Planning A Cozy Wedding At Home: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a small, intimate wedding at home can be a great way to celebrate with your nearest and dearest. It can be a more personal and meaningful experience, but it's not without its challenges. From creating an unconventional seating plan to deciding on a menu, there's a lot to consider. Plus, with a small guest list, you'll need to be mindful of who to invite and whether to allow plus-ones. It's important to remember that you don't have to do it alone—friends and family can help, and you can always seek the guidance of a wedding planner.

Making a guest list

Planning a small, intimate wedding at home may seem straightforward, but it can be difficult to pull off logistically. One of the first steps is to make a short guest list. This will help to keep the event intimate.

When making your guest list, it's important to include immediate family members, such as parents, grandparents, and siblings. You should also invite your close friends and anyone else you can't imagine not being at your wedding. If you have room in your budget, you might want to allow your guests to bring a plus-one. However, keep in mind that this can quickly increase your headcount. Before sending out invitations, it's a good idea to talk with your partner about your stance on plus-ones. Typically, plus-ones are reserved for significant partners (meaning the couple is engaged or married). Establishing this guideline can help you keep your guest list small.

If you're choosing to have a small wedding at home, you might also want to consider asking friends and family to pitch in and help with the planning and logistics. While a wedding coordinator might be overkill for a small wedding, you don't have to do it all alone.

Finally, remember that the fewer people you invite, the more intimate your event can be. However, it's entirely up to you how many people you want to celebrate with.

Choosing a venue

If you're planning a small, intimate wedding at home, the first thing to consider is your guest list. Include immediate family members, close friends and generally people you can't imagine not being there. The fewer people you invite, the more intimate the event can be.

When it comes to choosing a venue, there are a few options to consider. If you're planning a wedding at home, you could opt for a backyard celebration. This gives you the freedom to plan the day exactly as you want it, but it also means there are more details to account for, such as food, tables and chairs. If you'd prefer a more low-maintenance option, a country inn might be a better choice, as these venues often provide food, tables and chairs as part of their package.

Another option is to enlist the help of a wedding coordinator. While this might seem like overkill for a small wedding, it can take some of the pressure off. Alternatively, you could ask friends and family to pitch in and help, as this will make the day more personal and intimate.

When it comes to the day itself, think about unconventional seating arrangements and eclectic food choices to make the event feel unique. And don't forget, there's no reason why your furry best friend can't participate!

Food and drink

If you're feeding fewer people, you can put the money you save into an open bar, or use it on another part of your wedding. You could also use the savings for your honeymoon, or put it towards your new life together.

If you're a food-loving couple, a small wedding is a great opportunity to feature your favourite cuisine, as there are fewer tastes and dietary restrictions to accommodate. You could create a tasting menu so your guests can try a variety of your favourite dishes and drinks. If you want to go all out, offer tableside service of your favourite, seasonally available, over-the-top accouterments like caviar or shaved truffles.

You could also serve themed food and drinks, like Galaxy Cocktails for a sci-fi wedding. If you and your partner fancy yourselves as mixologists, feature an elevated bar menu for guests to try something new.

If you want to keep it simple, you could order pizza or takeout from your favourite restaurant after the ceremony.

Seating arrangements

Firstly, decide on the number of guests you plan to invite. This will help you determine the number of tables and chairs you need. For a small wedding, it is recommended to invite only immediate family members, close friends, and perhaps allow your guests to bring a plus-one.

Next, consider the layout of your space. If you're planning an outdoor wedding in your backyard, you'll need to account for tables, chairs, and other details. Think about how you want the tables arranged—do you want a traditional head table with the wedding party, or would you prefer a more relaxed setup with guests seated at round tables?

To create a cosy and intimate atmosphere, you might want to consider unconventional seating arrangements. For example, you could have a mix of long and round tables, or even create lounge areas with comfortable seating for guests to relax and socialise.

If you're concerned about logistics, it might be helpful to ask friends and family to pitch in and help. Remember, the goal is to create a warm and inviting atmosphere where your guests can celebrate with you and enjoy the day.

Decorations

Planning a small, intimate wedding at home can be a wonderful experience, and decorations play a key role in creating the perfect atmosphere. Here are some ideas to consider:

Flowers are a classic choice for wedding decorations, and they can add a touch of elegance and colour to your special day. Marigold, also known as Genda phool, is an affordable and vibrant option that can instantly brighten up your home. You can also use artificial flowers in your favourite colours to create stunning arrangements. Don't forget to place a vase in each room, ready for a fresh bunch of flowers on the day.

Lighting is another essential element in creating a romantic and intimate ambiance. Opt for fairy lights, LED string lights, or globe string lights to add a magical touch to your backyard or indoor space. Flameless tealights can also provide a warm and cosy atmosphere, especially when combined with the natural light of the setting sun. Avoid overhead lighting, which can wash out the beautiful glow you've created.

Signage is a fun way to personalise your wedding and guide your guests through the celebration. From welcome signs to cake arches, you can find a variety of options on Etsy, including custom neon signs and downloadable art prints. These can add a unique and creative touch to your decor.

Finally, don't underestimate the power of scent to enhance the overall experience. Diffusers and essential oils can fill your home with calming and romantic aromas like lavender and bergamot. These subtle touches will create a relaxing atmosphere for you and your guests to enjoy.

With these decoration ideas, your small, intimate wedding at home is sure to be a memorable and enchanting celebration.

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