Small Weddings: Making Intimate Celebrations Work

Planning a small wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to managing the guest list and choosing a venue. However, small weddings offer several benefits, such as increased flexibility with the budget, more opportunities for personalisation, and a greater focus on interpersonal connections.

Small weddings typically range from 10 to 60 guests, allowing couples to create a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. This gives couples the freedom to be more adventurous with their venue choices, opting for non-traditional spaces like restaurants, family homes, Airbnbs, or even remote locations.

To make your small wedding work, it's important to set expectations early and be intentional with your guest list. Consider what type of atmosphere you want to create and how you can enhance the experience for your guests. Whether it's through interactive cocktail displays, personalised details, unique seating arrangements, or creative entertainment, there are numerous ways to make your small wedding memorable.

Additionally, don't be afraid to break the rules and skip traditions that don't resonate with you. Your wedding should reflect your personalities and values, so feel free to tailor the day to your preferences.

With careful planning and attention to detail, your small wedding will be a meaningful and unforgettable celebration.

Choose a remote location

Choosing a remote location for your wedding is a great way to make the most of a small guest list. It can be the perfect opportunity to pick a place that is meaningful to you and your partner, without having to worry about accommodating a large number of people.

When selecting a remote location, consider places that hold a special significance to you and your partner. This could be a favourite vacation spot, a place you've always wanted to visit, or somewhere that represents a shared passion. For example, if you both love mountain biking, a local ski resort could be the perfect venue. Or, if you have a favourite restaurant, see if they host weddings.

Another benefit of choosing a remote location is that it can provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. From picturesque mountains to sparkling waters, there are endless possibilities for creating beautiful memories.

When selecting a remote location, it's important to consider the logistics, especially if you have guests with special mobility needs. Make sure there is adequate transportation to and from the venue, and consider any other special requirements your guests may have.

Additionally, don't forget to set clear expectations with your guests about the location. Let them know as early as possible so they can make the necessary arrangements to attend.

By choosing a remote location for your small wedding, you can create an intimate and unique celebration that reflects your personality and interests. It's a great way to make your special day even more memorable.

Opt for alternative seating

Opting for alternative seating arrangements can be a fun way to make your small wedding stand out. Here are some ideas to consider:

Round Banquet Tables

A classic choice for weddings, round banquet tables foster a social atmosphere and allow your guests to interact with each other easily. If you go for this option, consider seating yourself outside the table so you can engage with your guests and have meaningful eye contact with them. Alternatively, leave an open space opposite your seat to make it easier to interact with a broader array of guests and eliminate any barriers. Adorn the table with flowers or other decorations to make it stand out as the focal point.

Long Banquet Tables

Also known as family-style seating, long banquet tables hold a special place in my heart. They offer immense design flexibility and allow you to accommodate more guests comfortably. Long tables are also a practical choice if you're mindful of your budget or prefer a DIY aesthetic. You can be creative with this arrangement and incorporate striking designs, even with more modest decorative accents.

Theatre-Style Seating

Theatre-style seating is a popular choice for wedding ceremonies as it combines formality and intimacy. This style can also accommodate a large number of guests, especially if you curve the chairs subtly to add a unique touch and enhance the sense of inclusivity.

Conference Seating

Although not a typical choice for weddings, conference seating can be a unique and captivating option. Consider pairing two rectangular tables together to create a fresh and original look for your special day. However, finding a venue with the requisite space and table availability might be challenging.

U-Shape Seating

U-shape seating is a wonderful option for small weddings as it enhances the aesthetic appeal of the setting and creates a warm and elegant atmosphere. This layout facilitates closer interactions between guests and the couple, making it an intimate yet sophisticated choice.

Cocktail-Style Seating

Cocktail-style seating is perfect for reception drinks and evening festivities. This arrangement encourages guests to mingle freely rather than remain seated, creating a vibrant and sociable atmosphere. After breakfast, gently prompt guests to rise from their seats and transition into a lively cocktail hour.

Get creative with your ceremony layout

A small wedding is a great opportunity to get creative with your ceremony layout. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Use alternative seating: Hay bales or rug cushions can create a cosy and intimate atmosphere for your guests. This is especially effective for small weddings, as it encourages a sense of connection and closeness.
• Change up the traditional layout: Instead of the usual rows of chairs, try something different. For example, Newton Hall created a unique seating arrangement with two long rows of chairs curving around the altar, adding a touch of elegance to the ceremony.
• Create a circular layout: Seating your guests in a circle around the altar is a wonderful way to foster a sense of community and involvement. This layout also allows for better eye contact and encourages a more intimate atmosphere.
• Wind your way through: If your venue allows, consider a winding aisle that leads you past more of your guests as you make your way to the altar. This adds a whimsical touch to your entrance and gives you the chance to connect with more of your loved ones.
• Opt for a top table for two: With a smaller guest list, you can forgo the traditional top table and instead share an intimate first marital dinner with your partner. Take turns mingling with your guests throughout the evening.
• Get creative with table décor: Decorating a few tables instead of many gives you the opportunity to go bold and extravagant. Overhead floral installations, elaborate centrepieces, and personalised place settings can all add a touch of luxury to your special day.
• Maximise your florals: Flowers are a beautiful way to transform a room and create a romantic atmosphere. Elaborate floral installations or displays can make a big impact, even in a small space.
• Personalise your seating: Why not surprise your guests with personalised place cards, napkins, or chairs? This adds a unique and memorable touch to your wedding and can double as a special favour for your guests to take home.
• Experiment with table layouts: Small weddings give you the freedom to be creative with your seating layout. Square tables, for example, can create a more intimate dining experience. Don't feel limited to traditional round tables—mix it up!

So, there you have it! Plenty of ideas to get you started on creating a unique and memorable ceremony layout for your special day. With a small wedding, the possibilities are endless, so have fun and get creative!

Pick a restaurant venue

Picking a restaurant as your wedding venue is a great way to save money and avoid the stress of traditional wedding venues. Restaurants are "unique spaces that have everything you need in one place," says planner Jove Meyer of Jove Meyer Events.

When choosing a restaurant, opt for a spot that you and your partner love to frequent so you can share the ambiance and cuisine with your friends and family. Since restaurants often have restrictions on decorations, be sure that the style of the interior and the existing decor resonates with you.

If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, consider booking an upscale restaurant. This is more feasible with a small guest list, as it's easier to afford a sophisticated restaurant for 10-20 people than for 100.

If you're working with a tighter budget, think about choosing a unique spot where your guests will have fun. Perhaps there's a fantastic taco restaurant or a pizza place with a wood-burning oven in your town.

Another way to save money is to opt for a lunch or brunch reception rather than dinner. Most people won't want a full bar at a daytime wedding, and brunch food is a lot less expensive than dinner. You could serve a deluxe brunch with signature drinks, champagne, or mimosas and still come in under budget.

When choosing a restaurant, consider the size of your guest list and whether you want a sit-down dinner or a cocktail reception. Most restaurants can accommodate weddings of any size, but if you're serving dinner, you'll want to offer banquet seating.

If you're looking for a private space, many restaurants have private rooms that can be booked for events. Alternatively, you could make a group booking for a table in the main dining area.

Before making your booking, be sure to ask about any special requests you may have. If you're signing a contract, make sure all your wedding requests are written in, along with any extra charges such as gratuities, slicing fees, or corkage fees.

Remember, the restaurant you choose should be happy to be hosting your wedding. Look for a restaurant that's interested in your business and will treat your wedding with the respect it deserves.

Personalise the details

Small weddings offer more room for personalisation, which can make the event more meaningful for you and your guests. Here are some ideas to personalise the details of your small wedding:

Invitations and stationery

Make your invitations and stationery more personal by handwriting them or including beautiful lettering. You could even skip the formal invitations and call each guest to share the news. If you're artistically inclined, you could design a graphic to include in your invitations, or hire an illustrator to do so.

Decorations and venue

Decorations can be tailored to your interests and personalities. For example, you could include family heirlooms, such as an antique candelabra or vintage china, in your decor. If you're having a seated dinner, you could design beautiful place settings with silk napkins or crystal glassware. You could also create a lounge area to encourage guest interaction and make your wedding more cosy.

When choosing a venue, consider places that are meaningful to you and your partner. This could be the backyard of your house, a family member's property, or a special place you both like to visit.

Food and drink

With a smaller guest list, you can create a detailed menu with multiple courses, wine pairings, or even a food truck. You could also distribute single-serve appetizers to each guest, ensuring that food doesn't go to waste. If you want to provide wedding favours, a smaller guest list allows you to splurge on more personal items, such as personalised shot glasses or bags of your family's famous cookies.

Entertainment

If you and your partner love dancing, you could hire a live band to perform. However, if you're not big dancers, you can remove the dance floor and opt for other activities, such as lawn games, a live painter, or karaoke.

Photography

Hire a talented photographer to capture the emotional moments of your small wedding. With fewer guests, your guests will likely feel more relaxed, creating an intimate atmosphere that a skilled photographer can capture.

Frequently asked questions