Creating Intimacy At Large Weddings: Tips For A Cozy Feel

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to finding the right venue. Many couples fall in love with a space that may seem too big for their guest list, but with a bit of creativity, there are several ways to make a large venue feel more intimate. From using plants and fabrics to partition spaces to creating a cosy lounge area, there's much you can do to make your big wedding feel small and special.

Divide the space with plants and trees

Dividing a large wedding venue into smaller, more intimate spaces can be achieved by using plants and trees. This approach can help create a cozier environment and make a big room feel more enclosed and intimate. Here are some tips and ideas to achieve this:

Choose the Right Plants and Trees

Select plants and trees that thrive in the specific conditions of your venue. Consider factors such as the growing zone, sunlight, water availability, and soil type. If you need year-round screening, opt for evergreen plants like yew or box. For seasonal privacy, you can add deciduous plants, large-scale perennials, or grasses.

Create "Walls" and "Rooms"

Thoughtfully place trees and shrubs to create natural enclosures and divide the space into distinct "rooms." Tall, see-through herbaceous plants, such as Verbena bonariensis or ornamental grasses, can be used in the foreground to suggest division while still allowing a view of the distance. Low hedges can formalize and delineate areas, while taller hedges provide more privacy and enclosure.

Mix and Match

You can choose to repeat the same plant type in a row or mix different varieties to create a tapestry of foliage. A hedge of a single plant type can create an orderly and cohesive look, similar to the walls inside a home. However, using a mix of plants can offer protection against plant loss due to disease or other issues.

Positioning and Placement

Be creative with the positioning of your plants and trees. Screening plants don't necessarily need to line the perimeter; you can set them back from the boundaries or place them in the interior of the space. Carefully placed trees or shrubs can provide excellent privacy and screening. Consider the ideal size and position to achieve your desired level of privacy and division.

Combine with Other Elements

Combine plants and trees with other structures such as archways, trellises, or pergolas to enhance the division of space. Reed screens or woven fencing can also be used as boundaries or to separate different areas of the venue.

Use fabrics to make the ceiling seem lower

Using fabrics to make the ceiling seem lower is a great way to make a big wedding feel small and intimate. Here are some tips and ideas to achieve this:

Choose the Right Fabric

The type of fabric you choose for your ceiling treatment will depend on the look and feel you want to create. Sheer, lightweight fabrics like tulle, chiffon, organza, or voile can add a soft, romantic touch to the space. These fabrics are easy to work with and can be draped or hung in various ways to create a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere. If you're looking for something with more weight and opacity, consider using a fabric like heavy chiffon or poly silk, which can be treated to be flame retardant.

Play with Height and Length

Full-length, floor-to-ceiling drapery panels can help to emphasise the height of the room while also making the space feel more intimate. Experiment with different lengths of fabric to find the perfect balance between emphasising the height and creating a lower ceiling effect. You can also try using extra-long fabric swags that crisscross back and forth, with the ends cascading down the sides for an elegant, fluttery effect.

Experiment with Different Techniques

There are several ways to drape and hang fabric to achieve the desired effect. You can try a symmetrical design with horizontal draping, or go for a more spontaneous pattern with a round design that starts in the middle and works its way out. Play with different techniques to see what works best for your space and the overall aesthetic you're aiming for.

Use Colour to Your Advantage

The colour of your fabric can also play a significant role in creating the right atmosphere. White or cream-coloured fabrics are popular choices, as they can make the space feel bright and airy. However, if you want to make the room feel smaller and more intimate, consider using darker or richer colours. You can also use fabric to reinforce your wedding colour palette or create a contrasting backdrop that makes other design elements pop.

Combine with Other Design Elements

Combining fabric treatments with other design elements can enhance the overall effect. Consider incorporating flowers, lanterns, fairy lights, or chandeliers suspended from the ceiling to create a luxurious and intimate atmosphere. You can also use lighting techniques, such as uplighting or pin spotting, to manipulate the space and create a warm and inviting ambiance.

Consider Practicalities and Safety

When working with fabrics and ceilings, it's important to consider practicalities and safety measures. Ensure that the fabric is securely attached and that the ceiling can bear the weight of the fabric and any additional decorations. If you're hanging fabric from exposed beams or finished ceilings, seek advice on the best methods to ensure safety.

By following these tips and getting creative with fabrics, you can effectively lower the ceiling height, making your big wedding venue feel smaller and more intimate.

Create a cosy atmosphere with lighting

Lighting is a key element in creating the perfect atmosphere for your wedding. It can transform a space, enhance the decor, and influence the mood of your guests.

To create a cosy atmosphere with lighting, consider the following:

Soft, Warm Lights

Soft, warm lights in hues of warm white, yellow, orange, and red can help create an intimate and cosy atmosphere. These colours emit a gentle glow, similar to that of an open fireplace or a sunset, making your venue feel welcoming and romantic.

Layer Your Lighting

Layering your lighting involves placing multiple small light sources around the room, spreading a balanced and gentle glow. This technique adds depth and dimension to the space, creating a relaxing and intimate atmosphere. Consider using a combination of table lamps, string lights, and candles at varying heights and angles to achieve this effect.

Dimmable Lights

Adjustable brightness is an important feature to consider when creating a cosy atmosphere. By dimming the lights, you can reduce the intensity and brightness of the lighting, making the space feel more intimate and inviting.

Fairy Lights

Fairy lights can add a whimsical and romantic touch to your wedding decor. They can be draped across ceilings, wrapped around fixtures, or clustered together to create a focal point. Their soft glow and delicate twinkle contribute to a cosy and enchanting ambience.

Candles

Candles provide a gentle flickering glow that enhances the cosiness and intimacy of a space. They are perfect for creating a relaxing and romantic atmosphere and can be used on tables, windowsills, or as centrepieces. Just be mindful of fire safety and keep them away from flammable items.

Accent Lighting

Use accent lighting to highlight specific features or areas of your venue. Spotlights or uplights can draw attention to your wedding cake, a flower arrangement, or a piece of art, creating visual interest and enhancing the overall ambience.

Zones

Divide your venue into different zones using lighting to make a large space feel more intimate and organised. For example, use dynamic and colourful lights in the dance floor area to create an energetic atmosphere, while employing softer, more subdued lighting in the dining area to encourage conversation and relaxation.

Seat guests at long tables for a family feast vibe

If you're looking to make your big wedding feel small and intimate, one way to do so is through your seating arrangements. Seating guests at long tables for a family-style feast is a great option if you're after a more informal dining experience. This style of seating can make your celebration feel warm and intimate, and it's perfect for facilitating conversation among your guests, especially for those who haven't seen each other in a long time or are meeting for the first time.

• Rustic, wooden tables are perfect for family-style seating, where guests can pass dishes and choose their portions.
• Add a whimsical touch with lush greenery garlands or floral centerpieces for a garden party vibe.
• For a more elegant affair, drape your tables with neutral colors like ivory or slate for a clean, airy aesthetic. Pair with gilded accents for a touch of opulence.
• Consider hanging café lights or romantic candelabras for lighting.
• Mix and match long tables with round tables for a visually interesting setup that offers flexibility in assigning seats.
• If you're concerned about seating arrangements, it's recommended to create a seating chart, especially for weddings with more than 50 guests. This reduces anxiety for your guests and prevents issues or bottlenecks.
• When creating your seating chart, consider your guests' relationships and their comfort. Seat friends together so they can catch up and ensure that guests attending alone are seated with strong conversationalists.
• Seat older guests away from loud music and ensure easy access to the dance floor and exit for those with mobility concerns.
• The newlyweds can choose to sit at a long head table with their wedding party or opt for a more intimate sweetheart table for two, creating a romantic atmosphere.

With these tips in mind, you can design a seating arrangement that brings your guests together and makes your big wedding feel small and cozy.

Greet each guest to make them feel included

Greeting each guest is an important part of making your big wedding feel small and intimate. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Pre-Parties

Host smaller, more intimate events leading up to your wedding day with various groups of guests. This could include your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or even a pre-wedding cocktail hour. These events give you an opportunity to spend quality time with your guests and make them feel welcomed and appreciated.

Receiving Line

A traditional receiving line is a great way to ensure you greet each guest and make them feel included. Whether it's just the couple or the wedding party as well, this allows you to personally welcome everyone and set the tone for the celebration.

Table Greetings

During the reception, make your way around the tables with your partner and spend a few minutes at each table. This gives you an opportunity to connect with your guests, ensuring they feel seen and appreciated. It also helps to create a more intimate atmosphere, especially if you have a large number of guests.

Lounge Areas

Create designated lounge areas or chill spaces away from the main reception area. These intimate spaces encourage guests to gather and chat, fostering a sense of inclusion. Consider a cosy setup with couches, armchairs, and coffee tables, allowing guests to relax and socialise in a more private setting.

Interactive Food Stations

Instead of a traditional sit-down dinner, opt for interactive food stations or self-serve buffets. This encourages guests to move around and interact with one another, creating their own plates. It adds a fun and informal element to the reception, making it feel more like a family gathering or dinner party.

Personalised Touches

Add personalised touches to your wedding, such as writing individual notes for each guest or including photos of them around the room. This makes your guests feel valued and appreciated, creating a sense of intimacy, even within a large group.

Frequently asked questions