Make Your Small Space Wedding Memorable

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and finding the right venue can be challenging. A large space can be made to feel more intimate with a bit of creativity. Dividing a large room into smaller districts with trees, plants, and shrubbery can create a cozier atmosphere. Suspending drapes from the ceiling or using tall centerpieces can also help to lower the ceiling height and make the space feel smaller.

For those considering a small wedding venue, there are several options to explore, such as restaurants, family homes, Airbnb rentals, or unique spaces like art galleries, museums, or rooftops. With a small guest list, there is more flexibility to choose a non-traditional venue that aligns with your interests and style.

Whether you're transforming a large space or opting for a smaller venue, thoughtful planning, and creative use of decor can make your wedding day feel special and memorable.

Divide the space with plants and trees

Dividing a space with plants and trees is a great way to create a cosy, intimate atmosphere at a wedding, especially if you're working with a small space. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Choose the Right Plants

Select plants that will thrive in your specific conditions. Consider factors such as your growing zone, soil type, water conditions, and sunlight exposure. Also, take into account the maintenance requirements of the plants. If you need year-round screening, opt for evergreen plants. For seasonal privacy, you can add deciduous plants, large-scale perennials, or grasses to the mix.

Create Visual Interest

Add visual interest and intrigue by using a combination of plants with varying heights, textures, and colours. Tall, see-through herbaceous plants, such as Verbena bonariensis or ornamental grasses, can suggest division while drawing the eye towards the distance, creating a sense of depth. You can also use plants with interesting foliage, like Seiryu Japanese maple, Plum Yew, or Fireglow Japanese maple, to create a lush and colourful tapestry.

Divide and Enclose the Space

Thoughtfully position trees and shrubs to provide enclosure and screening. Low hedges can formalise and delineate areas, while taller hedges will increase privacy. If you're aiming for a more rustic or boho-style wedding, consider using plants as walls to enclose and divide the space into smaller "districts". For example, you can create separate areas for the meal, ceremony, or dance floor.

Enhance with Archways and Trellises

Incorporate simple archways or trellises to create a sense of passing from one area to another. Climbers such as roses or clematis can soften the look of archways and trellises, adding a romantic touch. For a more rustic feel, try using rustic pole screening or trellising with an opening or archway to frame and soften the view.

Play with Lighting

Use lighting to enhance the atmosphere created by your plant divisions. Fairy lights, candles, or low-energy light sources can cast a warm and intimate glow while also allowing you to manipulate how much of the space is illuminated, drawing attention to certain areas while keeping others in soft shadow.

Use fabrics to make the space feel smaller

Fabrics are a great way to make a small space feel more intimate for your wedding. One way to do this is by using drapes. Suspending drapes from the ceiling can help to lower the ceiling height, creating a more intimate atmosphere. This technique can also be used to create separate "districts" or rooms within the space, which can make the venue feel smaller and more tailored to your event.

Drapes can also be used as pillars to enclose a space, which is perfect for very intimate weddings, also known as micro weddings. This gives event planners more control over each area, ensuring the space is the perfect size for your celebration.

In addition to drapes, you can also use other textiles to partition the space. For example, you could use fabrics to create a canopy of bistro lights, which can make a space feel more intimate and enclosed.

If you're looking to add a romantic touch, consider incorporating candlelight into your fabric decorations. Fairy lights woven into your tablescape or added to your fabric installations can also create a playful and whimsical atmosphere.

By using fabrics and other decorative elements, you can transform any space into a magical and intimate setting for your wedding.

Create a lounge area

Creating a lounge area is a great way to make your small wedding feel intimate and encourage your guests to interact and socialise. Here are some tips to create a lounge area that will impress your guests and make your special day memorable:

Choose the Right Furniture

Select furniture that is comfortable and inviting. Couches, armchairs, sofas, ottomans, and coffee tables are all great options. These pieces will allow your guests to relax and create a living room-like atmosphere. If you're working with a very small space, you may want to opt for more compact furniture or consider renting furniture specifically for the lounge area.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere

Use soft textiles such as pillows, blankets, and rugs to make the space feel warm and inviting. Choose colours and textures that complement your wedding theme and add fun pillows that tie into your design. You can also incorporate candles to create a romantic and intimate ambiance.

Play with Lighting

Lighting can be used to create a cosy atmosphere in your lounge area. Consider using lamps, string lights, or fairy lights to add a soft glow to the space. If your wedding is outdoors, hanging string lights or lanterns can define the lounge area and create a magical atmosphere as the sun sets.

Add Personal Touches

Incorporate decorative elements that reflect your personality and style. This could include vintage books, family photos, or other sentimental items. You can also use the lounge area to display your memorabilia or items that share your personal connection to the venue. These touches will make your guests feel like they are in a space that truly represents you.

Consider Functionality

While style is important, don't forget about functionality. Ensure there is enough seating for your guests, and consider including tables for drinks and snacks. If your lounge area is outdoors, provide shade during the day and consider heating options if the temperature drops in the evening.

Plan the Layout

Think about the flow of your lounge area. Arrange the furniture to encourage conversation and create a natural pathway for guests to move through the space. If possible, position the lounge area near other key areas, such as the bar or photo booth, to create a seamless guest experience.

By following these tips, you can create a lounge area that will not only look stunning but also provide a comfortable and memorable space for your guests to relax and socialise during your small wedding.

Use creative lighting

Creative lighting is a great way to transform a space and make it feel more intimate for a wedding. Here are some tips to use creative lighting to make a small space feel special:

Choose the Right Type of Lighting

The type of lighting you choose can help create the desired atmosphere. For a romantic and intimate feel, consider dimming the lights and using candles or low-energy light sources to cast a warm glow. Fairy lights can also add a playful and whimsical touch. For larger venues, decorative lighting such as uplighting can embellish walls and columns, making the space feel chic and stylish.

Create a Canopy of Lights

A canopy of string lights or bistro lights floating above a banquet table will create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests. This works especially well for outdoor receptions, providing breathtaking photo opportunities.

Use Lighting to Dictate and Shape the Space

You can use lighting to manipulate the space by controlling what your guests can and cannot see. This technique is most effective in the evening when you can set spotlights to emphasise certain areas while keeping unused spaces in darkness.

Combine Lighting with Other Design Elements

Consider how the lighting will fit into the overall space, including plants, fabrics, and candles. For example, combine a canopy of string lights with draped fabric to make a space feel more intimate.

Work with a Lighting Professional

Creating the right lighting design can be challenging, so consider working with an experienced wedding planner or lighting professional. They can help you navigate any logistical considerations and create a lighting plan that transforms your space.

By using creative lighting, you can enhance the atmosphere, guide your guests' experience, and make your small wedding space feel magical and unique.

Hang decorations from the ceiling

Hanging decorations from the ceiling is a great way to make a small wedding space feel more intimate. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Firstly, check with your wedding planner or venue manager to ensure that any changes you want to make are approved. If you are allowed to hang decorations, consider the weight and type of materials you will be using. You don't want anything too heavy that could cause damage or be a safety hazard. Think about using lightweight fabrics, paper, or other lightweight materials for your decorations.

If you want to add a romantic and whimsical touch, consider hanging fairy lights or string lights from the ceiling. These lights will create a beautiful canopy that will make the space feel more intimate and magical. You could also incorporate flowers into your hanging decorations. Flower arrangements or floral swags hung from the ceiling can add a romantic and elegant touch to the space. If you want to add a more personalised touch, consider hanging decorations that reflect your wedding theme or colours. For example, if you are having a coastal-themed wedding, you could hang oyster shells with calligraphy place cards from the ceiling.

Another idea is to create a hanging installation or chandelier over the dining table or dance floor. This will draw guests' attention and create a focal point in the room. You could also consider suspending decorative elements such as lanterns, paper pom-poms, or even a floral arch over the ceremony altar to create a beautiful backdrop for your vows.

If you want to add a fun and interactive element, consider hanging decorations that move gently with the air currents in the room, such as lightweight streamers or ribbons. These will add movement and dynamism to the space, creating a playful and festive atmosphere.

Remember to always consider the height of your hanging decorations and ensure they are securely attached to the ceiling. You don't want anything to obstruct your guests' views or be too low, especially if you plan to have dancing.

Frequently asked questions