The idea of hosting a grand wedding with hundreds of guests can be overwhelming. If the thought of a large event makes you uneasy, consider planning a more intimate and small wedding. A smaller celebration allows you to focus on the details that truly matter and create a memorable day for both you and your guests. We’ve compiled some of our favourite ideas for tiny weddings, as well as some advice on getting started organising a modest ceremony.
Why Choose a Small Wedding?
Quality Time with Loved Ones
One of the biggest advantages of a small wedding is the opportunity to spend more quality time with each guest. In a large wedding, it can be difficult to connect with everyone, and some guests may feel overlooked. With a guest list of just 10 to 20 people, you can engage in meaningful conversations, share special moments, and create lasting memories with your closest friends and family. This intimate setting allows you to focus on the people who mean the most to you, ensuring that they feel appreciated and valued on your big day.
Flexibility In Venue Choice
With a smaller guest list, you have the freedom to choose more unique and personal venues that may not be suitable for larger events. Whether it’s the coffee shop where you first met, a cozy restaurant, a picturesque park, or even your own backyard, the options are endless when you don’t need to accommodate a large crowd. Smaller venues often offer a more intimate and personal atmosphere, making your wedding feel even more special and memorable.
Cost-Effective Without Sacrificing Quality
A small wedding can be a more cost-effective option without sacrificing quality. With fewer guests, you can allocate your budget more strategically, spending on the elements that matter most to you. This might mean choosing a high-end caterer, booking a stunning venue, or investing in beautiful floral arrangements. The reduced guest list allows you to splurge on those special details that will make your wedding day unforgettable, without the financial strain of a larger event.
Planning The Perfect Small Wedding
Secure a Private Event Space
When planning a small wedding, privacy is often a top priority. Ensure that your chosen venue offers exclusivity so that you and your guests can enjoy the day without interruptions. Whether it’s a charming house, an elegant restaurant, or a secluded outdoor spot, having a space all to yourselves will make the day feel more intimate and special. Many venues that cater to small weddings offer packages that include exclusive use of the space, allowing you to create a personalized atmosphere that reflects your style and vision.
Consider A City Hall Wedding
City hall or registry office weddings are often overlooked, but they can be a beautiful and meaningful option for a small wedding. Many registry offices have undergone renovations and now feature elegantly designed spaces that are perfect for both the ceremony and reception. These venues are not only convenient but also provide a timeless and sophisticated backdrop for your wedding. Plus, city hall weddings often require less planning and coordination, making them a stress-free option for couples who want a simple yet elegant ceremony.
Select Your Guest List Carefully
With limited spots, it’s essential to be selective with your guest list. This allows you to invite only the most important people in your life. When deciding who to invite, consider the relationships that truly matter to you and your partner. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether you’ve had meaningful interactions with this person in the past six months. If the answer is no, they may not need to be on your guest list. Being selective ensures that your wedding feels intimate and focused on the people who matter most.
Hire A Wedding Planner
Even with a small wedding, having a planner can alleviate a significant amount of stress. A professional wedding planner can help you with everything from selecting vendors and managing your budget to coordinating the day-of timeline. Their expertise ensures that no detail is overlooked, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, many venues offer day-of coordination services, which can be a great alternative. These coordinators work closely with you to ensure that everything runs smoothly, so you can focus on celebrating with your loved ones.
Customize The Seating Arrangement
Small weddings offer the chance to be creative with seating arrangements. Consider placing guests in a circle or half-circle during the ceremony, giving everyone a perfect view and making the event feel more inclusive. For dinner, a long banquet-style table can create a warm and intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to interact more freely. You might also consider seating guests at small, individual tables or creating lounge areas with comfortable seating to encourage conversation. The key is to design a seating arrangement that fosters connection and makes everyone feel involved in the celebration.
How To Make Your Small Wedding Unique?
Personalize The Entertainment
Knowing your guest list allows you to tailor the entertainment to their preferences. Instead of hiring a DJ or a large band, you could create a personalized playlist or hire a solo musician, such as a guitarist or a harpist, to play soft background music during the ceremony and reception. This approach not only saves money but also creates a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, you could incorporate interactive entertainment options, such as a live painter who captures the event on canvas or a photo booth with props that reflect your wedding theme.
Involve Your Guests
Engage your guests in the celebration by encouraging them to take photos and share them on social media using a unique hashtag. This way, you’ll have plenty of candid shots to remember the day by, and your guests will feel like they’re playing an active role in documenting the event. You could also provide guests with disposable cameras or Polaroid cameras and ask them to capture special moments throughout the day. Creating a shared photo album after the wedding is a great way to relive the memories and see the day from different perspectives.
Host A Bonfire
For a relaxed and cozy end to the evening, consider hosting a bonfire with s’mores for your guests. This is a perfect way to wind down after a day of celebration, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can gather, chat, and enjoy a sweet treat. A bonfire can be a great alternative to a traditional after-party, offering a laid-back environment where everyone can relax and reflect on the day. If your venue has outdoor space, consider adding other cozy elements like blankets, lanterns, and outdoor seating to create a comfortable and inviting setting.
Get Creative With Decorations
Your wedding decorations should reflect your personal style and the intimate nature of your celebration. With fewer guests, you can invest in unique touches like photo collages, custom floral arrangements, or personalized table settings that add a personal touch to your wedding. Consider incorporating elements that are meaningful to you, such as family heirlooms, handmade crafts, or sentimental objects that tell your story as a couple. These personalized details will make your wedding feel more special and memorable for both you and your guests.
Embrace The DIY Approach
A smaller wedding provides the perfect opportunity to embrace DIY projects. From homemade invitations to handcrafted centerpieces, creating your own wedding elements can add a personal touch and make your day even more meaningful. Not only does this approach save money, but it also allows you to infuse your personality into every aspect of the wedding. Consider enlisting the help of friends and family for a fun pre-wedding crafting session, where you can create decorations, favors, and other wedding essentials together.
How To Simplify Your Small Wedding?
Skip The Wedding Party
There’s no rule that says you need a large wedding party. If you prefer, you can forgo bridesmaids and ushers altogether, focusing instead on the people who matter most to you. This can simplify the planning process and reduce costs associated with attire, gifts, and other wedding party expenses. If you still want to honor certain people in your life, consider giving them special roles during the ceremony or asking them to deliver a toast during the reception.
Focus On What Matters
A smaller wedding means you can allocate more of your budget to the things that are most important to you. Whether it’s gourmet food, a live band, or a beautiful venue, prioritize the elements that will make your day truly special. Consider what aspects of the wedding are most meaningful to you as a couple and invest in those areas. For example, if you’re food enthusiasts, splurge on a multi-course meal with wine pairings. If music is your passion, hire a live band or DJ that reflects your taste. By focusing on what matters most, you’ll create a wedding that feels personal and authentic.
Choose An Unconventional Time
With fewer guests, you have the flexibility to schedule your wedding at a time that suits you. Consider a morning ceremony followed by brunch, where you can serve a delicious spread of your favourite breakfast foods. Alternatively, you could plan a sunset ceremony with a dinner reception, taking advantage of the natural beauty of the evening light. The choice is yours, and the timing can add a unique element to your wedding day. Choosing an unconventional time may also allow you to book your preferred vendors at a lower cost, as these times are often less in demand.
Limit Social Media
To keep the focus on the moment, consider asking guests to refrain from using their phones during the ceremony. This will allow everyone to be fully present and enjoy the experience without distractions. You could include a note in your invitations or post a sign at the venue asking guests to put away their devices during the ceremony. If you’ve hired a professional photographer, assure your guests that they’ll have access to beautiful photos after the wedding, so they can relax and enjoy the day without feeling the need to document it themselves.
Consider A Weekday Wedding
Hosting your wedding on a weekday can be more convenient for a smaller group of guests and may also save you money. Weekday weddings often allow you to book your preferred vendors at a lower cost, as weekends are typically in higher demand. Additionally, a weekday wedding may be more appealing to guests who have busy weekends, as it gives them a chance to take a mid-week break and enjoy a special celebration. Just be sure to give your guests plenty of notice so they can make arrangements to attend.
Destination Wedding And Unique Ideas For Small Weddings
Plan A Destination Wedding
A destination wedding with a small guest list can be both affordable and memorable. With fewer guests, you can choose a location that is meaningful to you, whether it’s a beach, a mountain retreat, or a charming European village. Renting a large guest house or Airbnb allows everyone to stay together, reducing costs and enhancing the overall experience. A destination wedding also provides an opportunity to extend the celebration, turning it into a mini-vacation for you and your guests. Consider planning group activities, such as sightseeing tours or outdoor adventures, to make the trip even more memorable.
Opt For A Food Truck
Instead of a traditional caterer, consider hiring a food truck for your wedding. This fun and informal option is perfect for small weddings and allows you to offer a unique dining experience to your guests. Food trucks can serve a variety of cuisines, from gourmet burgers to wood-fired pizzas, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Coordinate with the food truck operator to create a special menu that reflects your favorite foods, and consider setting up a casual dining area with picnic tables or lounge seating to complement the relaxed vibe.
Choose An Alternative Dessert
There’s no need to stick with a traditional wedding cake. Instead, opt for a dessert that reflects your tastes, such as a doughnut stand, cupcake tower, or brownie bar. These alternatives can be just as impressive and allow for a variety of flavors, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. You could also consider serving a selection of your favorite desserts, such as macarons, pies, or ice cream, creating a dessert table that guests can enjoy throughout the evening. This approach adds a fun and playful element to your wedding and gives guests the chance to indulge in a variety of treats.
Offer Memorable Favors
Give your guests a meaningful memento to remember the day by. Consider favors that tie into your wedding theme, such as personalized compasses for a travel-themed wedding, custom-made candles, or even small potted plants that guests can take home and nurture. Another idea is to create DIY favor kits, such as s’mores kits, cocktail mixes, or spice blends, that guests can enjoy after the wedding. These thoughtful gifts show your appreciation and provide a lasting reminder of your special day.
Capture The Moment
Small weddings provide the perfect opportunity for group photos that might not be possible at larger events. Make sure to take plenty of group shots to capture the joy of the day. You might also consider hiring a videographer to create a short film that highlights the best moments of the wedding. This is especially meaningful if you’re having a destination wedding or if some loved ones are unable to attend. Sharing the video with them afterward allows them to experience the day and feel connected to your celebration.
Additional Tips For A Memorable Small Wedding
Personalize the Ceremony
Make your ceremony unique by incorporating personal elements such as custom vows, meaningful readings, and special music. This will ensure that your wedding reflects your personalities and relationship. You could also involve your guests in the ceremony by asking them to share their well-wishes or participate in a unity ritual, such as lighting a candle or blending sand. These personal touches make the ceremony more meaningful and create a lasting impression on your guests.
Add Personal Touches
Even small weddings can benefit from personal touches that make the event feel special. Consider adding handwritten notes to each place setting, displaying photos of your guests around the venue, or creating a custom menu that showcases your favorite dishes. These details show your guests that you’ve thought about them and add a personal, heartfelt element to the celebration. You could also create a wedding playlist that includes songs that are meaningful to you and your partner, adding a personal soundtrack to your special day.
Enjoy the Pre-Wedding Prep
With a smaller guest list, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the preparations on your wedding day. Take the time to pamper yourself and enjoy the special moments leading up to the ceremony. Consider starting the day with a relaxing activity, such as a yoga session or a leisurely breakfast with your closest friends. This will help you feel calm and centered as you prepare for the ceremony. You could also plan a special getting-ready experience with your bridal party, complete with mimosas, music, and a photographer to capture the fun.
Stay at a Special Location
Treat yourself to a night at a special hotel or location that you’ve always wanted to visit. This will make your wedding night even more memorable and provide the perfect ending to your special day. Whether it’s a luxury hotel, a cozy cabin in the mountains, or a beachfront bungalow, choose a location that feels special and reflects your style. Consider booking a room with a balcony or a hot tub, where you can relax and unwind after the festivities. This little indulgence is the perfect way to celebrate your marriage and start your new life together.
Document Your Day
Just because your wedding is small doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be documented. Hire a professional photographer and videographer to capture all the special moments. This will give you beautiful memories to look back on for years to come. Consider creating a wedding album or a photo book that tells the story of your day, from getting ready in the morning to the last dance of the night. Sharing these memories with family and friends who couldn’t attend will help them feel connected to your celebration.
Conclusion
Small weddings are a growing trend for good reason. They offer the opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones, focus on the details that matter, and create a truly personalised celebration. Whether you choose to incorporate traditional elements or break the mould with unique ideas, a small wedding can be just as special—if not more so—than a large one. By following the tips and ideas in this guide, you can plan an intimate wedding that is both memorable and meaningful for you and your guests.
FAQs About Small Weddings
Why Are Intimate Celebrations the Way to Go?
There is less to organise for a small wedding as it lasts less time, requires less resources, and is less labor-intensive to set up and break down. You won’t have to put in as much time or energy into preparing a Small wedding, and that should help reduce some of the stress that normally comes along with such an event.
How Few People Do You Need to Invite Before It’s Called a Small Wedding?
Invite only 50-75 people to your intimate wedding. Less than 50 people are invited to the wedding.
A backyard with around six tables is sufficient for that many people.
Is a Modest Wedding Appropriate?
Having a small wedding is a terrific option to keep your big day more relaxing and drama-free, whether you’re an introvert who doesn’t feel comfortable saying your vows in front of hundreds of people or you just want to reduce the chance for any issues among the guests.
In What Ways Might a Guest at a Small Wedding Be Kept Occupied?
- Puzzles, chess, and board games like “Where’s George?,” “Guess Who,” and “Candyland.”
- Prepare a photo booth with amusing props and scenery.
- While guests chat before dinner is served, an artistic centrepiece is a nice touch.
How Much Time Do You Need to Organise a Modest Wedding?
Even if your wedding will be small and simple, you should still give yourself at least two or three months to prepare. Perhaps you need to have modifications made to your dress, or perhaps the caterer is booked solid for the next few months. Allow yourself sufficient time for preparation and finding solutions.
