Planning A Casual Wedding: Tips For A Relaxed Celebration

Planning a casual wedding can be a lot more work than you think. While a casual wedding is broad by definition, it usually involves a more relaxed energy and laid-back aesthetic. This might mean a smaller guest list, a more intimate setting, and a few formal traditions being eschewed. You can have a casual wedding anywhere, from a family member's house to a sailcloth tent, and you can create a relaxed ambiance with mismatched dining chairs.

Venues

A casual wedding is broad by definition, but the common threads are a more relaxed energy and a laid-back aesthetic. Often, these relaxed weddings will eschew a few formal traditions and etiquette practices, but they can still be elegant.

Casual weddings are typically smaller in guest count, since they take place in more intimate settings. You could have a casual wedding at your parents' house or even at your own house, which is a sweet and special option. A sailcloth tent can feel elegant, coastal and casual all at the same time. It can feel like an intimate picnic with all of your favourite people.

Mismatched dining chairs are an easy way to create a relaxed ambiance. You can opt for the same material (for example, all wood or all upholstery) if you want to keep things a little more cohesive.

There's a misconception that a casual wedding is always less work, however, most of the time it actually involves a lot more logistical planning compared to a standard wedding.

Wedding party ideas

A casual wedding can be anything you want it to be, but it's usually defined by a more relaxed energy and laid-back aesthetic. You can have a casual wedding at your parents' house or even at your own home. A sailcloth tent can be a great way to create an elegant, coastal and casual atmosphere. You can also source mismatched dining chairs from antique stores or borrow them from friends and family to create a relaxed ambiance.

If you want to keep some traditions, you could have your nearest and dearest wear wedding guest outfits in the same colour palette, or they could be your point people to get down on the dance floor with.

Casual weddings are usually smaller and more intimate, and they often take place during the week. You might want to consider a dinner-party-style gathering, which can be a great way to keep things relaxed and informal.

Wedding guest outfits

A casual wedding is, by definition, a more relaxed and laid-back affair. This means that, as a guest, you can afford to be more comfortable and creative with your outfit choice.

For women, a floral midi dress with sweet shoulder ties or a flounced hem is a classic option. You could also opt for a wide-leg jumpsuit in a solid colour, or separates such as a lace blouse and silk trousers. If you're attending a summer wedding, a whimsical sundress is a great choice. For a springtime event, a navy dress with a smocked bodice, puff sleeves, playful tiers and pockets is a perfect blend of elegant and casual.

For men, a printed suit and a dressy button-down shirt are a great option. You could also wear an elevated polo shirt, tucked into a belt and chinos for an effortlessly cool vibe. If you want to switch things up, a vibrant colour or fun pattern, such as a herringbone blazer, will ensure you stand out.

Food and drink

A casual wedding is usually a more intimate affair, with a smaller guest count. This means you can be more thoughtful about the food and drink you provide.

For a casual wedding, you might want to consider comfort food, but with an elegant twist. For example, bite-sized grilled cheese sandwiches with a small serving of tomato soup. Or, for a late-night snack, you could serve french fries in small cups with a selection of sauces. Sliders are another good option, whether you go for simple cheeseburgers or something more unexpected, like pulled pork or buffalo chicken.

If you're having a backyard wedding, you could serve cocktails chilled with flower-filled ice cubes. You could also top drinks with edible florals. If you have a famous family dessert recipe, this could be a good time to bring it out.

If you have a high guest count, you could consider a venue like an estate or orchard, which can accommodate more people but still feel laid-back and informal.

Planning and logistics

First, you need to decide on a venue. A casual wedding can take place anywhere, from a family member's home to a sailcloth tent on the coast. If you're looking for something more intimate, consider a relaxed dinner-party-style gathering. These weddings are typically smaller in guest count since they take place in more intimate settings.

Next, think about the overall aesthetic. A casual wedding is characterised by a relaxed energy and laid-back aesthetic. To create a relaxed ambiance, consider mismatched dining chairs, perhaps sourced from antique stores or borrowed from friends and family. If you want to keep things a little more cohesive, opt for the same material, such as all wood or all upholstery.

Finally, don't be afraid to break with tradition. A casual wedding is all about doing what feels right for you. This might mean skipping some formal traditions and etiquette practices, such as attendants or social pre-wedding events. However, if you want to incorporate some traditional elements, you can always put your own spin on them. For example, you could ask your closest friends to wear wedding guest outfits in the same colour palette, creating an "informal wedding party".

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