Intimate Wedding Reception: Tips For A Small, Memorable Celebration

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and a small, intimate wedding comes with its own unique challenges. From creating the guest list to choosing a venue, there are many things to consider when planning a small wedding reception.

One of the benefits of a small wedding is the opportunity to create a personalised and meaningful experience for you and your guests. With a smaller guest list, you can focus on creating deeper connections and curating special moments that resonate with your loved ones.

To make your small wedding reception memorable, here are some ideas to consider:

- Create a cosy and intimate atmosphere by choosing a unique venue, such as a restaurant, backyard, Airbnb, or a non-traditional space like a library or courtyard.

- Opt for a banquet or U-shaped table to encourage conversation and create an intimate dining experience.

- Splurge on a live band, interactive cocktail hour, or a culinary experience with a private chef to entertain your guests.

- Incorporate DIY touches, family heirlooms, and personalised details such as customised napkins or place cards.

- Think outside the box with entertainment like lawn games, live painters, or even a bouncy castle!

- Spoil your guests with a food truck, intimate tasting menu, or a dessert bar with a donut wall and an ice cream station.

- Add special touches like a photo booth, board games, or a live open-mic session to encourage guest interaction and lasting memories.

Remember, a small wedding gives you the freedom to be creative, focus on connections, and treat your guests to a unique and memorable celebration.

Small wedding venues: restaurants, backyards, Airbnbs, ballrooms, industrial lofts, libraries, courtyards, theatres, galleries

Restaurants, backyards, Airbnbs, ballrooms, industrial lofts, libraries, courtyards, and theatres all make for great small wedding venues.

Restaurants

If you and your partner are foodies, a restaurant wedding can be a great way to celebrate with your guests in a space with more personality than a typical ballroom. The cost of a restaurant wedding will depend on how much of the space you use. Most restaurants turn over their tables two to three times in an evening, so your fee will cover the business the owner loses by giving up those tables. If you're having a smaller wedding and the venue has a private dining room, you may be able to do a partial buyout, allowing the restaurant to operate as usual in one room while hosting your group in the other.

Backyards

Backyard weddings are meaningful, personalised events. While they can be budget-friendly, they generally do not cost less than a celebration in any other space. You'll need to bring in rentals, catering, and staff, and you'll likely need some sort of tenting as a backup plan for inclement weather.

Airbnbs

Airbnbs are a unique and affordable option for small weddings. You'll likely be renting the home for an extended period (a long weekend), so the costs could escalate. However, you'll get to spend extra time with your closest family and friends, and you'll have more flexibility with your budget. Just remember that an Airbnb is not the place to welcome a large number of guests.

Ballrooms

Ballrooms are making a comeback, with modern spaces offering tons of windows and sunlight, hardwood floors, neutral palettes, and beautiful views.

Industrial lofts

Industrial wedding venues, like lofts and warehouses, have "blank canvas" interiors that can be transformed to reflect your personality. They also feature trendy industrial details like exposed brick, wood beam ceilings, and ductwork.

Libraries

Libraries make for memorable wedding venues, with their nostalgic feel and cozy charm.

Courtyards

A courtyard can be a picturesque setting straight out of a fairytale.

Theatres

Theatre wedding venues are unique and romantic, especially for couples who love music, cinema, and the performing arts. Many theatres also have amazing acoustics, ensuring your wedding music sounds extra-amazing!

Galleries

Art galleries have quickly caught on as ideal places to hold a wedding reception, with both large and small galleries offering rental space for weddings – and many offer full-blown wedding packages.

Small wedding activities: board games, photo booths, live music, open mics, outdoor activities, karaoke, cocktail hours, lawn games

Small weddings can be a great way to focus on interpersonal connections and allow for more flexibility with your budget. Here are some activity ideas to make your small wedding reception fun and memorable:

Board Games

Board games can be a great addition to a small wedding reception, offering entertainment and encouraging interaction between guests. Here are some games that are easy to grasp and accommodate a range of players:

• Spyfall
• Wits and Wagers
• Codenames
• Sushi Go
• Love Letter
• Coup
• Camel Up
• Telestrations
• Snake Oil
• Cards Against Humanity
• Jenga

Photo Booths

Photo booths are a fun way to encourage guests to interact and provide them with instant mementos. You can rent a photo booth or create your own by setting up a well-lit backdrop with decorations that match your wedding aesthetic. Consider adding props, such as hats or custom signs, to make the photos even more fun.

Live Music

Live music can enhance the atmosphere of your small wedding reception. Consider hiring a small ensemble or soloist to perform during the reception. This can be a more intimate alternative to a DJ, especially if you're looking for a relaxed and chill vibe.

Open Mics

The idea of an open mic at a wedding reception is more controversial. While it can allow guests to share their talents or make toasts, it also runs the risk of becoming long-winded or inappropriate. If you decide to have an open mic, it's a good idea to set some ground rules and have someone in charge of managing the mic to avoid potential issues.

Outdoor Activities

If your venue has outdoor space, you can set up lawn games such as corn hole, croquet, badminton, or bocce ball. These classic games will keep guests entertained and add a playful touch to your reception. You can also set up a simple photo backdrop outdoors, using natural elements like greenery or flowers, to encourage guests to take photos.

Karaoke

Karaoke is a fun way to get guests involved in the entertainment. Choose a variety of songs that will appeal to different musical tastes and encourage guests to sing along or take centre stage. Songs like "Love Story" by Taylor Swift or "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

Cocktail Hours

A cocktail-style reception promotes a relaxed and informal atmosphere, allowing guests to mingle freely. It can also be more budget-friendly, as it tends to be shorter than a traditional sit-down dinner. Offer a variety of food options, such as hors d'oeuvres and interactive food stations, and provide a full bar or a signature cocktail.

Lawn Games

In addition to the lawn games mentioned above, here are some more ideas to consider:

• Ring toss
• Connect Four
• Archery
• Giant checkers
• Bocce ball
• Croquet
• Badminton

Small wedding food: food trucks, family-style meals, tapas, tasting menus, donut walls, sweets tables, ice cream stations, small cakes

Small weddings are perfect for couples who want to focus on creating meaningful connections with their guests. If you're planning a small wedding, you might be wondering how to make your reception feel intimate and special. Here are some ideas for small wedding food that will delight your guests and create a memorable experience:

Food Trucks

Food trucks are a fun and unique way to cater your small wedding. You can choose from a variety of cuisines, such as wood-fired pizza, sushi, or even a custom ramen noodle bar. Food trucks offer a casual and interactive dining experience for your guests, and they can be a cost-effective option depending on your budget.

Family-Style Meals

Family-style meals are a great way to create a warm and intimate atmosphere at your small wedding. Guests pass around large platters and bowls of food, just like at a family dinner. This style encourages conversation and community among your guests. For the main course, you can offer a variety of proteins and sides to accommodate different tastes and dietary restrictions.

Tapas

Tapas, or small plates, are perfect for a cocktail-style reception. Offer a variety of bite-sized treats such as Caprese cups, bruschetta, sliders, tiny tacos, and vegetable apps like zucchini roll-ups. This style of dining allows your guests to mix and mingle while enjoying a variety of flavours.

Tasting Menus

If you want to treat your guests to a fine dining experience, consider a tasting menu. This can be done as a plated sit-down dinner or a family-style meal. A tasting menu typically includes multiple courses, such as an appetizer, a salad or soup, an entrée, and dessert. It's a great way to showcase your favourite dishes and create a memorable culinary experience for your guests.

Donut Walls

Donut walls have gained popularity in recent years, especially for couples who prefer wedding cake alternatives. You can offer a variety of donut flavours and even include gluten-free options. Donut walls are not only delicious but also make for adorable photo backdrops!

Sweets Tables

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, why not set up a sweets table? Include a variety of desserts such as cookies, cupcakes, popsicles, hand pies, and mini cheesecakes. A sweets table is a fun way to indulge your guests' sweet tooth and create a visually appealing display.

Ice Cream Stations

An ice cream station is a perfect way to treat your guests, especially at a summer wedding. Offer a variety of toppings and sauces to create a fun and interactive dessert experience. Your guests will love creating their own customised ice cream sundaes!

Small Cakes

If you still want to incorporate a wedding cake, consider having a small cake that reflects your style. You can pre-cut the cake into slices for easy serving, or offer mini cakes for each guest. This way, you can still have the tradition of cake cutting without worrying about accommodating a large guest list.

Small wedding decor: flowers, candles, small succulents, cupcakes, canopies of fabric, orchids, lanterns, calligraphy escort cards

Small weddings are a great way to emphasise connection over consumption. With a small wedding, you can truly make the day your own, focusing on the couple's love for each other and their closest connections.

Flowers

Flowers are a classic wedding decor choice, and for good reason. They add a touch of elegance and romance to any setting. For a small wedding, you can go all out with opulent floral arrangements. Consider a floral runner for your tables, or hanging florals attached to the ceiling. You could also incorporate flowers into your aisle markers, altar arrangements, and centrepieces.

Candles

Candles are a cost-efficient way to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Use candles of different sizes and shapes, such as votives, taper candles, and floating candles, to add interest and variety to your tablescapes and centrepieces.

Small Succulents

Succulents are a trendy and modern choice for wedding decor. These low-maintenance plants can be used in centrepieces, bouquets, or even as favours for your guests. Arrange them in terrariums, planters, or geometric shapes for a unique touch.

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a fun and versatile alternative to a traditional wedding cake. Arrange them in the shape of your new last name's initial for a creative and personalised display.

Canopies of Fabric

Fabric draping can add a romantic and whimsical touch to your wedding decor. Use it to create a canopy, swag tables, or drape it from the ceiling for a dramatic effect. Fabric can also be used to create a stylish aisle runner.

Orchids

Orchids are elegant and exotic flowers that can add a touch of luxury to your wedding decor. Use them in centrepieces, bouquets, or altar arrangements.

Lanterns

Lanterns are a versatile decor element that can be used in a variety of ways. Use them as aisle markers, centrepieces, or to line the path to your venue. You can fill them with candles or fairy lights for a soft and romantic glow.

Calligraphy Escort Cards

Escort cards are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Write a personalised note inside each escort card, or get creative with the display by suspending them from a tree or pairing them with fun accessories.

Small wedding guest list: immediate family, extended family, close friends, acquaintances, people you've met more than once

Small weddings are a great way to create an intimate and unique experience for you and your guests. When it comes to your guest list, it's important to be intentional and only invite those who are closest to you. Here are some tips to help you create a small wedding guest list that includes only your loved ones:

• Tier your guest list: Create three tiers of guests, with Tier 1 being immediate family, Tier 2 being extended family and close friends, and Tier 3 being acquaintances. This will help you visualize who is most important to have at your wedding.
• Evaluate your relationships: Reflect on how each person on your list has impacted your life. Consider whether they have supported your relationship and if they will add value to your special day. It's okay to remove people from your list if your relationship isn't strong.
• Set expectations early: Once you decide to keep the wedding small, let your circle know so they can expect not to be invited. This way, those who do receive an invitation will feel extra special.
• Be consistent: If you invite someone from your partner's side, make sure to invite someone from your side as well. For example, if your partner invites their parents, you should also invite your parents. This will help maintain a balance and avoid any hurt feelings.
• Consider a kid policy: Decide whether you want children at your wedding. If you don't, make sure to communicate this clearly to your guests to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Include the uninvited: Find ways to include those who aren't invited, such as through a post-wedding celebration or by sending them photos and announcements after the event.

Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love and creating meaningful connections with your closest family and friends. By being intentional with your guest list, you can ensure that your small wedding is a memorable and intimate experience for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions