Planning A Tom Thumb Wedding: A Guide To Intimate Nuptials

Tom Thumb weddings are based on the wedding of two little people, Charles Stratton (Tom Thumb) and Lavinia Warren, in 1863. The wedding was considered 'The Greatest Little Wedding' and, as everyone wanted to attend, the couple came up with a strict entrance policy. Guests were sent two cards, one bearing the likeness of the bride and one of the groom, as well as individually signed tickets. Thirty-five years later, a play was put together and fundraising began. Today, Tom Thumb weddings are often used as a fundraising opportunity for organisations.

Invitations and tickets

Tom Thumb weddings are based on the wedding of two little people, Charles Stratton (Tom Thumb) and Lavinia Warren, which took place in 1863. It was considered "The Greatest Little Wedding". As everyone wanted to attend, the couple came up with a very strict entrance policy. Two cards, one bearing the likeness of the bride and one of the groom, as well as individually signed tickets, were sent to the guests. Without these items, guests were not admitted to the church.

When planning a Tom Thumb wedding, invitations and tickets should be issued as people purchase their tickets. The invitation will serve as their entrance to the play. Most people hand out the cards with the images of Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren as the actual tickets, once they are paid for. Consider whether you will offer a “will call” option so people might pay when they arrive at the show. Decide how you will be collecting the money. If you are having children, sell the tickets or other parents give specific directions in regards to accepting cash, cheques and credit cards.

Costumes and set

Tom Thumb weddings are based on the wedding of two little people, Charles Stratton (Tom Thumb) and Lavinia Warren, in 1863. The play based on their wedding is often used as a fundraiser.

The costumes for the play can be found in thrift shops, which are a good place to find vintage-looking clothing. The set can be as simple as flowers and candles.

If you are using the play as a fundraiser, you will need to decide how you will cast the roles. You will also need to organise the following:

• Actors
• Stage hands/director
• Invitations
• Stage/facility
• Tickets
• Money collector
• Announcements

Casting

Tom Thumb weddings are based on the wedding of two little people, Charles Stratton (Tom Thumb) and Lavinia Warren, who were well known from PT Barnum and married on 10 February 1863.

When it comes to casting, you can either hold auditions or assign roles. You will need actors, a stage hands/director, invitations, a stage/facility, the play, tickets, a money collector and announcements.

If you are involving children, you will need to give specific directions about accepting cash, cheques and credit cards.

For costumes, thrift shops are a good place to find vintage-looking clothing.

Fundraising ideas

Tom Thumb weddings are based on the wedding of two little people, Charles Stratton (Tom Thumb) and Lavinia Warren, which took place in 1863. It was considered 'The Greatest Little Wedding' and was so popular that a strict entrance policy was put in place.

The first step is to get the organisation you are raising money for to agree to a Tom Thumb wedding. Then, you need to procure a copy of the play. You can then decide how you will cast the play, whether it will be an audition process or you will assign the roles.

Next, you need to start thinking about the logistics of the event. You will need actors, stage hands, a director, invitations, a stage/facility, play, tickets, a money collector and announcements. You could also have an online donation page, party tickets, raffles, games and drinks.

For the costumes, thrift shops are often a good place to find vintage-looking clothing. You can also keep decorations simple with flowers and candles.

Finally, decide how you will be collecting the money. If you are selling tickets to children, make sure you give specific directions about accepting cash, cheques and credit cards.

Decorations

Tom Thumb weddings are based on the wedding of two little people, Charles Stratton (Tom Thumb) and Lavinia Warren, which took place in 1863. The couple were well known from PT Barnum and their wedding was considered 'The Greatest Little Wedding'.

Frequently asked questions