How to Have a Proper Small Wedding

Small weddings are based on friends and family.

Every bride has her own definition when it comes to “small” weddings, but most would agree that small weddings take place in private settings with a limited number of guests. Small weddings are different from the grandiose, hundred-guest affairs that require huge venues and even huger budgets; moreover, they provide a sense of intimacy that is often lost in large ceremonies. If you are thinking about having a small wedding with only a limited number of guests, you will still need to complete many of the same preparatory steps you would deal with while planning a larger event.

Instructions

1. Think carefully about your decision to host a small wedding. Your limited guest list may leave out some friends or family members, and you will need to be ready to deal with hurt feelings if you proceed.

2. Find the perfect number of guests for your ideal small wedding. Some brides may prefer between 10 and 20 guests, while others may want up to 50 guests. This is entirely up to you and your groom.

3. Start the guest list early. Paring down your friends and family to 20 or so people is a tough process and it is best to start it before anything else.

4. Look for interesting venues. Traditional churches and banquet halls are great for large weddings, but they may be oversized for your small party. On the flipside, a smaller wedding party can fit into more interesting locations — boats, historic landmarks, family homes or even museums. Think about how you can take advantage of your small wedding to find the perfect venue.

5. Book your caterers well in advance and have them overprepare for the event. You are expecting 20 guests, but you never know when a stray family member or child may appear. It is always best to be prepared for extras.

6. Greet guests personally at the end of the service. A smaller guest list gives you time to mingle with each attendee.

7. Hold a reception in a family member’s home or nearby small venue. Remember: Home hosting requires tables, chairs and many other things for which you may not be equipped and that can lead to an event as expensive as a venue.

8. Focus on enjoying your wedding and interacting with your close family and friends. Even at a large wedding, the events usually revolve around you and your closest companions but a small wedding makes it easier to keep this focus without becoming overwhelmed.

References

• Intimate Weddings: Ten Reasons to Have a Small Wedding
• The Destination and Specialty Wedding Page: Tips for Small Weddings