Planning A Casual Wedding: Tips For An Intimate, Fun Celebration

Planning an informal wedding is a great way to throw a party that truly represents you and your partner. From e-invites to modest settings, there are many ways to make your wedding more relaxed and carefree. Whether you're opting for a simple weekday ceremony or a laid-back dinner party, an informal wedding can take any shape that feels right for you.

Invitations and save-the-dates

Planning an informal wedding is a great way to throw a party that truly represents you and your partner. Here are some ideas for invitations and save-the-dates:

You could replace paper invitations and save-the-date cards with electronic ones. This is a great way to save money and time, as well as being more environmentally friendly. You can send e-invitations via email or even social media, and include all the important details such as the date, time, and location. You could also create a wedding website with all the information and include the link in your e-invitation.

If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can send paper invitations and save-the-dates. However, to keep things informal, you might want to consider a more relaxed design and wording. You could also include a fun message or a personal note to your guests.

For an informal wedding, you might want to consider a smaller guest list. This will make it easier to keep things casual and intimate. It will also give you more time to chat with each guest and make them feel special. If you have a lot of must-have attendees, consider a venue that feels laid-back but can accommodate your guest count, such as an orchard or estate.

When it comes to attire, you can still dress up for an informal wedding. Women can choose a casual outfit, and men can don a nice pair of shoes and a casual shirt. It's important to avoid anything too casual, such as shorts, flip-flops, or jeans. There will still be etiquette and dress guidelines to follow, but you can keep things relaxed and comfortable.

Venue and setting

When it comes to the venue and setting of an informal wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the number of guests you plan to invite will impact the type of venue you choose. If you're keeping things low-key, you might want to opt for a smaller venue, such as a local pub or restaurant. This will create a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

If you're expecting a larger number of guests, you can still keep things informal by choosing a venue that feels laid-back and unfussy. Estates and orchards are great options as they often have large outdoor spaces, which can accommodate more people while maintaining a casual vibe. You could also consider a beach or park setting, which will allow for a more relaxed and natural atmosphere.

When it comes to the setting, think about what type of atmosphere you want to create. Do you want a cosy and intimate gathering, or a fun and lively party? The venue and setting should reflect the overall tone and feel you're aiming for.

In terms of decor, you can keep things simple and understated. Avoid overly formal or extravagant centrepieces and opt for something more natural and rustic, such as wildflowers in mason jars or candles and fairy lights. You could also incorporate personal touches, such as handmade signs or photos, to add a unique and informal twist.

Finally, don't forget to consider the practicalities. Make sure the venue is easily accessible for your guests and has adequate facilities. You'll also want to think about seating arrangements and whether you want a dance floor to get the party started!

Food and drink

Firstly, consider the number of guests you'll be inviting. An informal wedding is likely to have a smaller guest list, which can make it easier to plan and execute a more relaxed event. With fewer people to feed, you can be more creative with your food and drink choices. For example, you could opt for a buffet-style meal or a food truck instead of a traditional sit-down dinner. This will encourage guests to mix and mingle, creating a more laid-back atmosphere.

If you're having an outdoor wedding, consider incorporating the setting into your food and drink choices. For example, you could have a picnic-style meal with blankets and baskets, or set up a s'mores station by the fire pit for a fun and interactive dessert option. If your wedding has a specific theme, you can also incorporate this into your food and drink choices. For example, if you're having a beach-themed wedding, you could serve seafood dishes or tropical cocktails.

When it comes to drinks, you can offer a variety of options to suit different tastes. In addition to wine and beer, you could set up a self-serve cocktail bar or hire a mixologist to create custom drinks for your guests. If you want to add a personal touch, consider creating a signature cocktail that reflects your personalities or the theme of your wedding. For non-alcoholic options, you can offer infused waters, mocktails, or fun soft drinks.

Finally, don't forget to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences your guests may have. Be sure to offer a variety of options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes, to ensure that everyone can enjoy the food. By keeping these tips in mind, you can create a fun and memorable food and drink experience for your informal wedding.

Seating arrangements

If you have a large number of must-have attendees, consider a venue that feels laid-back but can accommodate your guest list. For example, estates and orchards can handle a high guest count and often have large outdoor spaces for a more informal experience.

When it comes to the seating arrangements themselves, you can get creative and choose from various seating options. You might want to consider a mix of seating styles, such as tables with chairs, lounge areas with couches and floor cushions, or even picnic blankets for a more relaxed vibe.

If you want to encourage a more social atmosphere, you can also consider assigning guests to tables rather than specific seats. This way, guests can choose their own seats at the table and mix and mingle with other guests.

Attire and dress code

Planning an informal wedding is a great way to throw a party that truly represents you and your spouse. It's a chance to be laid-back and carefree, but that doesn't mean you should forget about attire and dress code completely.

Even if your wedding is informal, you should still dress appropriately. Avoid wearing anything too casual, such as shorts, flip-flops, or jeans. Instead, women can choose a casual outfit, and men can don a nice pair of shoes and a casual shirt. If you want your wedding party to wear something specific, you could suggest they wear wedding guest outfits in the same colour palette.

When it comes to your guests, there will always be etiquette and dress guidelines to consider. These guidelines are in place to help your guests choose their attire and, most importantly, to keep you and your spouse satisfied on your special day. You could suggest a dress code, or give your guests discretion to choose their own outfits.

Remember, an informal wedding can take any shape that feels right for you and your partner. Whether you opt for a simple, weekday celebration or a relaxed dinner party-style gathering, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and happy.

Frequently asked questions