Small weddings are one of the main trends in 2021. If several years ago weddings with fewer than 50 guests were rare, today "small" weddings for 10-20 people are gaining more and more popularity among newlyweds. But, since this is a new trend, you may have a lot of questions about small weddings.
Below are 7 tips on how to organize a small wedding.
1. Why have a small wedding?
After you have already said “I do” you start thinking about the wedding. One of the main questions that arise is what type of wedding do you want? Should it be a gorgeous celebration with a lot of guests? Maybe you perfect a small intimate wedding with a minimum of guests? If you are still thinking, take a look at these benefits of a small wedding:
- More intimate atmosphere
- More relaxed wedding
- You can spend more time with close friends and relatives
- Lower overall wedding cost and budget
- More budget per head
- More interesting options for celebration and pay more attention to details
2. The guest list
The most important part of small wedding planning is a guest list. A small wedding means that you need to invite your nearest and dearest. For this reason, it can be easier for you to complete the guest list. Your partner and you need to agree on a number that you feel comfortable with and work towards this number. A small wedding typically lends to about 50 people(25 people from each side).
You also need to decide if you want to include “plus one’s” or just individuals and colleagues from work. Besides, decide if you want to extend the number of guests at the evening reception or you prefer a small party just with closer guests. Consistency on the sides of both partners will help prevent arguments and make your wedding preparations more enjoyable!
3. Plan your budget
When it comes to your wedding budget, you need to be consistent. You should figure out how much you can spend in total and where the money for a wedding will come from(your own savings, the family finds, etc). When everything is clear with your finances and funds, you are able to work within its constraints. Couple this with your guest’s list and you will get the cost per guest. This is useful when thinking about wedding venues.
4. Place of celebration
One of the most important issues in organizing a small and cozy wedding is choosing the right place. In the case of a small wedding, you are not limited by any frames and even the smallest places will be suitable. When choosing a specific place, start with the style and concept of your wedding. Both cozy cafes(for example, where your first date took place) and country hotels where you can accommodate all guests are suitable.
It is worth paying attention to the initially non-wedding areas like lofts, country houses, forests, or beaches. To give the wedding a zest and individuality, choose unusual places for the ceremony and wedding dinner(meadows in the forest, gazebos on the waterfront, aircraft hangars, amusement parks)
If you choose a restaurant, be sure to consider the option of a warm and cozy evening. A fireplace or gatherings by candlelight will add soulfulness to your wedding. For an evening pastime, a separate zone can be prepared in the fresh air. Put armchairs, poufs, comfortable sofas, and prepare blankets in case of cold weather.
5. Buffet and ceremony
For an excellent decor option, as well as additional entertainment for guests at the buffet table, you can use special areas for master classes. You can organize a small workshop with wreaths or boutonnieres, a clay modeling lesson, or watercolor painting. The main thing is to take into account the hobbies of your loved ones.
If there are people who are passionate about something among your guests, you can ask them to organize such a master class and talk about their hobby. By the way, at the end of the evening, instead of the traditional wedding dance, you can organize a small dance master class.
A small wedding is not a reason to refuse a romantic and beautiful ceremony. On the contrary, it can be even more touching and atmospheric. Prepare vows and share this important moment with the dearest people.
You can change the usual course of the wedding day program and plan the ceremony in the evening, at sunset, when the warm light will flood the grass and create a romantic atmosphere that your wedding photographer will catch in his photos. Decorating the ceremony with candles and lanterns will add even more charm to this moment!
6. Evening program
At such a small celebration, special attention should be paid to the evening program. Many brides refuse the host because they think that a stranger will be superfluous at such a small party. But a professional will help create a more sincere atmosphere. Live music will be a great surprise and pleasant part of the evening for you and your guests. These can be completely different styles like jazz, or rock and roll.
If there are not too many guests, set aside a separate table for board games. Pick up different games like strategy, logic, and puzzles. But don't overdo it because games shouldn't be too long or too complicated. Guests will be able to choose, split into groups, and play!
One of the entertainment options in the evening can be an outdoor cinema. Pulling a sheet instead of a screen and placing your guests on chairs, benches, armchairs, or poufs, you will arrange for yourself and them an unforgettable evening. Don't forget to leave yourself some last kissing seats!
7. Important details
For a small family dinner, all guests may sit together. In this case, one long table decorated with flowers, greenery, moss, candles, and small decorative elements is perfect.
You also need to take care of the serving of the dishes. Agree with a restaurant that the serving must be portioned so that plates with snacks do not take up most of the table. You can also organize buffet tables. Highlight a separate table with cold and hot appetizers, cheese and sweet tables, and lemonade, tea, or coffee tables. It is not only delicious but also incredibly beautiful.
Set aside a separate area for wishes with a book or mailbox, where guests will put letters for the young family. Don't forget to provide complimentary gifts for your guests! Allocate time for a beautiful photo session and prepare a photo zone. It can be a photo booth or just a beautifully decorated area with fun props and accessories.
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