A Simple Wedding: Tips For An Intimate, Affordable Celebration

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. If you're looking to keep things simple, there are plenty of ways to make your big day intimate and memorable without the fuss. Here are some ideas to get you started:

- Keep the guest list small: A smaller guest list means less stress, more quality time with loved ones, and a more intimate atmosphere.

- Choose a unique venue: Opt for a non-traditional venue like a restaurant, a friend's backyard, a national park, or even your own backyard.

- Go all-inclusive: Choose a venue with an all-inclusive package that includes catering, alcohol, staff, rentals, and more. This will save you time, money, and stress.

- Streamline the timeline: You don't need to follow a 6-hour wedding timeline. Work with your coordinator to shorten the event and make it more manageable.

- Focus on what matters: Instead of trying to include every tradition, focus on the must-haves and what's important to you. This could be a great dinner, a fun photo slideshow, or a unique activity that you and your partner love.

- Be creative with food and drinks: Skip the traditional caterers and go for a food truck, a serve-yourself open bar, or even a potluck dinner.

- Embrace DIY: From invitations to decorations, there are plenty of ways to get creative and save money. You can design your own invitations, create your own centrepieces, or even bake your own cake.

- Hire a wedding planner: While it may seem counterintuitive, hiring a wedding planner can actually save you time and money. They can handle the little details, suggest vendors, and make sure your day runs smoothly.

Choose a small venue

Choosing a small venue is a great way to keep your wedding simple and intimate. Here are some tips and ideas to consider when selecting a small venue:

Restaurant or Backyard

Consider hosting your wedding at your favourite restaurant. This option often requires minimal decoration as the interior design and existing décor will already align with your taste. Alternatively, you could opt for a backyard wedding at your current residence, a childhood home, or a family member's property. This option is usually more affordable and gives you the freedom to plan your day without strict time limits.

Airbnb or Rental Property

If you don't have access to a backyard, consider renting a beautiful private home through Airbnb or another rental platform. This option often provides flexibility to move between different spaces and can be more cost-efficient. Just remember to check with the host beforehand, as some properties may not allow gatherings or weddings.

National Park or Beach

If you're an outdoorsy couple, consider exchanging your vows in a National Park or at the beach. These venues offer seclusion, breathtaking views, and low prices. National Parks also offer built-in activities, such as hiking, camping, or taking a dip in a creek. Beach weddings are perfect for couples who want a simple ceremony without worrying about excessive decorations.

Small Religious Facility or Outdoor Garden

If you and your partner are religious, a small religious facility could be a great option. Alternatively, an outdoor garden or park can provide a beautiful natural setting for your ceremony.

All-Inclusive Packages

If you're planning a destination wedding, consider opting for an all-inclusive package. These packages often include amenities such as on-site coordination, catering, alcohol, staff, rentals, and accommodations. This option can save you time, money, and stress, but it's recommended to bring your own photographer and videographer to ensure the best quality.

Unique Ceremony Locations

With a small guest list, you have the flexibility to choose more unique and intimate locations for your ceremony. Ask about ceremony options that can accommodate a small wedding party, such as a library, courtyard, theatre, or small gallery.

Remember, the most important aspect of your wedding venue is that it resonates with you and your partner. By choosing a small venue, you'll create a more intimate atmosphere and have more room in your budget for other details that are important to you.

Invite fewer guests

One of the most effective ways to simplify your wedding is to keep the guest list small. This will not only ease the burden on your budget but also reduce the stress of planning and coordinating a large event.

A shorter guest list means you can choose a more intimate venue, spend less on food and drinks, and have more quality time with your closest friends and family. It also gives you the freedom to be more creative with your planning, allowing you to personalize the event and make it truly unique.

When deciding on your guest list, consider those who are most important to you and your partner. This could be immediate family and your closest friends. If you're finding it challenging to narrow down the list, ask yourself if you would take that person out for a nice dinner or have them stay at your home for a weekend.

A micro wedding typically includes 10-20 guests, while an intimate wedding ranges from 20-50 guests. If you're comfortable with a slightly larger gathering, you can aim for the upper end of these ranges while still keeping the event small and manageable.

By keeping your guest list small, you open up a world of possibilities for creating a simple yet memorable wedding that reflects your personality and celebrates your special day with those closest to you.

Combine ceremony and reception

Combining the ceremony and reception in the same space is a great way to streamline your wedding. It saves you and your guests the trouble of travelling between two locations, and can also help you save on costs. Here are some tips to help you plan a combined ceremony and reception:

Venue Selection:

When selecting a venue, consider a space that can accommodate both the ceremony and reception. This could be an indoor or outdoor venue, such as a ballroom, barn, garden, rooftop, or terrace. Opting for a venue with character and a unique appeal, such as exposed brick and fancy lighting, can enhance the ambiance.

Guest Experience:

To make the event intimate and enjoyable for your guests, consider having them seated at round and rectangular tables during the ceremony. This creates a unique experience and allows for easy transition to the reception. Ensure that there is ample space and seating for guests, especially if you plan to have food and dancing.

Timeline and Logistics:

The recommended time allotment for the entire event is 60 to 90 minutes for the ceremony and 4 to 5 hours for the reception. Plan the timeline carefully, allowing for a smooth transition between the two. You may want to have a cocktail hour in between for guests to mingle while you take your post-ceremony photos.

Décor and Aesthetics:

Since the same space is being used, the décor and aesthetics for the ceremony and reception will likely be similar. Larger décor pieces such as a floral arch can be used as a focal point for the ceremony and then repurposed as a backdrop for a head table during the reception. Smaller pieces like aisle florals and signage can also be repositioned to accent different parts of the room.

Staffing and Vendors:

Ensure that you have sufficient staff and vendors to help with the transition. A team of professionals, including an event planner, florist, and photographer, will be crucial to ensuring a smooth flow throughout the event.

Food and Refreshments:

When it comes to food, consider serving hors d'oeuvres and desserts rather than a full dinner, especially if your event falls during mealtime. A dessert bar with a variety of treats can be a fun and uncomplicated option.

Combining your ceremony and reception is a great way to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for you and your guests. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can make your wedding day intimate, unique, and memorable.

Opt for a backyard wedding

Opting for a backyard wedding is a great way to save money and create an intimate, personalised celebration. Here are some tips to help you plan a simple yet memorable backyard wedding:

Choose the Right Backyard

If you're lucky enough to have a backyard that can accommodate your guest list, that's fantastic! But if not, consider asking a family member or friend if you can use their outdoor space. Alternatively, you could rent a property with a beautiful backyard and stunning views for your special day.

Create a Cozy and Intimate Space

Backyard weddings are all about creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. To achieve this, consider setting up a lounge area with comfortable seating, such as couches and cushions. This will give your guests a place to relax and socialise during the reception. You could even bring the indoors outside by setting up a cozy movie theatre or a game area.

Make the Most of Natural Features

One of the benefits of a backyard wedding is the ability to showcase the natural beauty of the space. If there's a particular feature you love, such as a favourite tree or a pool, incorporate it into your design. You can also use existing garden features, such as a lattice structure or a patio, to create a unique and memorable backdrop for your ceremony or reception.

Get Creative with Decorations

When it comes to decorations, the possibilities are endless. You can keep it simple with string lights and flowers or go all out with a show-stopping floral arch. If you're feeling crafty, DIY your own decorations or repurpose furniture and items from inside your home. Just remember to define the ceremony and reception spaces clearly, especially if your backyard feels like "one big area."

Plan a Special Menu

Catering for a smaller group gives you more flexibility with your food options. You can keep it casual with passed bites, such as mini tacos, or go for a more interactive approach with a self-serve s'mores station. If you're a foodie couple, why not order from your favourite food truck? Or, if you want to save money, cook your own meal or ask guests to contribute to a potluck dinner.

Add Personal Touches

A backyard wedding is the perfect opportunity to add unique and meaningful touches. From handwritten escort cards to personalised wedding favours, there are endless ways to make your celebration special. You can even get ready in your childhood bedroom, pose for photos in your favourite spot in the backyard, or include your pets in the festivities!

Hire a wedding planner

Hiring a wedding planner can be a great way to ensure your special day runs smoothly and that you can enjoy the planning process. Wedding planners can be particularly useful if you're short on time or want to make the most of your budget. They can also help you create a personalised celebration that truly reflects your vision. Here are some tips for hiring a wedding planner:

Know Your Vision

Before deciding on a wedding planner, it's helpful to have a clear idea of your wedding theme and how you want your big day to look and feel. This will enable you to find a planner who understands and can execute your vision. It's also important to consider your budget and the specific services you require, such as full-service planning, partial planning, or day-of coordination.

Ask for Recommendations

A great way to find a wedding planner is to ask your friends and family for recommendations. If you've attended a wedding you loved, ask the couple about their planner. Social media, especially Instagram, can also be a useful tool to find planners in your area whose style and aesthetic align with yours. Online reviews on platforms like Google and The Knot can provide valuable insights into a planner's work and reputation.

Match Your Aesthetic

When selecting a wedding planner, look for someone who has experience executing weddings that fit your desired look and feel. During your initial call with potential planners, pay attention to how they add to your ideas and vision. Choose someone who understands and enhances your vision, making you feel confident and excited.

Discuss Budget and Fees

It's essential to discuss your budget and the planner's fees upfront. Be clear about the services you need and ask for a detailed breakdown of costs. Some planners offer customizable pricing, allowing you to add on services as needed. Remember that a wedding planner's experience and level of expertise will impact their pricing, with more experienced professionals typically charging higher rates.

Identify Shared Values

When hiring a wedding planner, remember that you'll be working closely with them throughout the planning process. It's important to find someone you connect with on a personal level and whose work ethic and values align with yours. Trust your instincts and choose someone who makes you feel comfortable and understood.

Double-Check Services

While a wedding planner's aesthetic is crucial, ensure they can provide the specific services you require. Ask about their communication accessibility and their coordination with vendors. Inquire about their process for creating timelines, reviewing contracts, and handling post-wedding tasks, such as clean-up and returning rental items.

Hiring a wedding planner can be a significant decision that will impact your wedding planning journey and your big day. Take your time, ask questions, and trust your instincts to find the right planner for your simple wedding.

Frequently asked questions