Planning A Cozy Family Wedding: Tips For An Intimate Affair

Planning an intimate family wedding can be a great way to celebrate your special day with your nearest and dearest. By keeping the guest list short, you can ensure that your wedding is a truly personal affair, full of intentional movement and meaningful moments. From the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony itself, an intimate wedding allows you to involve your guests from the get-go and create a unique and cherished experience for all. Whether you opt for a surprise nuptial or a destination wedding, an intimate family wedding is a wonderful way to bring two families together in a celebration of love.

Keeping the guest list short

To keep the guest list short, only invite immediate family members, such as parents, grandparents and siblings, and your closest friends – the people you can't imagine not being there. If you have room in your budget, you could allow your guests to bring a plus-one, but remember that this will increase your headcount. Before sending out invitations, 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).

If you're looking for a way to ensure only your nearest and dearest are there, consider a destination wedding. The travel and time commitment assures the guest list contains only people who want to be there.

You could also invite your friends and family to a get-together and surprise them with nuptials. This option is not for the faint of heart, but it can make for some very memorable moments!

Changing up wedding traditions

An intimate family wedding is a great opportunity to change up some of the traditional wedding elements and make the day your own. One of the biggest ways to do this is to keep the guest list small and only invite your nearest and dearest. This means you can avoid the 'obligations' of inviting extended family, co-workers or friends you've lost touch with.

Another way to change up the traditional wedding format is to plan events pre and post-wedding. As well as the rehearsal dinner, you could organise welcome parties, brunches, spa trips, wine tasting, hikes and games. You could even surprise your guests with the nuptials by inviting them to a get-together and then revealing the wedding.

If you want to include more guests but still keep the ceremony intimate, you could have your guests stand during the ceremony. This will get them involved from the start and create a more dynamic atmosphere.

Destination weddings are also a great way to make your wedding more intimate. They can put your guests in a great mood and assure that only those who really want to be there will attend.

Finally, don't be afraid to wear whatever you want on your wedding day. Whether it's a pantsuit, a ballgown, or both, do what feels true to you!

Pre and post-wedding events

Before the big day, you could host a welcome party, a brunch, or even a spa trip to help everyone relax and bond. If you're feeling adventurous, a hike or a group dip in the ocean could be a fun way to get everyone moving and create lasting memories. For a more low-key option, consider a wine tasting or a game of golf.

On the day of the wedding, don't be afraid to mix things up a little. You could have your guests stand during the ceremony (as long as it's short and sweet) to get them involved from the start. After the ceremony, you might want to consider an alfresco-style reception to create a wonderful weekend affair.

If you're looking for a truly intimate event, a destination wedding could be the perfect choice. It's a great way to ensure that only the people who truly want to be there will attend. Plus, getting everyone together in an exotic setting can create a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

When it comes to the guest list, keep it short and sweet. Include immediate family members, close friends, and anyone else you can't imagine not being there. If your budget allows, you can offer plus-ones, but be mindful that this can quickly increase your headcount.

Destination weddings

Planning a destination wedding is a great way to ensure your special day is intimate and memorable. There's something about getting married in an exotic location that puts everyone in a great mood. It's also a good way to ensure your guest list only includes people who really want to be there, as they have to commit their time and money to travelling.

When it comes to destination weddings, you can make the event more inclusive by encouraging guests to stay in the area for a few days before and after the wedding. This gives you the opportunity to plan extra events, such as welcome parties, brunches, spa trips, wine tasting, hikes and more.

If you're worried about the cost, it's worth noting that destination weddings can actually be more affordable than traditional weddings, as you're combining the wedding and honeymoon into one trip. Plus, with a smaller guest list, you can splurge on things like accommodation and activities without breaking the bank.

When it comes to planning, it's important to consider the logistics of getting married in a different location. This includes researching local marriage requirements, finding vendors and suppliers, and potentially dealing with language barriers. It's a good idea to hire a wedding planner who specialises in destination weddings, as they can help navigate these challenges and ensure your day goes smoothly.

Overall, a destination wedding is a fantastic option for an intimate family wedding. By choosing a unique location, you'll create a memorable experience for you and your loved ones, and the smaller guest list means you can truly celebrate with the people who matter most.

Plus-ones

If you're planning an intimate family wedding, you'll want to keep the guest list small. This means only inviting immediate family members, such as parents, grandparents and siblings, as well as close friends.

When it comes to plus-ones, it's important to establish guidelines with your partner before sending out invitations. Typically, plus-ones are reserved for significant partners (meaning the couple is engaged or married). If you have room in your wedding budget, you can allow your guests to have a plus-one, but keep in mind that your headcount can grow quickly.

If you're looking for ways to keep your wedding intimate while still allowing plus-ones, consider a destination wedding. The travel and time commitment assures the guest list contains only people who want to be there, and you can make the event more inclusive since people are usually staying in the area.

Another idea is to plan events pre and post-wedding that include plus-ones, such as welcome parties, brunches, spa trips, wine tasting, hikes, or games of golf. This way, your guests' plus-ones can still feel included in the celebration without increasing the size of the wedding itself.

Frequently asked questions