How To Embrace A Small Wedding: Tips For An Intimate Celebration

If you're not keen on a big wedding, you're not alone. Many couples are opting for smaller, more intimate celebrations or elopements. There are many reasons why a big wedding might not be for you: the cost, the waste, the stress, or the pressure of being in the spotlight all day. But what are your options? Well, you could elope, have a small backyard wedding, a city hall ceremony, or a micro-wedding at a private home rental. Or, if you want the best of both worlds, you could split the day up with a private ceremony followed by a larger celebration with family and friends. The most important thing is to do what makes you happy and plan a day that's authentic to you and your partner.

Adventure elopement

If you're considering an adventure elopement, you're likely seeking an intimate, personal, and authentic experience to celebrate your love. Adventure elopements offer endless possibilities, from exchanging vows atop a mountain to a ceremony by a waterfall.

To start planning your adventure elopement, consider the following steps:

• Select a date and a general location.
• Choose a specific site for the ceremony, whether it's a national park, a foreign city, or somewhere off the beaten path.
• Reach out to vendors and start booking the necessary services, such as photographers, florists, hair and makeup artists, caterers, and more.
• Create a timeline for the day, including any unique activities you want to include.
• Obtain any necessary permits or licenses for your chosen location.
• Enjoy your adventure elopement, followed by a honeymoon if desired!

Destination elopement and honeymoon

If you're looking for a destination elopement and honeymoon, there are plenty of options to choose from.

For a beach elopement, consider the Caribbean, with its breathtaking beach settings and luxury resorts. The best wallet-friendly destinations in the region include Cancun, Riviera Maya, Jamaica, and Punta Cana. If you're looking for something more exotic and off the beaten path, try Antigua, Barbados, Exuma, Grenada, or St. Lucia.

If you're dreaming of a beach elopement with your partner, there are several tropical destinations to choose from. Exchange your vows with the ocean breeze in your hair and sand between your toes. Consider Costa Rica, where you can enjoy the best of both worlds by splitting time between the coast and the jungle life. Explore the Pura Vida, or simple life, by hiking, surfing, and visiting the beautiful Santa Rosa National Park.

For a secluded paradise, head to the island of Fiji, where you can choose from stunning resorts to quaint cottages. Dive into colorful and stunning coral reefs, explore waterfalls, or walk along deserted beaches.

If you're looking for a romantic island that's made for lovers, consider Maui. On its beaches, you'll find volcanic landscapes, breathtaking sands, and crystal clear water. Picture yourself tying the knot on the shore as the sun sets over the horizon.

For a mountainous marriage ceremony, the views of Yosemite National Park in California will take your breath away. After the ceremony, enjoy world-class hiking, historic lodging, and abundant wildlife with your partner.

If you're seeking breathtaking photos and a unique setting, exchange your vows in Iceland. From stunning lava craters to the famous Blue Lagoon, there are plenty of mesmerizing locations to explore. For a romantic setting, plan your ceremony on Reynisfjara Beach, known for its signature black sands.

These are just a few examples of the many destinations that could be perfect for your elopement and honeymoon. Each offers a unique experience and a chance to focus on your commitment and the adventure of a lifetime.

Small backyard wedding

Planning a Small Backyard Wedding

Planning a wedding can quickly become overwhelming, so it's important to take the time to slow down, set boundaries, and enjoy the process. Here are some key steps to help you plan your dream small backyard wedding:

• Cast a vision: Discuss with your partner how you envision your ideal wedding. Consider the number of guests, the duration of the celebration, and how you want to feel on that day.
• Set a budget: Planning a small wedding doesn't necessarily mean compromising on cost. Determine your financial priorities and decide if you want to allocate your budget towards specific aspects like food, photography, or decor.
• Decide on priorities: After establishing your vision and budget, identify your top priorities for the day. This could be anything from the food, photos, decor, or creating a weekend experience for your guests.

Vendors and Logistics

Once you've finalised your vision, budget, and priorities, it's time to select vendors and handle the logistics. Here are some key considerations:

• Tables, chairs, and linens: Decide whether you want to rent, thrift, or borrow these items. You can also re-sell or repurpose them after the wedding.
• Flowers: Consider hiring a florist to create beautiful arrangements for the bridal bouquet, boutonnieres, tables, and altar. Alternatively, you can opt for a DIY approach by picking flowers from flower farms or using natural greenery as decor.
• Catering: Catering services are common for weddings, but you could also explore alternatives like potlucks, BBQs, or having a friend or family member prepare the meal.
• Photography and videography: Hiring professionals to capture your special day is highly recommended. Ask for local recommendations and look for someone experienced with small weddings.
• Music and entertainment: Depending on noise restrictions, you can hire a DJ or band, create a personalised playlist, or have a friend or family member in charge of the music.
• Hair and makeup: You can hire professionals or enlist the help of a talented friend. Alternatively, you may choose to do your own hair and makeup to ensure you look and feel like yourself.
• Bartending services: If you plan to serve specialty drinks, consider hiring a professional bartender or booking a fun bar cart or truck.
• Officiant: Research local officiants or ask a friend or family member to perform the ceremony. Ensure you meet the legal requirements for your state or country.
• Portable restrooms: If your home's bathrooms aren't sufficient, consider renting portable restrooms, which can now come in fancy min trailers.
• Clean-up crew: Don't forget to plan for post-wedding clean-up by delegating a crew of guests or family members to help.

Making it Special

• Create a romantic atmosphere with hanging string lights and charming lanterns.
• Set a long banquet-style table to foster a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
• Incorporate natural greenery, eucalyptus, and flowers into your decor, including the aisle and archway.
• Add personal touches with homemade wooden wedding signs and creative photo displays.
• Set up a s'mores station and provide cosy blankets for a fun campfire experience after dinner.
• Create a relaxing area with a boho-style tent or a cosy movie theatre using outdoor furniture.
• Install a temporary dance floor for a more traditional reception experience.

Remember, the key to a successful small backyard wedding is to make it personal and authentic, reflecting your unique style as a couple. Enjoy the planning process and don't be afraid to delegate tasks to ensure a stress-free celebration.

City hall elopement

If you're dreaming of a small, intimate wedding, a city hall elopement could be the perfect choice for you. This option allows you to focus on your love and commitment in a meaningful way, without the fuss and expense of a large wedding.

A city hall elopement offers a simple, yet elegant solution for couples who want to celebrate their union in a private and authentic manner. You can choose to have a small number of guests, usually up to six, including witnesses, or opt for a true elopement with just the two of you. This makes for a romantic and intimate ceremony, where you can exchange heartfelt vows in a special location, such as the grandeur of a city hall rotunda or a private ceremony room.

For a city hall elopement, it is essential to make a reservation and follow the necessary legal requirements. You will need to present a valid, government-issued marriage license, and ensure you have the required number of witnesses, if applicable.

The beauty of a city hall elopement is that it can be tailored to your unique vision. Whether you choose to elope in your local city hall or travel to a destination like San Francisco, known for its stunning architecture, the experience will be one that reflects your personal style and preferences.

After the ceremony, you can opt for a private celebration or a small reception with your closest loved ones. This could be an intimate dinner or even a grand party, depending on your preference.

A city hall elopement is a wonderful way to create a memorable and meaningful wedding experience, focusing on your love and commitment without the stress and expense of a traditional large wedding.

Micro-wedding at a private home rental

If you're looking for a small, intimate wedding, a micro-wedding at a private home rental is a great option. This option allows you to make your celebration feel unique and less cookie-cutter.

When considering a private home rental for your micro-wedding, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, choose a location that reflects your personality and style. This could be a Victorian mansion, a rustic lodge, or even a ranch. You can also look for rentals with beautiful outdoor spaces, such as gardens, lakes, or mountain views, which can provide a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and create a memorable experience for your guests.

When searching for a rental, use platforms like VRBO, Peerspace, or Airbnb, and filter your search to include only properties that allow events. Be sure to read the property descriptions and reviews from previous renters, especially those who have hosted events, to get a sense of their experience. It's also crucial to communicate with the host about your wedding plans before booking, as some properties may have event fees or specific requirements.

By choosing a private home rental for your micro-wedding, you'll have the flexibility to create a personalized and intimate celebration while enjoying the comfort and privacy of a unique venue.

Frequently asked questions