A Small Wedding, Big Fun: Creative Ways To Celebrate

Planning a small wedding can be daunting, but there are many ways to make the day fun and memorable. From choosing a unique venue to creating a relaxed atmosphere with games and activities, there are plenty of options to suit different budgets and styles.

For example, you could hire a food truck or have a potluck meal, create a personalised cocktail station, or even get married on a boat. If you're looking for a more relaxed celebration, consider a backyard BBQ or a camping trip with family and friends.

To make the day extra special for your guests, you could treat them to homemade welcome gifts or favours, and organise events such as a scavenger hunt or a post-reception after-party.

With a small wedding, you also have the freedom to be more creative with your seating plan and decorations. You can form a spiral aisle or have one long table for a more intimate reception.

Most importantly, remember that your wedding is about celebrating your love with the people you care about. So, whether you choose to elope or have a small celebration, focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment for everyone to socialise and connect.

Hire a food truck instead of a caterer

Food trucks are a fun and unique way to serve food at your wedding. They can be a great alternative to traditional catering, especially if you're looking for something more casual or want to showcase local cuisine. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your food truck experience goes smoothly.

One of the biggest considerations is the number of guests you'll be serving. A single food truck can typically handle up to 150 guests, but for larger weddings, you may need to book multiple trucks to avoid long wait times. It's important to release tables gradually to avoid a rush of hungry guests, and even then, wait times can be long. To mitigate this, consider asking the food truck to limit the menu options and have a few of each ready to go. Alternatively, some food trucks offer a buffet-style service, where they set up a table outside the truck with their offerings, so guests can help themselves.

Another thing to keep in mind is that food trucks usually only provide the food and the truck—they don't typically include rentals, staffing, or beverage and dessert service. This means you'll need to book additional vendors to handle set-up, beverage service, and clean-up. Food trucks also don't usually provide plates, cutlery, or water service, so you'll need to discuss these details with them in advance.

In terms of cost, food trucks can seem more affordable than traditional catering, with quotes ranging from $10-$25 per person compared to an average of $85 per person for catering. However, there may be extra costs involved, such as meeting minimum food orders or hiring additional staff. It's important to get a clear understanding of what's included in the quote to avoid unexpected expenses.

Food trucks are a great option for venues that don't have a traditional kitchen, such as outdoor spaces, private residences, or non-traditional venues. Just make sure to check with the venue about their food truck policies and parking availability. It's also a good idea to discuss contingency plans in case of bad weather, as food trucks may not be able to serve food indoors.

Overall, hiring a food truck for your wedding can be a fun and memorable experience for your guests, but it requires careful planning and coordination to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Have a potluck meal

Having a potluck meal at a small family wedding is a great way to make the event more intimate and memorable. Here are some tips to help you organise a fun and seamless potluck wedding:

Choose a Theme

Select a theme that reflects your and your partner's personalities and preferences. This could be a backyard barbecue, a Tuscan evening, or even a gluten-free soiree. A theme will guide your guests in their dish selection and create a cohesive menu.

Communicate Your Vision

Be explicit about your expectations when inviting your guests to participate in the potluck. Share stories of past potluck gatherings to emphasise the warmth and community that a shared meal brings. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to communicate these as well.

Create a Digital Registry

Use a digital registry, similar to a wedding gift registry, to allow guests to sign up for specific dishes. This will help ensure variety and avoid duplicates. You can also suggest dishes that are special to you and your partner to inspire your guests.

Provide a Foundation

It's a good idea for you and your partner to provide the foundation of the meal. For example, if you choose an Asian-themed potluck, you could supply various types of meat and fried rice, and guests can bring the sides.

Assign Dishes

Based on how close the guest is to you and your partner, you can assign different dish types to ensure a diverse spread. Ask immediate family members to bring the main dishes, while friends can contribute desserts or sides.

Plan for Variability

Understand that some guests may not be able or willing to bring a dish. Have extra dishes prepared to fill any gaps, and reach out to close friends and family members who are enthusiastic about helping.

Provide Space and Equipment

Allocate enough space for the serving area, with room for dishes that need to be kept hot or cold. Familiarise yourself with the venue's kitchen capabilities, and consider alternatives like portable burners if needed. Also, ensure you have enough utensils, dinnerware, and chafing dishes.

Encourage Clear Labelling

Encourage guests to put labels on their dishes, including the name of the dish and its ingredients. This adds a special touch and helps guests with specific dietary needs.

Create Temperature Zones

Create "temperature zones" to accommodate dishes with different temperature requirements. Have one area for heated dishes and another for cold dishes, ensuring that food is served at its optimal temperature.

Plan the Arrival of Dishes

Create a schedule for when guests and their dishes should arrive to ensure a smooth flow and prevent last-minute chaos.

Suggest Alternatives to Dishes

For guests who are unable to bring food, suggest alternatives such as providing beverages, helping with setup or cleanup, or contributing to decorations.

Express Gratitude

Remember that the essence of a potluck wedding is the sense of community and celebration. Express your gratitude to all guests, whether or not they bring an item.

By following these tips, you can create a delightful and memorable potluck meal for your small family wedding!

Create an intimate seating arrangement

Creating an intimate seating arrangement is a great way to ensure your wedding guests get to know each other and have a good time. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Choose a Large Circular Table

A large circular table allows all your guests to converse easily and creates a more intimate atmosphere. This setup encourages interaction and ensures no one feels left out.

Opt for a Banquet Table

A long reception table can make your event feel more intimate and welcoming. Sitting at round tables spread across the room can create distance, so a single table is a better option for a small wedding.

Arrange a U-Shaped Table

If you're having a plated dinner, a U-shaped table facilitates better dinner conversation than a banquet table. This setup encourages guests to face each other and connect, and it also works well in a small space.

Experiment with Table Layouts

With a smaller guest list, you have the freedom to get creative with your seating layout. You don't have to stick to traditional round tables; consider square tables or other unique shapes to make your wedding stand out.

Have a Table for Two

With fewer people to seat, consider having a top table just for the newlyweds. This arrangement allows the couple to enjoy their first marital dinner together and then take turns mingling with the other guests.

Go All Out on Table Décor

With fewer tables to decorate, you can focus on making a bold statement with your table settings. An overhead floral installation or a stunning tablescape will definitely impress your small group of guests.

Maximise on Florals

Using an abundance of flowers is a sure way to create a larger-than-life atmosphere at your small wedding. Even with just a few tables, elaborate floral installations will make the space stand out and create a romantic ambiance.

Create a Lounge Area

At a small wedding, it's important to encourage guest interaction. Creating a comfortable lounge area with couches and soft seating will give your guests a relaxed space to chat and connect during cocktail hour or after dinner.

Get Creative with Your Seating Plan

Feel free to play with different shapes or form a spiral aisle for the ceremony, with the officiant in the centre. You can also try alternative seating options like hay bales or rug cushions, which are easier to manage with a smaller guest list.

Change Your Ceremony Layout

With fewer people to seat, get creative with the ceremony layout. Try setting up the chairs into two longer rows that curve around the altar for an intimate feel.

Consider a Backyard Wedding

A backyard wedding is a perfect way to celebrate your love in a comfortable, familiar space. Set up tables and chairs under a canopy decorated with string lights and greenery, and don't forget to leave room for a dance floor or lawn games!

Hire a Wedding Planner

A wedding planner can help you navigate the unique challenges of a small wedding. They can suggest creative seating arrangements and ensure your vision for an intimate, fun celebration comes to life.

Make invitations more personal

Small weddings are the perfect opportunity to get creative with your wedding invitations. Here are some ideas to make your invites more personal and fun:

• Add a personal touch: Include an illustration of your pet, the logo of your favourite sports team, or a shared hobby. You could also add a custom crest that symbolises your relationship.
• Get crafty: Use gold foil, watercolour backgrounds, textured paper, or real flowers to add a unique and elegant touch to your invites.
• Go digital: Create your own digital wedding invitations and send them via email or messaging apps. This option is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
• Customise a template: Use an online template and customise it with your own text, images, and colours. You can also add a personalised QR code that guests can scan to RSVP.
• Get hands-on: If you're crafty, create your invitations completely from scratch. Source materials from Etsy, Hobbycraft, or The Range, and let your creativity flow!
• Add symbolic touches: Decorate your invites with meaningful symbols that represent your partnership. For example, if you both love to travel, include a small airplane or map design.
• Share meaningful words: Include a quote, Bible verse, song lyric, or poem that holds a special place in your heart.
• Incorporate your photos: Feature your uploaded photos on the invitation, either as the main focus or overlaid with text.
• Provide all the details: Make sure to include all the essential information such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as RSVP details and the deadline.
• Proofread: Before printing or sending your invites, proofread the text and design, and have a few extra pairs of eyes look over it to catch any errors.
• Choose the right paper: Opt for uncoated cardstock for a high-quality, luxurious look and durable feel. You can also choose paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish for a more textured appearance.
• Consider printing options: You can print your invitations at home or use a professional printing service. If printing at home, ensure your printer can handle the weight and size of the paper.
• Get creative with envelopes: Use pre-made envelopes or make your own using envelope templates. Consider adding wax seals, envelope liners, or ribbons for a unique touch.
• Mail with care: Visit the post office to determine the correct postage for your invitations, especially if they include multiple inserts. Hand-cancelling can help prevent potential ripping or damage during delivery.

Be sure to take group photos

Taking group photos is a must for any wedding, but it's especially important for small, intimate weddings. Here are some tips to ensure you capture those special moments with your loved ones:

Choose the Right Photographer

It's worth investing in a talented photographer who has experience shooting small weddings. They will be able to capture the emotional moments and intimate atmosphere that a small wedding offers. Be sure to meet with several photographers and choose one whose personality and style you connect with.

Get Creative with Group Shots

With a smaller guest list, you have more flexibility to get creative with your group photos. Consider an aerial shot of you and your guests standing in a heart formation, or ask your photographer to get a shot of all the guests surrounding you and your partner in a circle. You can also get creative with the backdrop by using the venue's architecture or natural scenery.

Include Everyone in the Wedding Party

If you have a small wedding party or none at all, be sure to include them in the group photos. This will make for some fun and memorable shots, especially if you have a mix of family and friends standing by your side. If you're not having a formal wedding party, consider asking your closest friends or family members to be part of the group photos anyway.

Capture the Candid Moments

While posed group photos are important, don't forget to capture the candid moments as well. Ask your photographer to snap some photos of your guests mingling, laughing, and enjoying themselves. These spontaneous shots often capture the true essence of the day and will be treasured for years to come.

Plan for Lighting and Backdrop

When choosing a location for your group photos, consider the lighting and backdrop. Natural light is usually best, so outdoor locations or venues with large windows are ideal. Avoid busy or cluttered backdrops that may distract from the subjects. If possible, scout the location ahead of time and discuss your preferences with your photographer.

Make it Fun!

Group photos don't have to be stiff and formal. Encourage your guests to relax and have fun. Play some music, tell jokes, or even bring props to liven things up. The more comfortable and relaxed your guests are, the better the photos will turn out.

Frequently asked questions