Planning A Quick, Intimate Wedding: A Practical Guide

Planning a quick, intimate wedding can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to be intentional and clear about the purpose of your wedding. Focus on your priorities and what you want to feel on your special day. Choose a location that is meaningful to you and your partner, whether it's a place you visit often or somewhere that holds a special memory. Consider your budget and what is included at your chosen venue, as this will impact the other details you need to plan and account for.

Choosing a venue

When it comes to choosing a venue for your quick, intimate wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the purpose of your wedding and the individuals you are inviting. You may want to choose a venue that is special to you and your partner, such as a place you visit often or a family vacation spot. If you opt for a venue with sentimental value, it will add a unique and personal touch to your special day.

Another factor to consider is the size of your guest list. A more intimate wedding may allow for greater flexibility in venue options, as you won't need to accommodate a large number of guests. You could even plan a small wedding in your backyard, although this will require additional planning for details such as tables, chairs, and catering. Alternatively, choosing a venue like a country inn may provide these details as part of their package.

It's also important to be intentional about your priorities and budget. Discuss what is most important to you as a couple and allocate your budget accordingly. If you have a specific venue in mind, consider whether it aligns with your vision and whether it includes or excludes certain details, such as catering or decorations.

Once you have secured your venue, you can move on to finalising other details, such as the date, photographer, and other vendors. Remember to use your mood board as a guide and choose vendors who understand and align with your vision for your intimate wedding day.

Budgeting

When it comes to budgeting for your quick, intimate wedding, it's important to be intentional and focus on your priorities as a couple. Start by discussing what is most important to you both and how you want to feel on your wedding day. This will help you determine where to allocate your funds.

For example, if having a special location is a priority, you might choose to get married at a country inn where food, tables and chairs are already included, or you could opt for a more unique venue and hire these items separately. If you have your heart set on a particular photographer, florist or makeup artist, you'll need to factor these costs into your budget too.

Creating a mood board can be a helpful way to visualise your dream wedding and ensure that any vendors you hire understand and align with your vision. This might include the style of dress, decor, and any additional touches such as live wedding painting or wedding coordination.

Remember, an intimate wedding is about celebrating the amazing people in your life, so it's okay to be selective about your guest list. By keeping the guest list small, you may also be able to save money on food, drinks, and venue hire.

Selecting vendors

Once you have your venue, date, and photographer secured, you are ready to start shopping for the rest of your dream vendors. It's important to get really clear about the purpose of your wedding and the individuals you are inviting. This will help you select vendors that understand and align with your vision. For example, if you are planning an intimate wedding in your backyard, there are a lot more details you have to plan and account for, such as food, tables, and chairs. If you choose to have your wedding at a country inn, these things may already be included.

When selecting vendors, it's crucial to focus on what you want to feel on your wedding day and how you want to incorporate what is most important to you as a couple. A strong foundation on what is important to you will help you determine where to focus your efforts and select vendors that align with your priorities. For example, if you prioritise sustainability, you may want to select vendors that use eco-friendly materials and practices.

To help guide your vendor selection, create a mood board that reflects your vision for your intimate wedding. This can include images of the style, colours, and overall vibe you are aiming for. Use this mood board as a guide when reaching out to potential vendors to ensure they understand and can deliver on your vision.

When selecting vendors, it's also important to consider your budget. Be transparent about your budget from the start and ask potential vendors for detailed quotes to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. Remember, it's okay to negotiate and ask for custom packages that fit your specific needs and budget.

Finally, trust your instincts when selecting vendors. Go with vendors that you feel comfortable with and who you believe will uphold your vision and priorities on your special day. It's crucial to have a strong foundation of trust and communication with your vendors to ensure a smooth and stress-free planning process.

Guest list

When planning a quick, intimate wedding, it's important to be intentional and clear about the purpose of your wedding. This will help you determine your guest list. Focus on the people who are most important to you as a couple and who will elevate your wedding day. It's okay to remove people from your list if you don't have a strong relationship with them or if you think they might devalue the experience for others.

Think about the size of your guest list and how it will impact your venue choice. If you're planning a small wedding, you might choose a location that is special to you, such as a family vacation spot or your own backyard. However, keep in mind that planning a wedding in your backyard will require more details and planning, as you'll need to account for things like food, tables, and chairs.

When creating your guest list, consider the people who have supported you through your journey as a couple and who will continue to do so. These might be close family members, friends, or even neighbours. It's important to surround yourself with people who will uphold and celebrate your love on your special day.

Remember, an intimate wedding is about creating a warm and meaningful atmosphere with your closest loved ones. By focusing on your priorities and being intentional, you can create a guest list that aligns with your vision for your special day.

Prioritising what's important to you

When planning a quick, intimate wedding, it's important to prioritise what's important to you. This will help you to create a day that truly reflects your values and interests as a couple.

Start by considering the purpose of your wedding. What do you want the day to feel like? Do you want it to be a celebration of your love, a chance to bring your closest friends and family together, or something else entirely? Once you have a clear idea of your purpose, you can start thinking about the guest list. Only invite people who will elevate your purpose and make the day feel special. It's okay to keep the guest list small and intimate – this is your day, and you want to be surrounded by people who truly know and support you.

Next, think about the location. Do you want to get married somewhere that holds a special significance for you? Perhaps there's a place you and your partner visit often, or a spot that holds fond memories for you both. If you're open to a more non-traditional venue, you might even consider getting married in your own backyard. Just keep in mind that this option may require more planning and coordination, as you'll need to organise things like tables, chairs, and catering.

When it comes to vendors, use your mood board as a guide to help you choose vendors that understand and align with your vision. This might include a florist, makeup artist, wedding planner, dress boutique, and more. Remember, this is your day, so don't be afraid to make it your own and incorporate what's most important to you as a couple!

Frequently asked questions