Small Wedding, Big Fun: Creative Ways To Celebrate

Planning a small wedding? You're in for a treat! Small weddings are a wonderful way to create an intimate and unique celebration that reflects your personality and style. From choosing a cosy venue to adding personal touches, here are some fun ideas to make your special day memorable:

- Destination wedding: With a small guest list, why not choose a picturesque location that is meaningful to you and your partner? It could be a beach, a mountain retreat, or even a European city.

- Food trucks: Instead of traditional catering, hire a food truck to serve up delicious cuisine. It's a fun and informal option, and you can work with the chef to create a customised menu.

- Personalised entertainment: With a smaller crowd, you can tailor the entertainment to your guests' tastes. Create a personalised playlist, hire a solo musician, or set up a photo booth with fun props.

- Creative seating: Think beyond the traditional banquet tables. How about a circle or semi-circle seating arrangement during the ceremony, followed by a long banquet-style table for dinner to encourage conversation?

- Interactive cocktail moment: Wow your guests with an interactive cocktail display. Have the bartender put on a show by smoking glasses over an open flame.

- Customised details: From napkins to floral arrangements, you can add unique touches that showcase your personality as a couple.

- Pre-wedding pampering: Take time to relax and enjoy the preparations on your wedding day. Start the day with a massage, a yoga session, or a leisurely breakfast with your bridal party.

- Stay somewhere special: Treat yourself to a night at a stylish boutique hotel or a room with a view. It's your wedding night, after all!

- Personal notes: Write a personalised note for each guest, expressing your gratitude for their presence on your special day.

- Meaningful ceremony: Pack your ceremony with meaningful music, readings, and personalised vows. Involve your guests in rituals and carefully craft the atmosphere to set the tone for a memorable celebration.

Remember, small weddings offer flexibility and the opportunity to focus on what truly matters to you and your partner. So, get creative, add your personal flair, and make it a day to remember!

Choose a unique venue

A small wedding opens up a world of possibilities for your venue. You can be more creative with your choice of location and venue style, and you don't have to stick to traditional wedding venues. Here are some unique venue ideas to consider:

• Remote and romantic locations: Choose a venue like a wilderness reserve or a city location with a small guest list. It will be easier to organise travel and accommodation for a smaller group, and you'll have more venue options to choose from.
• Restaurants: Opt for a spot that you and your partner frequent and share the ambiance and cuisine with your guests. Restaurants often have restrictions on decorations, so ensure that the interior style and existing décor resonate with you.
• Family homes: Host your wedding in the backyard of your house, your childhood home, or a family member's property for a cozy and low-maintenance setting. With a small group, everyone will fit comfortably, and your guests can learn more about your background.
• Airbnb: Renting a beautiful private home can be a cost-efficient option and gives you the flexibility to move between spaces. Just make sure to check with the host beforehand, as some properties don't allow gatherings or weddings.
• Large venues with small spaces: Consider a ballroom or an industrial loft and look for unexpected spaces within the venue that are ideal for small celebrations, such as a library, courtyard, theatre, or smaller gallery.
• Destination weddings: With an intimate guest list, you have more flexibility to plan a weekend of events in an exotic location. Your guests will be travelling and spending money on accommodations, so a destination wedding is more suited to a smaller group.
• Breweries or aquariums: Your favourite brewery or local aquarium may be open to hosting your wedding if you have a small guest list. Reach out and inquire about their capacity and availability.
• Lakeside ceremony with a restaurant reception: Combine a beautiful lakeside ceremony with a reception at a restaurant. This option can be more affordable than a typical wedding venue, as they often have lower guest minimums and food and beverage minimums.

When choosing a unique venue for your small wedding, don't be afraid to think outside the box and consider non-traditional spaces. By selecting a venue that reflects your interests and style, you can create a memorable and intimate celebration for you and your guests.

Create a fun playlist

Music is an integral part of any wedding, and with a small wedding, you can easily add all of your guests' favourite songs to your playlist! Here are some ideas to help you create a fun and memorable playlist for your special day:

Include a Line for Song Requests on Your RSVPs

Ask your guests to include a song request with their RSVP so that you can be sure to play something that everyone will enjoy. This is a great way to get your guests involved and create a personalised playlist that reflects their tastes.

Opt for a Live Band or Solo Musician

If you want to create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, consider hiring a solo musician, such as a guitarist or a harpist, to play soft background music during the ceremony and reception. For a more lively celebration, you could also hire a small live band. Just be mindful of the number of band members in relation to your guest count to avoid an overpowering presence.

Incorporate Meaningful Songs

In addition to your guests' requests, be sure to include songs that are meaningful to you and your partner. These can be songs that hold special memories, reflect your relationship, or simply tunes that you both love. This will add a personal touch to your playlist and make your wedding day even more unique and special.

Create a Variety of Playlists

Consider creating multiple playlists to cater to different moments throughout the day. For example, you might want a relaxed playlist for guest arrival and a more upbeat selection for the reception. You can also use music to set the mood for different activities, such as a romantic first dance or an energetic group dance.

Don't Forget the Ceremony

Your ceremony music sets the tone for the entire day, so choose songs that reflect the mood you want to create. Whether it's a classic instrumental piece or a contemporary love song, select music that resonates with you and your partner. You can also involve your guests by asking them to share their well-wishes or participate in a unity ritual during this time.

Be Mindful of Volume and Placement

To ensure that your guests can comfortably converse, be mindful of the volume and placement of your speakers. You don't want the music to be too loud and overpowering, especially if you have a small venue. Place the speakers in a central location to create an immersive experience for your guests, allowing them to enjoy the music without it being too intrusive.

Remember, your wedding day is all about celebrating your love and creating memories with your closest friends and family. So, have fun with your playlist and don't be afraid to add your personal touches!

Add personal touches

Adding personal touches to your wedding is a great way to make the day truly yours. Here are some ideas to make your small wedding fun and full of personality:

Guest Book

The guest book is already a special part of your wedding, but you can make it even more unique. Instead of a traditional book, consider using messages in a bottle, notes slipped into a frame, or signed items like a globe if you and your partner love to travel.

Cardholders

Cardholders are another area where you can showcase your style and interests. Think outside the box and use mailboxes, wine barrels, vintage suitcases, instrument cases, or rustic crates. You can also opt for a modern glass terrarium or box and add an engraving to display in your home as a memento.

Signature Cocktail

Offer your guests a signature cocktail that reflects your relationship. Put a twist on a classic or create something new with your favorite ingredients. You could even choose a drink native to your hometowns and give them fun, meaningful names.

Dessert

Get creative with your dessert and make it memorable. Whether it's a classic cake or something different, add customizable toppers, florals, or edible decorations. If you opt for a cake, consider getting a personalized serving set to use and treasure long after the wedding.

Wedding Favors

Show your guests your appreciation with thoughtful wedding favors that reflect you and your partner. If you're plant lovers, gift each guest a baby succulent. Or, if your hometown is known for a particular beverage, offer mini bottles as a unique taste of where you're from.

Napkins, Centerpieces, and More

If you're changing your last name, incorporate your new initial into various places, such as napkins, centerpieces, or even stand-alone letters on tables. It's a fun way to share your excitement about your new name.

These are just a few ideas to add personal touches to your small wedding. With a little creativity, you can make your special day truly unique and memorable for you and your guests.

Hire a food truck

Food trucks are a fun, modern twist on traditional wedding meals. They are a great option for small weddings as they often can't handle large numbers of guests. Food trucks are also a good way to treat your guests without blowing your budget.

Advantages

Food trucks are a unique and memorable way to serve food at your wedding. They are also a good option if your venue doesn't have a traditional kitchen. If you're getting married in a city that's not your hometown, a food truck is a great way to introduce your guests to local cuisine.

Disadvantages

Food trucks may require additional costs for things like table settings, clean-up, and staffing. They may also require a lot of waiting time for your guests, especially if you don't have multiple trucks.

Tips

• Work with the food truck owner to create a custom menu for your wedding.
• Ask the food truck owner about their limits. Can they prepare full meals, or only snacks? How long will it take them to cook the food?
• If you're serving the main meal from a food truck, make sure it's parked close to your guests' tables.
• A single food truck can serve 100-150 people. For larger weddings, consider booking multiple trucks to avoid long wait times.
• Food trucks are best used for late-night snacks when there isn't a huge rush, and people aren't starving.

Plan a destination wedding

Planning a destination wedding is a fun way to make your special day even more memorable. Here are some tips to help you plan the destination wedding of your dreams:

Choose a Location

Start by picking a location that holds a special meaning for you and your partner. Consider visiting the location beforehand to ensure it meets your expectations. Research local weather patterns and cultural events, and understand any passport or visa requirements for you and your guests. Popular wedding destinations include beach settings like the Caribbean or Mexico, mountain destinations like national parks, vineyards in Tuscany or South Africa, historic properties in Europe, or exciting cities like Paris or Las Vegas.

Set a Budget and Hire a Planner

Destination weddings can be more or less expensive than local weddings, depending on various factors. Set a budget and consider hiring a wedding planner, especially one with knowledge of your chosen location. A good planner can save you money and handle the stress of planning an event in an unfamiliar place.

Understand Legal Requirements

Research the requirements for a legal wedding at your chosen destination. You may need to obtain a marriage license or meet residency requirements. Some couples opt for a legal ceremony in their home country followed by a symbolic ceremony at their destination.

Send Save-the-Dates and Invitations Early

Send out save-the-dates 9-12 months in advance, and invitations 3-4 months before the wedding. This gives your guests ample time to plan their travel and make necessary arrangements.

Finalize Vendors and Logistics

Book your vendors, including caterers, photographers, florists, and entertainment, as early as possible. Research and book accommodations for you and your guests, keeping in mind that it's helpful to offer options at different price points. Consider transportation needs and any activities or tours you'd like to plan for your guests.

Enhance the Experience with Thematic Details

Decorate your venue with local flowers, serve regional cuisine, and incorporate cultural elements to create an immersive experience. Provide welcome bags with local treats or useful items for your guests.

With careful planning and attention to detail, your destination wedding is sure to be a fun and unforgettable celebration!

Frequently asked questions