Does the thought of gathering 200 to 300 friends and family members together at your wedding overwhelm you?
Then, a large wedding is clearly not for you. Hosting a small, intimate wedding will be great.
Couples are increasingly choosing to exchange vows in the cozy charms of close company over big crowds, and rightly so, since there is something magical about small, intimate weddings.
Throwing a small wedding allows couples to focus on personalization, creating a meaningful experience for both themselves and the guests.
In this article, we’ll share tips to help you plan a small, intimate wedding.
#1 Ditch the Basic Attire
A small wedding gives you the freedom to break away from traditional norms. Why not ditch the basic white dress on your wedding day and opt for something unconventional? Nowadays, brides and grooms aren’t afraid to experiment with their attire.
Consider distinctive designs or bold colors, for they can help you stand out from the crowd. Think out of the box when it comes to designs and silhouettes, and explore options that make you feel confident.
Go for unusual materials. Light and soft fabrics such as chiffon are excellent for creating an elegant or graceful look. Satin, with its smooth, buttery texture and lustrous shine, will also be a great option.
Satin fabrics, Project Social T notes, are elegant and luxurious, which makes them perfect for special events. Opt for them, for they add an element of glamor and a feminine look to the outfit.
Whether you choose a sleek jumpsuit with modern accents or a vintage-inspired gown with intricate lace details, your attire should highlight your individuality.
Don’t be afraid to pull an additional look if you choose something conservative for your ceremony. Many brides switch outfits after the food is served but before the dancefloor opens.
They do so to dance comfortably. You can also do that. Feel free to choose any outfit you’re comfortable in– it could be a floral dress, a graphic tee, or a mini dress.
#2 Go All Out on Details
Whether you’ve decided to take vows at an intimate venue or your home, go all out on details. It’s the little details that take center stage in a wedding whose guest list is small.
Embrace the opportunity and infuse each element with personal touches.
From a unique and gorgeous venue and fabulous furnishings to a guest chef creating the menu, embroidered linen napkins, your family china, and fine stationery– go for everything you’ve dreamt of.
Consider including personalized favors, such as artisanal treats or handwritten notes, for your guests to show your appreciation for their presence.
#3 Indulge in Fine Dining
Go super luxe when it comes to food and beverage. Indulging in fine dining not only adds an exquisite touch to your celebration, but will also elevate the entire experience.
The smaller guest count offers the perfect opportunity to get creative with ingredients and courses. Opt for a gourmet menu and make sure it’s crafted with care using seasonal ingredients and inventive flavor combinations.
You can also add extra courses to your wedding menu, like individual raw bars or individual cheese and charcuterie boards.
Consider offering family-style meals or personalized tasting menus to create a sense of intimacy and camaraderie among your guests.
#4 Reimagine Guest Seating
Whether you’ve chosen an open-air location or a ballroom in a large event center as your wedding venue, opt for unconventional seating arrangements.
Instead of traditional rows, choose a mix of round and rectangular tables or banquet-style tables to encourage interactions among the guests. Assign seats strategically to foster meaningful conversations. You can do so by combining friends with similar interests or mixing families to foster new friendships.
Just make sure you don’t seat elderly guests near the lively music, next to the speakers, or at tables close to the dance floor. Lively music, The Madison Event Center remarks, adds vibrancy to the room, but it can be overwhelming for elderly guests.
Therefore, consider seating them in a place where they can enjoy the celebration without discomfort.
Your wedding venue must also feature cozy lounge areas with ambient lighting and plush seating for relaxed conversations.
You can also go for a cafe-style vibe– set up bistro tables and low-profile seating to resemble the quaint cafes of Paris. This setup easily doubles as cocktail hour seating once the ceremony is over.
To wrap things up, a small, intimate wedding gives couples a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their love in a meaningful, personal, and unforgettable way.
Planning a small, intimate wedding begins with choosing the perfect venue and ends with creating personalized touches.
Every step of the planning process offers couples an opportunity to create lifelong memories.
Therefore, embrace the beauty of your small-scale celebration and cherish the moments that make it truly special.