Small Wedding Etiquette

Weddings can be intimate with only a few family and friends.

Having a small wedding can dramatically reduce your stress on the big day. Etiquette Guide states that, "The wedding is small because it is focused on the bride and groom; not inviting everyone you have ever spoken to or having the most exotic wedding setting." It is possible to follow traditional etiquette while cutting down your budget and stress by having a smaller wedding.

Significance

A small wedding brings the focus back to the bride and groom and makes it about enjoying the wedding day. Etiquette Guide tells us that, "Small wedding etiquette states that simple is best." Smaller weddings also cost less than large weddings and require much less planning, taking the typical wedding day stress away from the couple.

Location

Having a smaller wedding will allow you to choose a more intimate setting to hold the ceremony. Many couples do destination weddings and only invite the families, or you can choose a park setting that might not otherwise seat everyone.

Attire

Black tie is not recommended at a small wedding. Instead wear something casual and season appropriate.

Guests

When addressing the invitations for your small wedding, it is completely acceptable to just address it to the individual and not the individual and guest. The Knot tells us, "Especially if you are having a small wedding, you probably aren't going to invite everyone to bring an escort, unless it's a fiance(e) and/or a serious significant other."

Considerations

When having a small wedding, remember that it is still proper etiquette to invite everyone to the wedding that was at the bridal shower. In special, rare instances you might not be able to stick to this rule because you have decided to have a destination wedding or have chosen a private family-only event. The main consideration is to make sure that the guests are aware up front that they will not be invited to your wedding ceremony so there are no surprises or hurt feelings.

References

• The Knot: Wedding Invitations: Etiquette Q&A
• The Washington Post: Wedding Etiquette: Anna Post on Dos and Don'ts of the Big Day
• Etiquette Guide: Small Wedding Etiquette