There used to be a time when planning a wedding involved planning a big gathering – a grand affair where virtually everyone we knew would be invited. But in light of the ongoing situation, a lot of couples planning to get married have had to make a few adjustments, particularly when it comes to the size and scale of their wedding celebration. The so-called ‘micro-wedding’ is the in thing nowadays, but how can you plan such an affair and make it memorable and unforgettable? Here’s how you can properly plan a small and intimate wedding and make it a success.
The benefits of a small and intimate wedding
Although you may not have a grand affair, you can make your small and intimate wedding extra special. In fact, smaller weddings have become a trend, and there are many benefits. When you have a small wedding, your budget and the total cost of your wedding will undoubtedly be reduced, and it will often have a more personal feel. And since you have fewer guests, you can serve more food and beverages to those who are there, and you can spend more time with each as well. Since there are fewer people, you can have a better chance of enjoying the moment – there’s less stress, and you can be more relaxed.
Your top considerations
Your guest list You have to agree to the number of guests you will invite; small weddings can be around 50 people, so you can invite 25 people from each side. Think carefully about including ‘plus ones’ and whether you should invite colleagues from work. You should also consider how you can adequately manage those family and friends who will not be invited.
- Your budget
In terms of your budget, try to figure out from the beginning how much you can spend and where it will come from. The better you understand and acknowledge your finances, the better you can work and plan with any constraints. Consider the cost per head, as this will be incredibly useful when you are choosing a venue.
- Your space
When it comes to small weddings, one of the biggest considerations is the venue. Your space will have to complement your guest list – if it’s too large, it can look as if many guests didn’t attend, but if it’s too small, it can look as if you’ve been stingy on expenses. The key is to look for venues in advance. You also have to think about where your vows will be said – will it be a church, a registry office, a hotel, or elsewhere? In terms of your actual reception, you have more than a few options, from barns to boats, tents, boutique hotels, private rooms in a restaurant, a small art gallery, and more. Intimate venues such as these are plentiful, as confirmed by experienced party planners like www.oasisevents.co.uk, so you can take your pick.
- The experience
Consider the experience of your guests. This should be a priority as your wedding is small and intimate. Think about how the entire day will go and what unique touches you can add to make it feel special. This could include hiring a private sommelier or chef; or hiring a boat to transport guests from the registry/church to the reception venue.