Planning Your Perfect Intimate Wedding Day

An intimate wedding offers a unique opportunity to celebrate your love and new “just-married” status in a way that’s deeply meaningful and personal. With a smaller guest list, you can focus on creating a special atmosphere and spending quality time with each person you invite. The vibe is often more comfortable. This can make for more moments of genuine connection and a relaxed environment. Think less about image or the idea of wedding traditions, and more about truly enjoying the moment.

This post is all about intimate weddings.

Here are a few reasons why couples choose a small wedding:

• Budget-friendly: A smaller guest list means less spending on food, drinks, and venue. This can cut down on your overall budget. Plus, you can allocate the money you will be spending towards what’s most important to you. Spend more on your honeymoon, or have more money in the bank to start your new life together. And in terms of wedding planning? The financial flexibility might make it possible to afford higher-quality services or splurge on your “dream wedding” elements. Like the dress you REALLY want, or your #1 catering choice).
• Less Stress: Say goodbye to endless details and to-do’s. Less people means less to plan. Instead of taking on the execution of a big “event”, you can simply plan your wedding. A beautiful, intimate event that’s all about you and your love.
• Personalization: With fewer logistics to handle, you can also have a little more fun with it. Get into the nitty-gritty of your menus, make a spontaneous change of plans as you see fit, plan out a crazy good playlist.
• Quality Time: Rather than rushing around, enjoy each moment with this smaller group of loved ones. Create once-in-a-lifetime peak memories with heartfelt conversations and authentic interactions.
• Built-in Boundaries: Big weddings can take on a life of their own as people jump in with ideas. Loved ones might overstep and tell you what your wedding should look like, who should be invited, and how it all should happen. Planning an intimate wedding gives you more control. Even when planning a small wedding, however, prepare to set boundaries with your families.

Choosing the Perfect Venue

Finding the right venue can make all the difference in setting the tone of your wedding. Fortunately, there are literally endless options for hosting a small wedding. From a beach wedding, to a simple backyard celebration, to an elegant event space. The venue you choose will serve as the backdrop for your special day. In fact, there are few decisions as important as choosing where your big day will take place. So it’s important to select a location that speaks to you and the overall look and feel you’re going for.

Small Wedding Venue Ideas

1. Backyard or Home: A home wedding offers a cozy and welcoming environment, which can feel really comfortable and relaxed. That doesn’t mean it has to have a totally informal vibe, though. You can absolutely make the space as elegant and classy as any event venue. Or, you can go rustic and homey. With decor and planning, you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels uniquely yours. A home setting has plenty of added benefits, too. In addition to saving on costs, a home wedding permits for huge flexibility in terms of scheduling and logistics.
2. Garden or Park: Outdoor venues provide a natural backdrop that’s perfect for setting the scene for an unforgettable small wedding. Consider a local garden, park, or even a botanical garden for your ceremony. Jut be sure to look into pricing and rules about timing and decorations. Many public outdoor venues are surprisingly affordable. They also make it easy to get great photos.
3. Intimate Restaurant: Many restaurants offer private dining rooms that can accommodate small groups, providing an intimate yet sophisticated setting. This can make planning easier, too, as you’ll have less to stress about in terms of food and drink.
4. Beach: If you’ve always dreamed of beach nuptials, an intimate wedding may be the ideal choice to make it happen. Planning a huge beach wedding can be difficult, logistically, and expensive! But with a smaller celebration, a beach ceremony and reception is much more doable. There are even a ton of DIY beach wedding options for setup and decorations.
5. Historic Sites or Museums: Just about every city has historic buildings or museums that serve as a wedding venue, too. The story, architecture, and charm of these spaces can add character to your event and make it even more memorable. You’ll definitely want to check out any space like this before choosing it as your venue. Said by someone who almost booked a historic house before visiting it and realizing it was… kind of creepy. (Of course, I’ve also been to many AMAZING weddings at cool historic venues).
6. Vacation Home or Airbnb: Renting a vacation home can provide a cool and unique setting. You get the comfort and flexibility of a home wedding, but with the excitement of it not actually being your home. There are other perks, too. You an choose a rental that has just the vibe you’re looking for- luxury, rustic, pool party, etc. Invite guests to participate in a weekend-long celebration as you all enjoy the surroundings before the main event.

Planning the Ceremony for Your Intimate Wedding

The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. Especially with a small wedding, you’ll want to create a special exchange of vows that will resonate with you and your partner. One of the many appeals of a smaller wedding is that you have total creative control. Whether you want a very traditional ceremony, or you want something edgy, over-the-top-romantic, or even some humor- make it happen. These are among the most memorable events of your day (and your life).

Ceremony Ideas for Small Weddings

• Personalized Vows: Write your own vows and write them how you want them. You and your partner can decide whether to share your vows beforehand or even surprise each other on the big day. Special vows will make your ceremony truly one-of-a-kind.
• Involve Your Guests: Invite family and friends to share readings or blessings during the ceremony. This can definitely add to the already-intimate atmosphere, create an incredible sense of community and shared joy. If you have guests who are musically or comedically inclined, they’ll surely feel honored to be asked to share a performance.
• Music: Choose meaningful songs for the processional and recessional to set the mood and add to the overall ambience of the day. Live music always feels extra special, too.

Reception Ideas for an Intimate Wedding

A small reception allows you to create a cozy and enjoyable experience for all of your guests, and the chance for you and your partner to celebrate each other and your loved ones. The intimate nature of a small reception makes it easier to incorporate personal touches and make every element just how you both want it.

Small Reception Ideas for an Intimate Wedding

1. Family-style Dining: Serve food family-style to encourage conversation and interaction among guests. This can create warm, cozy feelings- plus lively discussions and plenty of laughs.
2. Cocktail Reception: Opt for a more casual vibe with a cocktail-style reception featuring small bites and drinks, allowing guests to mingle freely. This non-formal format can feel more flexible and laid-back.
3. Interactive Stations: Set up stations like a build-your-own taco bar or a rotating dessert station to engage guests in a fun and dynamic experience.
4. Themed Decor: Incorporate a theme that reflects your personalities. This can be as simple as deciding on a vintage or rustic style, or going all-in a more out there theme (I’ve attended a Game of Thrones wedding, and even a Star Trek wedding!) Themed decor can tie together various elements of the reception- from food and drinks, to decor and even vows.
5. Live Entertainment: Live performances of any kind can add excitement and energy to the reception and make it more memorable. Even a not-so-great live performance will likely be memorable 🙂

Personal Touches and Details

One of the benefits of a small wedding is the ability to plan and incorporate personal touches that make the day truly special, unique, and all about things you and your partner love. These touches will make your day incredibly special, and will also make your guests feel extra special for being chosen to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with you.

Personalized Intimate Wedding Ideas

• Custom Invitations: Send out personalized invitations that reflect your style and the theme of the wedding, setting the tone for the day. Thoughtfully designed invitations will let your guests know what they can expect and the overall vibe of the event (formal, laid-back, etc.). These special invitations can also become keepsakes for both you and your guests.
• Guest Favors: Provide small, meaningful favors like homemade treats or personalized keepsakes to show your appreciation for your guests and give them something to remember the day with. These favors can be tailored to your theme or represent something significant about your relationship (i.e. a pat of your love story that’s shared in a speech or signage).
• Photo Display: Create a photo display of your relationship journey to share with guests, adding a personal and nostalgic touch. A visual timeline of your love story can serve as a conversation starter and a reminder of the journey you’ve shared.
• Memory Table: Honor loved ones who couldn’t be present by setting up a memory table with photos and items that make you feel close to them, keeping their spirit alive in your celebration. This gesture acknowledges their importance in your life and offers a moment of reflection for all guests.

Managing the Guest List

One of the challenges of planning a small wedding is managing the guest list. In a way, it’s easier than a big wedding – after all, there are fewer guests invitations to send and track. On the other hand, fewer guests means you have to choose your guests carefully- and you may have to explain to some that they weren’t included on the guest list.

Tips for Creating an Intimate Wedding Guest List

• Start with Family: Include immediate family and close relatives who have been part of your journey, as their presence is often vital to the celebration. However, if you’re not close to some people in your family, you shouldn’t feel pressured to invite anyone who’s going to detract from happiness at your wedding. This can be one of the hardest parts of making a wedding guest list for a small wedding.
• Close Friends: Invite friends who have supported you and your relationship, and those who have shared in your journey and joy. These friendships often represent pivotal moments in your life.
• Be Honest: If someone asks why they weren’t invited, be honest about your desire for a small, intimate celebration. In truth, your wedding is about celebrating the love of you and your partner, and you don’t owe anyone an apology for not inviting them. You can graciously, and with authentic kindness, explain that you chose an intimate wedding with a limited guest list. If they want to feel a certain way about that, all you can do- to quote Mel Robbins- is let them.

Working with a Wedding Planner

Hiring a wedding planner can be helpful, especially if you’re planning a unique or destination wedding. Their expertise can provide support and guidance. Delegating the needed tasks can take a lot off of your plate and ensure your vision comes to life seamlessly.

To be honest, part of the appeal of a small wedding is that there’s not AS much planning involved, so you can really customize and personalize every aspect. Many brides who are choosing an intimate wedding may be less interested in a wedding planner. Especially those on a budget.

With that said, if you have the resources and you want a small ceremony with almost zero stress involved, hiring a wedding planner can be an amazing way to get the exact wedding you want.

Benefits of a Wedding Planner for Small Weddings

• Expertise: Planners have experience and can provide valuable advice and vendor recommendations, ensuring a smooth planning process. Their knowledge and connections can help you find the best options suited to your needs and budget.
• No Stress: Planners handle logistics, which are often the biggest pain point for brides (and grooms) planning a wedding. A planner will handle the to-dos as you focus on being present in the moment, enjoying the day, and spending time with your loved ones.
• Creativity: A planner can help bring your vision to life with creative ideas and solutions. Their expertise in design and coordination can transform your ideas into a cohesive space and event.

Final Thoughts

Planning an intimate wedding day is a super-exciting and special way to celebrate your love with those who matter most. By focusing on meaningful details and personal touches, you can create a memorable occasion that you and your guests will cherish forever. Whether you’re planning a 20-person wedding or a 50-person celebration, the key is to stay true to your vision and enjoy the process of planning the perfect day for you and your love.