Creating A Relaxed Wedding Vibe: Informal Ideas For Your Big Day

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and for some couples, the idea of a formal wedding doesn't align with their vision of their big day. A less formal wedding can be more intimate and unique, allowing couples to express their personalities. There are many ways to make a wedding more informal, from the invitations and attire to the food and entertainment.

For example, instead of a formal sit-down dinner, consider a buffet with comfort food or a BBQ. Opt for a simple venue like a family garden or town hall, and skip the formal place settings. Choose a casual outfit that reflects your style, and let your bridesmaids pick their own dresses. Send e-vites instead of paper invitations, and drop the formal dress code. Encourage guests to join in the fun with games and a DIY bar.

Ultimately, an informal wedding is about creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere that celebrates the couple's love in a way that feels true to them.

Characteristics of an Informal Wedding

Choose a simple venue

Keeping your wedding venue simple is a great way to make your special day more informal. Here are some tips to help you choose a venue that fits the bill:

Opt for a Familiar Setting

A casual wedding is usually set in a comfortable and familiar location for the couple, such as their home or backyard. This type of setting allows the couple to be more creative and think outside the box, creating a unique and intimate experience. If your home or backyard isn't quite suitable, consider a favourite wine bar, neighbourhood restaurant, beach, patio, or a family member's home. These venues offer a more private and relaxed atmosphere compared to larger, more traditional spaces.

Consider the Size

Informal weddings are typically smaller, with a reduced guest list. This creates a more comfortable and intimate environment. A smaller guest list also means you can choose a venue with a lower maximum capacity, making the event feel more relaxed and ensuring you have ample space for your guests.

Choose a Venue that Aligns with Your Vision

If you're going for a modern wedding, consider venues like art galleries, well-designed restaurants, or warehouse spaces. On the other hand, if you want to incorporate more natural elements, opt for outdoor venues such as parks, backyards, or ranches. Choosing a venue that fits your theme will make your wedding feel more connected to the space.

Be Mindful of Your Budget

When choosing a simple venue, consider your overall budget. Some venues may include essential services in their pricing, while others charge extra for things like catering, décor, and floral arrangements. If you're working with a smaller budget, look for venues that offer packages or choose a venue that allows you to bring your own vendors and décor.

Think About Your Guests' Experience

If you're expecting a lot of out-of-town guests, consider a venue that's nearby or connected to a hotel. Also, remember to think about your guests' comfort within the venue. The maximum capacity of a room may not always provide a comfortable amount of space, so ask the venue about their recommended capacity for a more enjoyable experience.

Be Consistent with Your Theme

While choosing a simple venue, remember to keep your wedding's formality level in mind. If you're going for a rustic theme, a ballroom might not be the best fit. Similarly, if you're envisioning a black-tie event, a rustic barn may not be the ideal setting. Consistency in the formality level across your venue, decorations, attire, food, and entertainment will create a seamless and captivating experience for your guests.

Ditch the 3-course meal

If you're looking to make your wedding more informal, one way to do that is to ditch the traditional 3-course meal. Here are some ideas for creating a more casual dining experience for your big day:

Buffet-Style Dining

Create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere by opting for a buffet-style meal. This allows your guests to serve themselves and choose the dishes they like, making it a great option for accommodating different dietary needs and preferences. Buffet-style dining can also be more cost-effective than a formal seated dinner. You can set up food stations with a variety of options, such as a salad bar, a taco bar, or a pizza buffet.

Family-Style Platters

Another way to make your wedding meal more informal is to serve family-style platters on each table. This encourages a sense of community and sharing among your guests. It also adds a touch of elegance to the dining experience. You can offer large platters of food such as grilled vegetables, pasta dishes, or even a whole roasted pig for a unique presentation.

Food Stations

Food stations are a great way to add an interactive element to your wedding dining. Set up different stations around the venue, each offering a unique type of cuisine or a specific course. For example, you could have a station for appetizers, one for mains, and another for desserts. This gives your guests the freedom to explore different options and create their own plates.

Casual Cuisine

The type of food you serve can also set the tone for a more informal wedding. Opt for comfort foods or dishes that are easy to eat. For example, you could serve items like grilled cheese bites, mini tacos, or pigs in a blanket. If you want to incorporate your cultural heritage, consider serving family recipes or dishes that hold a special meaning for you and your partner.

Late-Night Snacks

Think beyond the traditional wedding dinner and surprise your guests with fun late-night snacks. This is a great way to keep the party going and ensure your guests stay energised. You can set up a station with items like mini grilled cheese sandwiches, french fries in cones, or even a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar.

Remember, the key to making your wedding meal more informal is to focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience for your guests. By ditching the traditional 3-course meal, you can encourage interaction, customisation, and a sense of intimacy that will make your wedding day memorable.

Consider different seating

If you're looking to make your wedding more informal, one way to do this is by considering different seating arrangements. Here are some ideas to make your wedding seating more relaxed and casual:

Opt for a mix of seating options

Instead of the traditional rows of chairs, why not mix it up with a variety of seating options? This could include lounge furniture, high-top tables, and traditional round tables. Comfy couches and lounge seating can give your wedding a relaxed and intimate vibe, making your guests feel right at home. You could even bring in picnic blankets, rugs, hay bales, or cushions for a more casual feel.

Get creative with chair arrangements

If you're set on having chairs, try arranging them in a unique way. Instead of straight rows, you could create interesting shapes like swirls, semi-circles, or rings. This makes the ceremony feel more inclusive as your guests will literally be surrounded by loved ones. You could also angle the seating sections to enhance the space, especially if you're outdoors. Or, go for a mix of chairs and benches for a cohesive yet interesting look.

Choose unconventional seating

For a truly unique wedding, forgo chairs altogether and bring in some unconventional seating options. This could include antique love seats, sofas, tree stumps, or even a stack of hay bales with cosy blankets. If you're having an outdoor wedding, bright rugs and pillows can bring the inside out and create a comfortable and colourful atmosphere.

Seat guests by relationship

To encourage a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, seat guests together based on their relationships. This way, they can catch up with friends and family and have familiar faces around them. This is especially thoughtful for guests who might be attending alone and won't know many people.

Keep it intimate

Informal weddings are often smaller and more intimate. A reduced guest list can make the event feel more relaxed and comfortable for everyone. With a smaller group, it's easier to create a laid-back atmosphere and you'll have more time to chat and connect with each guest.

Choose a casual venue

The venue you choose can also impact the seating arrangements and the overall vibe of your wedding. Opting for a casual venue like a favourite wine bar, neighbourhood restaurant, beach, patio, or even your own backyard can instantly make the event more informal and intimate.

Drop the dress code

Dropping the dress code is a great way to make your wedding more relaxed and informal. It's a chance for your guests to express their personal style and feel comfortable. Here are some tips to help you drop the dress code for your wedding:

• Communicate the Dress Code to Your Guests: Let your guests know that there is no specific dress code. You can do this through your wedding website, word-of-mouth, or even on your invitation. This will help your guests feel more at ease and know that they have the freedom to dress however they like.
• Encourage Comfort and Personal Style: Let your guests know that their comfort is a priority. Suggest that they wear something that makes them feel comfortable and reflects their unique style. This could be anything from a sundress to a nice pair of trousers and a button-down shirt.
• Provide a Colour Palette Guide: While you may not want to impose a strict dress code, providing a colour palette guide can help your guests coordinate their outfits and still allow for individuality. For example, suggest earthy tones, pastel colours, or vibrant hues, depending on your wedding's theme and atmosphere.
• Suggest Comfortable Footwear: Let your guests know that comfortable footwear is encouraged. This is especially important if your wedding will be held outdoors or in a location with uneven terrain. Suggest that they bring a pair of comfortable shoes or sandals to ensure they can fully enjoy the celebration.
• Lead by Example: When it comes to dropping the dress code, you and your wedding party can set the tone. Opt for outfits that reflect your personal style and comfort. This will signal to your guests that they have the freedom to do the same.
• Consider the Location and Weather: Take into account the location and weather conditions of your wedding. If it's an outdoor wedding in the summer, encourage lightweight and breathable fabrics. If it's a cozy indoor celebration in the fall, suggest layers and warmer attire. This will help your guests dress appropriately for the setting.
• Emphasize Individual Expression: Encourage your guests to use their creativity and express themselves through their attire. They can incorporate unique accessories, playful patterns, or meaningful cultural elements into their outfits. This will make your wedding a celebration of not only your love but also the unique personalities of your guests.
• Offer a Dress Code Alternative: Instead of a strict dress code, provide your guests with a theme or style suggestion. For example, you could suggest a "boho-chic" or "rustic elegance" theme, giving them a starting point while still allowing for individual interpretation.
• Be Mindful of Cultural Sensitivities: If your wedding has a diverse guest list, be mindful of any cultural sensitivities or traditions regarding attire. Provide guidance or suggestions that respect your guests' cultural backgrounds, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and included.
• Have Fun with Accessories: Encourage your guests to have fun with their accessories! Suggest playful hats, unique jewellery, or colourful scarves. Accessories can add a touch of personality and playfulness to any outfit, allowing your guests to showcase their individual style.

Let guests be bartenders

If you're looking to make your wedding more laid-back, why not try something a little different and let your guests be the bartenders? Here's how to do it:

The Set-Up

Create a self-service bar area that is easily accessible to your guests. You could use a long table or even an old rowboat if you're going for a beach or lake-shore theme. Stock the bar with all the necessary tools such as cocktail shakers, strainers, bar mats, ice buckets, and a "dump bucket" for trash. Don't forget the ice!

The Drinks

Offer a selection of drinks that your guests can easily mix themselves. Big-batch beverages like lemonade, tea, and fruit-infused water are a great place to start. You could also provide a signature cocktail with a fun name and simple ingredients. Pre-batch the cocktails and have them ready to pour with cute, themed labels, or provide recipe cards for guests to make their own.

Glassware and Garnishes

Provide glassware or, if you're worried about breakages, opt for nicer plastic cups. You could also provide garnishes and mixers to elevate the drinks. Think lemon and lime slices, salt and sugar rims, and maybe even fresh herbs like mint.

Instructions and Signage

Not everyone will be a mixology whiz, so provide simple, easy-to-follow instructions for making the drinks. You could even print out some fun, themed signage with drink recipes and display them near the bar. This adds a decorative element and ensures your guests can confidently whip up their favourite tipple.

Stock Up

Make sure you have more than enough drinks and supplies. It's better to have too much than to run out halfway through the celebrations. You could also provide a few non-alcoholic options for those who are abstaining or designated drivers.

Letting your guests be the bartenders is a great way to get everyone involved and interacting. It adds a unique, fun element to your special day and is sure to be a talking point for years to come!

Frequently asked questions