Are you planning on a small wedding but don’t know where to start? After the initial excitement of the engagement, most couples set the date for a wedding and start preparing mentally and financially.
Weddings can be extremely expensive, and things add up quickly. If spending thousands of dollars and inviting hundreds of guests isn’t your thing, a small wedding is the perfect celebration of your love.
Guest count is the basis of determining the wedding price. Limiting your guest list means fewer expenses, which leaves you extra money to spend on other things.
Ready to learn how to plan a small wedding? Here are the best tips you should know about intimate ceremonies and still have the time of your life on your big day.
Set a Budget
Weddings are expensive, and every single detail will cost you a pretty penny. If you’re wondering how to plan a wedding ceremony without breaking the bank, you need to set a budget.
Make a list of the things you want to have on your wedding day and put approximate prices for each item. Then, you can start calling vendors and gather estimates so you know what you’re working with.
Another way to save some money is to make some items yourself. For example, you can make the cake, decorations, table settings, wedding invitations, and even your own flower bouquet. These things alone can save you hundreds of dollars. Ask your friends or family to help you assemble the wedding favors as well. You can also make your own wedding playlist to play after the DJ or band has left.
Keep the Guest List Short
The beauty of a small wedding is in the intimacy and closeness of the people attending. You won’t have to meet any new relatives or wonder whether you forgot to invite someone. You can keep the guest list short and sweet and invite only the closest family and friends.
This situation needs to be handled carefully, especially with friends or family members that expect an invitation. The best thing to do is be honest and kindly explain that you’re keeping the wedding small and simple.
This also makes it easier to follow the weddings’ order and organize the seating arrangements to leave you enough time to greet everyone. You can spend time at each table talking to your guests, and people from both sides of the family can mingle and get to know each other better.
Focus on Your Own Wishes
Your wedding day is all yours, and you get to decide how you want it to look and feel. If you want to skip the fancy expensive dress you’ll only wear once, go for a simpler one that’s comfortable and affordable.
If you don’t want a huge wedding cake, order your favorite sweets from the local bakery. If you don’t want a DJ or a big band, hire a local performer and give them a playlist. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, download a printable wedding planner online where you can cross off items as you complete them.
Finally, small weddings are about celebrating your union. If you’re not comfortable with something or feel pressured to do something, stand your ground and make your own choices. This is your day, and focusing on your own wishes matters the most.
Choose the Right Venue
Choosing the right venue is essential to make your small wedding a success. You want enough space for people to dance and be comfortable, but not too far apart or too crammed together.
Go over your reception checklist together with the venue manager to see if everything meets your standards. If there’s something you want to add or remove from the venue, let the manager know so they can arrange this beforehand.
Also, make sure the venue has enough changing rooms for you and your groom and bridesmaids. If you want a venue with rooms for your guests, make sure to arrange this ahead of time to make sure everyone has a place to stay.
Consider a Destination Wedding
If elopement isn’t your thing, but want to get married in a romantic place, consider a destination wedding. You can plan this in your state or overseas and invite only the closest family and friends.
You can rent a small villa on the beach or an inn in the scenic countryside and have an outdoor wedding. Many venues have special wedding packages for intimate ceremonies, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
The inn will provide the food, flowers, decorations, cake, lighting, and even help you find local photographers and music.
Pay Attention to the Details
To make your small wedding even more special, pay attention to the details. This starts with treating your guests right and making sure everyone has a place to stay, along with gift bags, drinks, and food.
A great way to make your guests feel special is to arrange limos to drive them to your wedding venue. Another option is to call local transportation companies and find out more about their packages and options. This way, you can make sure the guests arrive on time and no one is left to their own devices.
If possible, visit the venue a few days before the wedding to go over your list of requirements. This will help you double-check and sort out any last-minute changes so that everything is perfect on your big day.
Now You Know How to Plan a Small Wedding!
Now that you know how to plan a small wedding, it’s time to start checking items off your to-do list. Start by setting a budget and talking to vendors for estimates.
Then, book the venue, music, and caterers, and you’ll be on your way to creating the intimate wedding of your dreams. All that’s left to do is dance, have fun, and celebrate your big day with the people you love the most.
Looking for more love and relationship tips? Check out some of the other articles on our site to find the best ideas on keeping the spark alive.