How to Plan a Small Wedding of your Dreams
If there’s one thing that 2020 gave us, it’s the love of small weddings! They may have been thrown upon us due to the pandemic but we think the small wedding trend is here to stay. Not only are they often the cost-effective and eco-friendly wedding solution but they allow that intimate experience with your guests.
If you’re considering a small wedding, then carry on reading because we’ll tell you how to plan a small wedding that your guests will be talking about for years!
What is considered a small wedding?
Generally speaking, a small wedding consists of 50 people or less. We’ve seen these weddings get even more on the micro-scale with a super personalized guest list of 20-30 people to a VIP guest list of just 10. Having fewer guests means you can create a highly personalized event, spend more time with the ones that are there and splurge on the details. Having fewer people attending your wedding is often less stressful so you can focus on your big day and enjoy every moment of it!
Okay, you’re in?! So, the first step on how to plan a small wedding is to decide who is on the guest list.
Deciding on your guest list
This is the part that can often be the most challenging so grab your favourite beverage and get together with your partner to conquer this together. This is where you may need to get extra ruthless to make a decision on who you’re going to invite. Remember, it’s your day so the only people there should be the ones you want.
To help you narrow down that list, consider removing plus ones. This is an exclusive list and this often brings that number up. With a smaller list, you may even choose not to have a wedding party if it doesn’t make sense to do so.
If you’re planning your small wedding due to COVID-19 restrictions, you’ll need to be aware of current restrictions in place in your location. This is where a wedding planner is worth their weight in gold! It’s our job to navigate this situation for you and can be a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. Some alternatives our couples have chosen is to stream the wedding virtually or have a small ceremony with the promise of a larger reception later on!
Choosing a venue
Congratulations! Task one is off the list. So, what’s next? Choosing a venue!
When it comes to choosing a venue for your small wedding there are many more options. Be mindful that traditional wedding venues often have a larger capacity so you don’t want it to feel empty. We recommend seeking out the small intimate spaces versus the huge venues. Perhaps you want to consider a small garden or your favourite wine bar. Think of something that is meaningful to you as a couple.
One option we’ve seen a lot of is using an Airbnb as a wedding venue. This could be a gorgeous cottage out in the Muskokas where your family can also stay the night. Just check that they allow weddings and events as part of their terms. If that cottagey feel really appeals to you, a similar suggestion would be to get married out in the woods. You could set up a beautiful tree-covered ceremony and then set up a fire pit to cook smores later in the evening!
Get creative when it comes to your venue because that way you’ll create a wedding that is unique to you both.
Get Personal
It doesn’t matter how many people are there, the entire day is about the two of you. Celebrate what makes you unique by adding personal touches throughout your day. Decide on the must-haves you both want for the day and ensure those are prioritized. Some suggestions include incorporating family heirlooms in your tablescape, writing your own vows or writing handwritten invitations to your guests.
The magic is in the details
When it comes to how to plan a small wedding of your dreams, the details are what matter the most. Think of the small touches such as table place cards, thank you notes and favours. You can invest a bit more into place settings or gifting a welcome box as a favour for your exclusive guests.
By having a smaller wedding you may have more budget to invest in a more detailed menu, bold florals or having expert wine pairings with dinner. For a more family dining experience, go with long tables instead of round.
With a smaller guest list, consider whether a wedding dance makes sense. You know your guests and so you could choose to replace dancing with an activity everyone will enjoy. Such as setting up group games or hiring entertainment for the night.
Get help with how to plan a small wedding by hiring a wedding planner!
Lastly, remember that wedding planners are not solely for large weddings. We LOVE small weddings! When you hire a planner, we work closely with you and facilitate the flow of the whole day. This allows you to focus on enjoying your day instead of coordinating the event. We’re masters of detail and you will hardly know we’re there during the day.
If you want to chat weddings and are interested in learning more about how a wedding planner can facilitate the small wedding of your dreams, let’s book a call and we can get started.