George Boyle
Small weddings are typically defined as having fewer than 50 guests. In 2024, weddings with less than 50 guests cost couples an average of $15,000 in the US. As the wedding industry continues to adapt to economic uncertainty, it remains to be seen whether small weddings will remain a popular and feasible option for couples.
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What You'll Learn
Small wedding costs
Small weddings are increasingly popular for couples looking for a more intimate celebration, and they can also be a more affordable option. While the cost of a small wedding can vary, there are several ways to keep expenses low.
The average cost of a traditional wedding in 2024 is $33,000, while the average cost of a smaller wedding is around $15,000. However, this can vary greatly depending on various factors, such as the number of guests, the venue, catering, and other expenses.
One of the most effective ways to control costs is to limit the number of guests. This will result in savings on food, drinks, rentals (such as chairs and tables), decorations, flowers, and invitations. Choosing a small, intimate wedding allows for more flexibility in the format, from a simple courthouse wedding to a more extravagant event.
The venue is another significant expense that can be reduced by opting for outdoor locations, such as a city park, instead of grand ballrooms. Some venues offer lower rates for smaller weddings, and utilising a free venue, such as a friend's home, can also keep costs down. Additionally, some venues charge service fees, which typically amount to 20-25% of the total food and drink costs, so these should be considered when budgeting.
Catering is another large expense, and opting for meal drop-offs from local catering companies or restaurants can be more affordable than a full catering service. Choosing an outdoor venue may also allow for bringing your own alcohol, though some venues charge a stocking or corkage fee. When it comes to dessert, traditional wedding cakes can be pricey, so opting for cupcakes, donuts, or smaller cakes can be a more economical choice.
Other costs to consider include photography, which can range from $200 for an hour of elopement photography to $800 for a small reception with 15-20 people. Adding a videographer can cost an additional $200 to $500 per hour. If desired, a DJ, officiant, and coordinator may also be hired, impacting the overall budget.
While small weddings can be more affordable, it's important to remember that costs can quickly add up, and creating a detailed budget based on priorities can help keep expenses in check.
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Planning a small wedding
If you're looking to plan a small wedding, you have a few options: eloping, having a 'minimony', or a micro-wedding. Eloping is a great option if you want to focus on your marriage and not the admin of a big wedding. It can be just the two of you, or you can invite a small handful of your closest loved ones. A 'minimony' is a mini ceremony, usually just the couple and their loved ones, and is perfect as a pre-event if you've had to postpone your full wedding due to the pandemic. A micro-wedding is a small, intimate ceremony with a guest list of around 30 people or less.
The amount of time you'll need to plan your small wedding will depend on the style of wedding you want and how many details you want to include. If you want a traditional wedding venue, it's best to start looking at least a year in advance to ensure your desired date is available. However, if you're flexible and willing to choose a venue based on availability, you can plan a small wedding in as little as a few months.
- Keep the intention and purpose of your marriage in mind. This will help you stay grounded and focused on what's important.
- Be flexible and willing to adapt. Wedding planning can expand to fit the time you give it, so set a timeline and stick to it.
- Finalize the details a week before the wedding. Give your caterer/venue the final guest count and timeline, arrange seating, and confirm arrival times with vendors and the wedding party.
- Put together a wedding emergency kit and always be prepared!
Small weddings can be just as special as large weddings, and with the right planning, your intimate celebration will be a memorable day for you and your guests.
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Small wedding venues
Planning a small, intimate wedding? There are plenty of venues to choose from that will suit your vision, whether you're looking for a serene and secluded estate, a rooftop garden, a historic home, or a boutique hotel.
If you're based in Chicago, there are 11 small wedding venues to choose from, including a minimalist venue with high ceilings, natural materials, and an abundance of daylight, or a venue with verdant garden spaces, a picturesque reflecting lake, and a rock waterfall.
For those seeking a small wedding venue in Detroit, there are several options, including the Frankenmuth Wedding Chapel, which offers a range of packages, and the Frederick Stearns House Historic Inn, a boutique bed and breakfast.
No matter your budget or style, you're sure to find a small wedding venue that fits your needs and creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere for your special day.
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Intimate wedding ceremonies
Venue
Choosing a smaller venue will help to create a cosy atmosphere and make the space feel full. Think outside the box: local art museums, rustic barns, restaurants, boats, mountaintops, warehouses, or even libraries can be unique and memorable settings for your ceremony and reception. Consider a destination wedding to make it extra special and create lasting memories.
Guest Involvement
Get your guests involved from the start by having them stand during the ceremony. This will create a sense of closeness and connection. Encourage your friends and family to participate in a ring-warming ceremony or incorporate interactive games and activities, such as lawn games or karaoke, to bring everyone together.
Food and Drinks
Instead of a traditional sit-down dinner, mix things up with a cocktail hour featuring heavy appetisers or a backyard BBQ. Pass and share food under the stars at long wooden tables for a truly intimate dining experience. Skip the multi-tiered cake and opt for a single-tiered confectionery masterpiece. You can still have the ceremonial cake-cutting moment with stunning decorations.
Personal Touches
Add personalised touches to your wedding by creating a photo slideshow or a unique seating chart using pictures of adventures with each guest. Recite handwritten vows to make the ceremony extra special, and choose special readings or Bible passages that reflect your relationship.
Live Streaming
If you have a small guest list, consider live-streaming your ceremony so that all your loved ones can witness your special moment. Set up a Zoom meeting before the nuptials and have a laptop at the venue to create a virtual presence for those who cannot attend in person.
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Small wedding guest lists
Keeping the guest list small for a wedding can be a great way to save money and make the event more intimate. It can also be a good option if you want to get married quickly without a long engagement, as smaller weddings are often easier to plan.
When deciding on a small guest list, it's essential to consider the size of your family and your partner's family. If you have large extended families, it may be challenging to limit the guest list to a small number. In this case, you could consider having a small wedding party with only your closest friends and immediate family, followed by a larger reception with extended family and friends. This way, you can still have an intimate ceremony while celebrating with a broader group of loved ones.
Another benefit of a small guest list is the potential for cost savings. With fewer guests, you may be able to choose a more intimate venue, which could be more cost-effective. Additionally, you may have more options for catering, as a smaller group may allow for a more customised or elaborate menu. A smaller guest list can also enable you to allocate more of your budget to other aspects of the wedding, such as decor, entertainment, or your dream dress.
Creating a small guest list can be challenging, especially if you have a large social circle or many acquaintances. One approach is to create a list of "must-have" guests, including your closest friends and family members who you couldn't imagine celebrating without. From there, you can decide if you have space for additional guests and consider factors such as whether you've met your partner's friends or if certain guests will add to the celebration's atmosphere. Remember, it's your special day, so choose the people who will make it memorable and enjoyable for you.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the current COVID-19 restrictions in your area. Small weddings may be allowed in some places, but it is important to check the local guidelines.
The number of guests you can invite will depend on the local restrictions and the venue's capacity. It is important to adhere to the local guidelines to ensure the safety of your guests.
In addition to following local guidelines on guest numbers and social distancing, other safety measures such as mask-wearing, hand sanitizing, and venue ventilation can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at your wedding.
