Planning A Small, Intimate Second Wedding: A Guide

Planning a small, intimate second wedding can be a challenge, but it's a great way to focus on what really matters: your marriage. You can say no to excess and create a meaningful celebration with your nearest and dearest. Curating a smaller guest list can be tricky, but it's worth it to ensure your day is filled with the people you love and who support you both. From digital invites to luxurious picnic receptions, there are plenty of ways to make your small wedding feel special and unique.

Keep the guest list short

Keeping the guest list short is a great way to ensure your second wedding is small and intimate.

If you want to keep your wedding small, the first step is to make a short guest list. This could include immediate family members, such as parents, grandparents and siblings, as well as close friends. You could also consider allowing your guests to have a plus-one, but be mindful that your headcount can grow quickly. Wedding planner expert Amy Nichols suggests that with an intimate celebration, you can "celebrate with your nearest and dearest without the 'obligations' of having to invite extended family or coworkers or friends you've lost touch with".

To help you curate your guest list, it can be helpful to talk to your partner. Discuss how you each feel about potential attendees – are you both close to them, do they support both of you, and would inviting one person cause tension with someone else?

Having a small guest list also means less food waste. There won't be a need for large buffets where everyone piles their plates high, and you can avoid the stress of worrying about whether there will be enough food for seconds.

To make your event feel more intimate, you could have your friends and family sit at a long reception table. This will make your guests feel more welcome and comfortable than sitting at round tables spread throughout the room, which can create distance.

Digital invites and save-the-dates

Planning a small, intimate second wedding can be a great way to focus on creating a foundation for your marriage that will last a lifetime. One of the benefits of a smaller wedding is that you can reduce paper waste by sending digital invites and save-the-dates. This is a more environmentally friendly option and can also help you save money on printing and postage costs.

When creating your digital invites and save-the-dates, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to include all the important details such as the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as any other relevant information such as dress code or accommodation options for guests who may need to travel. You can also include a link to your wedding website, if you have one, where guests can find more information and RSVP online.

Another advantage of digital invites is that you can get creative with the design and format. You can choose from a variety of online templates or even design your own invites using graphics and animation. This is a great way to add a personal touch and make your invites stand out.

When it comes to sending out your digital invites and save-the-dates, there are a few options to consider. You can send them via email, or use a dedicated wedding planning website or app that allows you to manage your guest list and track RSVPs. You can also create a private event page on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram, where guests can RSVP and stay updated on any wedding-related news.

Finally, don't forget to follow up with your guests after sending out your digital invites and save-the-dates. This is especially important for a small, intimate wedding where you want to ensure that everyone feels included and valued. You can send reminder emails or messages, and even reach out personally to guests who may need additional information or assistance with travel arrangements.

Less food waste

Planning a small, intimate second wedding can be a great way to focus on what matters to you and your partner without the excess of a large wedding. One of the benefits of a smaller wedding is less food waste.

To achieve this, you can avoid large buffets where guests tend to pile their plates high out of fear that there won't be enough food. Instead, consider a picnic-style reception with a luxurious spread of classic picnic food. Your guests can sit at a long reception table, which will make the event feel more intimate and encourage conversation.

Another idea is to provide individual plates or baskets for each guest, ensuring that everyone receives an equal portion. This way, you can more easily gauge how much food is needed and avoid over-catering.

If you prefer a more formal dining experience, opt for a plated dinner service rather than a buffet. This way, guests can choose their meal preferences in advance, and you can provide the exact amount of food required with minimal waste.

By focusing on creating an intimate atmosphere and tailoring the dining experience to your guest list, you can significantly reduce food waste at your second wedding.

No unnecessary trinkets

When planning a small, intimate second wedding, it's important to remember that less is more. You don't need to worry about the 'obligations' of inviting extended family or coworkers, and can instead focus on creating an intimate celebration with your nearest and dearest. This means you can say no to unnecessary trinkets and focus on creating meaningful experiences for your guests.

One way to do this is to opt for digital wedding invites and save-the-dates, reducing paper waste. You can also avoid large buffets, which often result in food waste, and instead opt for a more intimate dining experience, such as a luxurious picnic spread or a long reception table for your friends and family to sit at together. This will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making your guests feel comfortable and involved.

When it comes to the guest list, be mindful of who you invite. Sit down with your partner and discuss how you each feel about potential attendees. Are you both close to them? Do they support both of you? Inviting one person may cause tension with someone else, so it's important to consider these dynamics when planning your small wedding.

By keeping your guest list intimate, you can ensure that your guests feel the joy of being so intimately involved, without the need for unnecessary trinkets or favours. Instead, they will leave with fond memories of a meaningful and special day.

Picnic-style reception

Planning a small, intimate second wedding can be a great way to focus on creating a foundation for your marriage that will last a lifetime. One idea for a micro wedding reception is a picnic-style celebration.

If you want to keep things simple, you could opt for a traditional picnic with a large blanket and cushions. Alternatively, you could hire a planning company that specialises in luxurious picnic spreads, complete with floral arrangements, candles, and elegant place settings. To add to the atmosphere, you could have instrumental music playing in the background.

When it comes to food, a picnic-style reception offers a variety of options. You could provide classic picnic fare, such as sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Or, if you want to add a touch of luxury, you could include items like charcuterie boards, fancy cheeses, and fresh fruit. Don't forget to provide a variety of drinks, such as sparkling water, wine, and perhaps even a signature cocktail.

To make your picnic-style reception feel extra special, consider providing some entertainment or activities for your guests. This could include lawn games, such as croquet or bocce ball, or even a scavenger hunt. If you have a musical guest or two, you could encourage them to bring their instruments for an impromptu performance.

Finally, don't forget to consider the practicalities. Ensure you have enough seating and tables for your guests, and that your chosen location has adequate facilities. You may also want to provide some shade or shelter, depending on the weather. By keeping these tips in mind, you can create a memorable and intimate picnic-style reception for your second wedding.

Frequently asked questions