wedding theme and colours. You can also include RSVP inserts and provide additional information about your wedding venue and any live streaming options for guests who can't attend in person.

When sending out your invitations, it's a good idea to give your guests plenty of notice, especially if they need to travel. Sending invitations at least eight to ten weeks in advance is generally recommended.

Remember, a pop-up wedding is all about creating a unique and memorable experience, so feel free to get creative with your invitations and venue choices!

Pop-up wedding invites: Etsy, Lovepop, and Amazon all offer pop-up wedding invitations

Etsy, Lovepop, and Amazon all offer pop-up wedding invitations, with a range of customisable options.

Etsy has a wide selection of pop-up wedding invitations, with customisable options for paper pop-up art, laser-cut designs, and different ethnicities. Some of the invitations are also available with free shipping.

Lovepop offers custom, personalised pop-up wedding invitations, combining laser-cut technology with hand assembly to create 3D pop-up greeting cards. Each bi-fold card features a 3D element and is made using top-quality papers and state-of-the-art printing processes. Lovepop also offers a concierge service to help you through the design process.

Amazon has a range of pop-up wedding invitations available, including options with envelopes, unique designs, and customisable text. Some of the invitations are also available with free shipping.

Guest list: decide on a small guest list of close friends and family

Pop-up weddings are a unique and exciting way to celebrate your special day. The guest list for a pop-up wedding can be small or non-existent, and the venue is typically non-traditional, such as a restaurant, park, or hotel courtyard. When deciding on your guest list, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Start with a master list: Begin by writing down the names of everyone you would consider inviting to your wedding, including family, close friends, colleagues, distant relatives, and acquaintances. This master list will be the starting point for narrowing down your guest list.
• Identify your top-tier guests: From your master list, separate out the people you couldn't imagine getting married without. These are your non-negotiables, and they will be the foundation of your guest list.
• Consider your budget and venue: Pop-up weddings are typically intimate affairs, so you'll need to consider your budget and venue constraints when finalising the guest list. Be mindful that each guest adds to the cost of the wedding, from chairs to food. If you're having a very small ceremony, it's a good idea to let those who might expect an invite know that your wedding will be intimate.
• Involve your parents: Traditionally, both sets of parents have a say in the guest list, especially if they are contributing financially. Discuss your plans with them early on and be open to their input while staying firm on your decisions.
• Be fair with family: To avoid hurt feelings, try to treat members of different families equally. For example, if you invite one cousin, consider inviting all your cousins. This approach can help avoid any misunderstandings or hard feelings.
• Be mindful of plus-ones: If you want to keep your guest list small, consider limiting the number of plus-ones you allow. You can set criteria, such as only offering plus-ones to those in long-term relationships or those you have met before.
• Keep your guest list private: The more people who know about your guest list, the more pressure you may feel to invite others. Keep your guest list between you and your partner, and if you do share it with others, let them know that the list is final and intimate.

Remember, a pop-up wedding is about celebrating your love in a unique and spontaneous way. Don't feel pressured to invite anyone out of obligation. Your wedding day is about you and your partner, so focus on creating a guest list that reflects that.

Venue: choose a non-traditional venue, like a restaurant or park

When it comes to choosing a venue for your pop-up wedding, you can let your imagination run wild. The beauty of this type of wedding is that it can take place anywhere, from a restaurant to a park, a hotel courtyard, or any other public place. The key is to choose a non-traditional venue that has meaning for you and your partner.

If you're looking for a unique and intimate setting, consider a local park. Parks offer beautiful natural backdrops for your ceremony and are usually quiet, providing a peaceful atmosphere for your nuptials. You can also opt for other outdoor spaces such as mountains or your favourite brewery or coffee shop. If you choose a small business as your venue, be sure to speak with the managers or owners beforehand and let them know the details of your wedding, including the number of guests and the duration of the ceremony. They may even have a private room available if you prefer a more intimate setting.

Another option is to tie the knot at your favourite restaurant. Imagine exchanging vows in the same place you shared your first date or a memorable meal. Restaurants often have private rooms that can be reserved for special occasions, providing a more secluded space for your ceremony. Keep in mind that it's important to discuss your plans with the restaurant management in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Public spaces and non-traditional venues offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional wedding venues. By choosing a pop-up wedding, you can access amazing venues at discounted rates and create a memorable experience for you and your guests. Whether it's a picturesque park or a cosy restaurant, the venue you select will undoubtedly add a unique touch to your special day.

When selecting a venue for your pop-up wedding, consider the number of guests you plan to invite. Most pop-up weddings are small and intimate affairs, with guest lists typically limited to 10 people or fewer. However, the beauty of a pop-up wedding is that you can decide on the number of guests that feel right for you. Keep in mind that the venue you choose should be able to accommodate your guest list comfortably while adhering to any local guidelines or restrictions.

Timing: pop-up weddings are typically in and out in a short period of time

Pop-up weddings are in and out in a short period of time, so timing is everything. Here are some tips to help you plan the timing of your pop-up wedding:

Plan Ahead

While pop-up weddings may seem spontaneous, some planning is required, especially when it comes to timing. Start by deciding on a date and time for your wedding and stick to it. This will help ensure that your venue is available and that your guests can attend.

Choose a Time That Works for You and Your Guests

Consider the timing of your pop-up wedding carefully. If you're having a morning wedding, make sure it's not too early so that your guests have time to arrive. For an evening wedding, avoid scheduling it too late, as some guests may have to travel or may have other commitments.

Keep It Short and Sweet

Pop-up weddings are typically short and sweet, so aim for a duration of around 2-3 hours. This will give you enough time for the ceremony, some photos, and a small reception or celebration. Let your guests know the expected duration so they can plan accordingly.

Be Mindful of the Venue's Hours

If you're planning to have your pop-up wedding at a public venue like a park or restaurant, be mindful of their operating hours. Make sure your wedding doesn't overlap with their closing time, and if possible, choose a time when the venue is typically less busy to avoid disruptions.

Consider Live Streaming

To include those who can't be there in person, consider live streaming your pop-up wedding. This way, distant relatives or friends who can't travel can still be a part of your special day. Just make sure you have the necessary technology and someone to manage the live stream during the event.

Be Flexible

Remember that pop-up weddings are all about spontaneity and adventure. So, if your planned timing doesn't work out exactly as expected, be flexible and go with the flow. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you're marrying the love of your life!

Vendors: consider hiring a photographer and other vendors for your pop-up wedding

While pop-up weddings are often more spontaneous and less traditional than conventional weddings, there are still some key vendors you may want to consider hiring to help create a memorable and stress-free experience. One of the most important vendors to consider is a photographer. Capturing high-quality photos of your special day will allow you to cherish those memories for a lifetime. Since pop-up weddings tend to be shorter in duration, you may only need a photographer for an hour or two, which can significantly reduce the cost.

In addition to photography, you may also want to engage other vendors to enhance your pop-up wedding. This could include a florist to create a beautiful bouquet, a caterer to provide food and beverages, or even a wedding planner to coordinate all the details. If you're looking for entertainment, you could consider hiring a musician or a DJ to set the mood and create a festive atmosphere.

To find the right vendors, you can explore online platforms that feature curated selections of wedding vendors, such as photographers, videographers, florists, and planners. These platforms can be a great way to discover talented professionals who can bring your unique vision to life. You can also attend wedding fairs or pop-up wedding events, which often showcase a variety of vendors and allow you to connect with them directly.

When hiring vendors for your pop-up wedding, don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. For example, you could engage a local artist to live-paint your ceremony, creating a one-of-a-kind artwork that captures the essence of your special day. Or, you might consider hiring a food truck or a mobile bar service to add a unique and fun element to your celebration.

Remember, the beauty of a pop-up wedding is that it can be tailored to your specific desires. So, whether you're dreaming of an intimate gathering or a more adventurous celebration, carefully consider which vendors will help bring your vision to life and make your day unforgettable.

Frequently asked questions