wedding-day-couple

Planning A Small Wedding: Tips, Benefits and Advice

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    The stress of organizing a wedding is understandable. Numerous options exist for creating a special and personal atmosphere for your wedding's guest list.

    If you've been with your partner for a long time and have always dreamed of your wedding, but now that it's finally here, you're not sure if you want to go through with it.

    It's normal to be nervous about inviting everyone you know to a public display of your affection; there are plenty of good reasons to keep things low key. This article will discuss several of these factors, as well as provide suggestions for organizing a modest wedding.

    The planning of a more intimate gathering might have the same sense of accomplishment and significance. It's cheaper too, so that's a plus! The perfect little wedding can be planned by following these suggestions.

    In what ways can I ensure that my event won't break the bank? Start by making sure every supplier understands the financial limits you have. Venues tend to increase in price the closer they are to the event date, so you might want to wait to reserve them until the event date draws nearer.

    Finally, remember that food and flavors will be cheaper if you plan ahead. With that said, what do you hope to gain from a nuptial ceremony with your significant other? Some people have trouble sleeping because they worry so much about making all the right decisions for their wedding.

    Although it can be challenging to plan with only one other person, imagine the challenge multiplied by two. It's understandable if the thought seems terrifying to you. If you're planning a small wedding and want to make sure that both parties feel included, you should read this piece.

    Is It Appropriate for You to Have a Small Wedding?

    We know firsthand how terrifying it is to forge a new path. But many products and services target young people, particularly young women and girls, with messages that emphasize the importance of having the latest and greatest at their wedding.

    The conventional wedding market feeds off of competition and fears, convincing us that we can't be truly happy unless we get the latest and greatest.

    However, you are not obligated to take part in any of the wedding day activities; rather, you should sit back and enjoy yourself. So, to have a more enjoyable wedding day, try viewing your nuptials as an event over which you have complete say.

    Tips for a Simple Wedding.

    A small wedding is far less work and stress to plan than a large one. However, having a wedding away from home with only close friends and family is more than just the latest fad. Combining a wedding, honeymoon, and vacation is a fantastic idea.

    Most engaged couples who choose for a small ceremony know exactly what they want. The motivation to prune the invitation list is unrelated to the available seating. Instead, they should spend the day with the individuals that matter the most to them.

    Have fun and savor each precious moment. Booking a far-flung wedding location and notifying guests with a "Save the Date" card is a simple next step after having this dream.

    Is it acceptable to have a modest wedding?

    This is wonderful because it allows you to savor the company of each individual guest. As an added bonus, there will be exquisite decorations, freebies, and delicious cuisine for you to enjoy.

    Finding a happy medium requires careful consideration of several factors, including your financial situation, the individuals you absolutely must have in your immediate vicinity, the types of experiences you hope to have with them, and the ideal setting.

    For a modest ceremony, who should be invited?

    For the bride and groom, the most important guests will be their closest relatives and friends. The people you want to have in attendance at your ceremony marking the beginning of your new life together are the ones you'll invite to join in on the great celebration that follows.

    Don't forget that having a good time is a major goal, so be sure to invite your cheeriest, most party-loving pals.

    Make a plan for spending and saving.

    Does a simple wedding with lots of guests seem appealing to you? Or just a small group of folks who get to experience what you have to offer? Make a decision and adjust your spending plan accordingly.

    The budget is something that is rarely discussed during the wedding planning process. When discussing costs with service providers, the term "budget" is likely to come up. You may feel some discomfort at this point, having never before spent so much money in one place in one day, but remember: this is your wedding.

    When you opt for a smaller ceremony, you can accomplish a lot more with your wedding money. Spend your money on the products and activities you want, rather than the things that are customarily given or expected at a wedding.

    One of the most common reasons we hear from couples who want to elope is that the accumulation of material goods throughout wedding planning doesn't reflect their priorities.

    A lot of the money spent on a typical wedding, for instance, is wasted when the ceremony is finished. Less food and other materials will be wasted during a small wedding held outside. Weddings in national parks incur an additional price to cover the costs of photography and other special festivities.

    Don't go overboard with the floral decorations.

    Despite its beauty, many couples go beyond when it comes to flower purchases for their special day. Since the room is on the smaller side, you shouldn't use too many flowers to fill the air with their fragrance.

    As an alternative to flowers, you might use lovely centerpieces and candles, or you may leave the tables as is. Adds a touch of otherworldly elegance to the environment.

    Remove the extraneous.

    Having a lengthy wedding to-do list might be stressful. Get rid of the fat. If, for instance, a live orchestra isn't in keeping with your wedding's aesthetic, you can forego hiring one. Invest in what matters most rather than less essential items.

    Here's a suggestion: prioritize your needs and eliminate the extras.

    Refrain from purchasing new attire

    This outfit will see only one day of wear from you. Is it sensible to spend thousands on it? Why not rent dresses from high-end boutiques instead of buying them? Secondhand clothing is another option.

    Advice: Put that money towards a nice purse, jewelry, and shoes. You may depend on them forever in your work.

    wedding-dress-bride-woods

    Plan a photo session before the wedding.

    The engagement session is the first step in organizing a small, private wedding ceremony. Try to find a photographer who cares about your project. One who can perfectly capture your chemistry thanks to their knowledge of it. Among the most attractive photoshoot motifs are beach postures, a romantic hand-in-hand walk, and yoga stances.

    Here at Cosmopolitan Events, we have compiled an exclusive list of Melbourne Wedding Photographers to help capture your special day.

    Perform a Small Wedding Ceremony

    One of the most personal suggestions for a wedding is to exchange private vows. You should consider the setting whether you're exchanging standard or nontraditional vows. Place your vows in a garden or on a beach. You can do it in the house with your pet in the position of best "something," or move the action indoors.

    Pick a Lunch or Dinner from a Buffet

    Intimate gatherings are best suited to a supper that encourages participation from all guests. Make a smorgasbord available to guests in place of wait staff. It's a great way to get people talking to one another. Green beans with fillet mignon are a great example of a seasonal dish that can be dressed up with a few simple garnishes. Salad with couscous and another salad (seasonal, raw vegetable, etc.). Common dishes, such as barbeque specialities, are also available.

    A wider variety of possible settings

    Locations that can host a large wedding party while still leaving some breathing room are ideal. No good options emerge from this, unfortunately. When the guest list is short, though, that museum or park becomes an option.

    Plan a laid-back wedding atmosphere. Simple green floral arrangements are perfect, and the bridesmaids can wear whatever they like. And if you're going to get people dancing, set up a place where they can get their flip-flops. Because of this, both you and your guests will be cosy and relaxed.

    Cosmopolitan events has proven itself to be an iconic wedding venue and function centre in Melbourne. Book today so you don’t miss out.

    Have the reception outside

    Plan on having a small reception as part of your wedding. If you move it outside, you'll have access to the most beautiful scenery possible. An outdoor ceremony is unparalleled in terms of beauty and atmosphere. Use nature as inspiration for your party's centerpieces, cake, and theme. In addition to the peace and quiet, you'll have the benefit of being surrounded by romantic scenery.

    If you're having a small wedding, you might pick a stunning location that's not at all what people usually think of when they hear "wedding." We couldn't think of a single outdoor place that can accommodate hundreds of wedding guests, unless it's a field on private property.

    A smaller, more personal ceremony is ideal for wedding photographs taken in front of a picturesque setting, such as the mountains or the rock formations of the desert.

    Let Cosmopolitan events Wedding Venue help you create the most magical day of your life. 

    You Could Have a Party at Your House If You Prefer

    One great method to increase the level of intimacy at your wedding is to hold it somewhere other than your home. Arrange canopies, and adorn your house with lights, flowers, and plants. Your yard is the perfect spot for a dancing party. Get everyone to relax and mingle in a cosy setting.

    bride-groom-outdoor

    Pay Attention to Specifics While Maintaining a Focus on the Big Picture

    If you're on a tight budget, planning a small wedding may be the best option for you, as you'll be able to put more of your money towards personal touches. You're not decorating a ballroom; you're decorating a knapsack.

    The things you wear, consume, and surround yourselves with on your wedding day will all play a role in the memories you create for yourself and your spouse years down the road, so it's important to make decisions that reflect your shared values and the kind of love you share.

    Advantages of Having a Small Wedding

    Budget, location, family dynamics, stress, intentionality, detail, and most of all, fun are all factors in deciding to have a small wedding.

    The average wedding just takes a few hours to complete. However, your celebration will most likely span multiple days, and the amount of guests will have a significant impact on how much you can accomplish in that time!

    This is how you can look at it: Anyone who grew up in a house with more than one sibling will attest to the fact that getting anywhere required a considerable amount of time. Every time we went anywhere, someone forgot something, had to use the bathroom again, was hungry, etc. It took several tries to finally get out of the house.

    Maintaining intimacy

    The intimate setting of a small wedding is perfect for savoring every second. There is no big production here. You, your significant other, your closest friends and family, and the stunning setting.

    From the menu to the decorations to the number of guests, the prevailing philosophy behind small, elegant weddings is quality, not quantity. This allows them to put on lavish parties with no expense spared, while still affording to invest in more noticeable features.

    It's a blessing to be able to do whatever you want with regards to organizing and designing your special day. Everything from the setting to the food, the drinks, the table settings, the immersive art, the floral arrangements, and the entertainment.

    The only restriction is your own creative energy.

    Reduce the number of invitees.

    If you're having a small wedding, you probably won't invite too many people. Keep your guest list limited to those who mean the most to you in a personal way. Throw a party for your friends and family really late on.

    Instead than letting the budget dictate the number of guests, the opposite way around might be more appropriate. Review your phone book and only invite people who you've spoken with in the recent three months.

    couple-wedding-outdoor

    Reducing stress

    The reality is that no matter how big or little your wedding is, planning it is stressful. A desire to impress isn't present, though, when preparations are made for loved ones. They adore you without any explanation. As a result, you'll feel less pressure.

    To plan, a small wedding is far simpler than a large, formal one. A smaller wedding or elopement, both in terms of the number of guests and the number of guests' plates, will reduce a great deal of tension.

    Inviting more people to your elopement ceremony increases the logistical complexity of the day, from meeting their food and activity requirements (if you're doing something active like a walk) to making sure you have time to spend with them throughout the day.

    Having a modest wedding ceremony and reception allows you to streamline your planning while still getting a lot of bang for your buck. Guests at your ceremony won't be crammed into the back rows, where they'll have to squint to see a thing; instead, they'll be standing to the side, where you can see the joyous tears in their eyes.

    It's possible that family turmoil will be less of an issue with a smaller wedding, but we can only hope! Divorced parents, new spouses, stepchildren, or significant others all expecting to be invited can make things awkward.

    In a perfect world, everyone would put their differences aside to celebrate your marriage. Unfortunately, our world is far from ideal. When dealing with other people, it's important to remember that their feelings are likely to surface at the most inconvenient times.

    You don't have to invite anyone to your wedding, and I know that this may sound harsh. Don't let the feelings of others dictate the course of your wedding day; if necessary, cut back on the guest list.

    More affordable and higher-quality products

    Inexpensive is not synonymous with "little." Having fewer guests means you can afford to lavish more attention on each one.

    Hands-on planning

    In the case of a small wedding, you have more freedom to make unique and special touches to make the day perfect for you. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want, and with no one stopping you.

    As an additional bonus, wedding reception entertainment can elevate even the most intimate ceremony. When one has complete freedom over entertainment options, one has options that are suitable for only intimate gatherings. Wow, that's fantastic!

    No, not in the conventional sense of a solemn ritual. Living theatre that is both artistically fulfilling and meaningful as a means of commemorating a modest wedding. Extremely rare and special. A wedding planned in this way can never be repeated.

    Seek assistance

    You should give everyone attending your wedding a specific duty to perform. Make it about their skills instead of money. Is your best buddy a master chef, or do you have a cousin who is an accomplished photographer? Inquire of them.

    Make use of a wedding planner app that not only provides reminders but also keeps track of everyone's schedule.

    Prepare for your wedding by obtaining a marriage license.

    You'll need to have the wedding date and location set in stone before you can officially file. Some states have a waiting period of 72 days before the wedding, while others have a 90-day window.

    Get your marriage license no later than five days before the ceremony and no sooner than three weeks prior.

    bride-wedding-dress

    Precious recollections

    Your modest wedding will forever live on in your hearts and minds. This is because you were the center of attention and everything revolved around you. Photographs don't show any eerie people.

    One of the main goals in organizing a nuptial celebration with only a few close family and friends is to ensure complete discretion. The stress of the big day might be alleviated by sharing the ritual of getting ready. Furthermore, you have additional opportunities to connect with one another. Having formal pictures taken before leaving also makes things simpler for the photographer.

    Conclusion

    This is a guide to putting up a low-key nuptials ceremony. Keeping things under wraps is warranted for a variety of reasons. It's possible that the experience of organising a small gathering can be just as rewarding and meaningful as that of organizing a large one. To put it simply, a smaller wedding is more easier and less stressful to prepare.

    When planning a short ceremony, most engaged couples have very specific ideas in mind. The motive for cutting down on invites has nothing to do with how many seats can be made available.

    Just enjoy yourself and take in every second of this wonderful experience. Smaller weddings allow the happy couple to do more with their budget. Instead of spending money on the typical wedding gifts and activities, invest in what you really want.

    The majority of the money spent on the average wedding is useless once the reception is over. A supper where everyone is actively involved in the meal is ideal for small groups. When it comes to setting the mood and aesthetics, nothing beats a ceremony held outside.

    In order to save money for special touches, you may want to consider having a smaller wedding. You probably won't invite too many folks to your intimate wedding. The idea behind intimate weddings is to focus on the quality, rather than the quantity of guests.

    As a result, they can throw extravagant events without skimping on the finer details while still affording to put money into more eye-catching elements. Stress can be greatly reduced by having a smaller ceremony or choosing to elope.

    When you have fewer guests, you can focus more on them individually. When you have a small wedding and reception, you might save time and money by combining the two events.

    When planning a wedding for a small number of people, you'll have more leeway to add personal touches that will make the day truly memorable. All members play a role in maintaining normal business operations.

    Content Summary

    • The stress of organizing a wedding is understandable.
    • Numerous options exist for creating a special and personal atmosphere for your wedding's guest list.
    • If you've been with your partner for a long time and have always dreamed of your wedding, but now that it's finally here, you're not sure if you want to go through with it.
    • It's normal to be nervous about inviting everyone you know to a public display of your affection; there are plenty of good reasons to keep things low key.
    • Start by making sure every supplier understands the financial limits you have.
    • Finally, remember that food and flavors will be cheaper if you plan ahead.
    • Make a plan for spending and saving.
    • When you opt for a smaller ceremony, you can accomplish a lot more with your wedding money.
    • Spend your money on the products and activities you want, rather than the things that are customarily given or expected at a wedding.
    • Don't go overboard with the floral decorations.
    • One of the most personal suggestions for a wedding is to exchange private vows.
    • Place your vows in a garden or on a beach.
    • Plan on having a small reception as part of your wedding.
    • An outdoor ceremony is unparalleled in terms of beauty and atmosphere.
    • Your yard is the perfect spot for a dancing party.
    • From the menu to the decorations to the number of guests, the prevailing philosophy behind small, elegant weddings is quality, not quantity.
    • Reduce the number of invitees.
    • Throw a party for your friends and family really late on.
    • To plan, a small wedding is far simpler than a large, formal one.
    • A smaller wedding or elopement, both in terms of the number of guests and the number of guests' plates, will reduce a great deal of tension.
    • Having a modest wedding ceremony and reception allows you to streamline your planning while still getting a lot of bang for your buck.
    • Don't let the feelings of others dictate the course of your wedding day; if necessary, cut back on the guest list.
    • Plan a laid-back wedding atmosphere.
    • Because of this, both you and your guests will be cosy and relaxed.
    • In the case of a small wedding, you have more freedom to make unique and special touches to make the day perfect for you.
    • As an additional bonus, wedding reception entertainment can elevate even the most intimate ceremony.
    • Inviting close friends and family to celebrate with the happy couple on their wedding day is becoming increasingly customary.
    • Extremely rare and special.
    • You should give everyone attending your wedding a specific duty to perform.
    • Make use of a wedding planner app that not only provides reminders but also keeps track of everyone's schedule.
    • Prepare for your wedding by obtaining a marriage license.
    • Get your marriage license no later than five days before the ceremony and no sooner than three weeks prior.
    • One of the main goals in organizing a nuptial celebration with only a few close family and friends is to ensure complete discretion.
    • Having formal pictures taken before leaving also makes things simpler for the photographer.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    A simple wedding ceremony can help you save money and open up some opportunities when it comes to your actual wedding day and even your honeymoon.
    Minimalist weddings aim to clear even the visual clutter—so stick with solid colors or soft, muted motifs. They also tend to favor neutral and natural color palettes like black, navy, cream, white, or taupe—but don't be afraid to add a strategic pop of color to bring everything to life.
    Typically, a small wedding lends itself to about 50 people – that's 25 people on each side. Think about whether you want to include 'plus one's' or just individuals, and whether this extends to your close work colleagues, or none at all.
    Whether your ceremony venue is tiny or you're a shy couple trying not to make a spectacle of your vows, if you're not inviting a large portion of guests to the service, then you should truly keep it intimate. That means including, at most, your immediate family, wedding party and/or closest VIP friends only.
    Unlike a traditional wedding, an elopement wedding with no guests allows you to get married where and how you want!
    Scroll to Top