Small Weddings Ideas: Hosting a Small Wedding (Venues, Costs)

So, what is a small wedding?

Before you start wondering how to host a small wedding, you’ll want to think about what it actually means to you to have one. Like we said, when you think of small weddings, most people automatically think of a small group or a limited guest list, but there’s a lot more that goes into it than that. Think about the type of venue you might have chosen for a guest list of 150 versus the place you might host a 20-something person event in. Think about how your food, menus, invitations and music might change with a more intimate big-day. (Yes! It’s still your ‘big’ day, by the way.) Your venue will probably be suited for a smaller number of people, you might want to dine family style instead of having individual meals, you may opt for personalised menus and invites, and many of our brides opt for a live band instead of a DJ, which switches the focus from dancing to entertainment. A lot of thought goes into hosting an intimate wedding other than just the guest list.

How does a small wedding differ from a traditional wedding?

We have good news for you — different means good! Your small wedding gives you an opportunity to have things be so exactly right and perfect, in ways you might not have been able to do with five times the number of people. While we understand how hard it can be to cut down on some important guests, hosting an intimate day will allow you to splurge on what truly matters to you. So, how will your new wedding ideas differ? Well, you might be looking at a more casual venue to help things feel more relaxed, flowing and fun. You might also do away with certain traditions with a smaller guest count — throwing your bouquet for example. Then again, if you’ve got your heart set on those traditions, then come up with ways to make them work for you!

One of the great differences you might find is within your budgeting; you’ll now have more to spend on what you love and what personally feels important to you.

What are some reasons to have a small wedding?

Aside from the positives we’ve just outlined, there are so many reasons to opt for a small wedding regardless of the times we’re in. Your best group of people surrounding you is only the beginning of why people are choosing to go small. Your day will also feel less pressured and more relaxed. Don’t worry, it can still be the gorgeous, stunning affair you want it to be, but without the pressing spotlight of so many people and so many little details. Overall, you’ll feel more care-free and at ease throughout the whole process with an intimate wedding. Especially in the times we’re in now, something to think about is giving yourself the best odds to have your wedding go off when it’s supposed to. The likelihood of your smaller day being able to go ahead is so much greater than if you plan something huge and hope for the best. Don’t stress wondering about how to keep a wedding small, focus on the silver linings about what having a small wedding means, the rest will come naturally.

Why are small weddings getting more popular?

It’s not only because of the pandemic that people are choosing to go small for their big day, plenty of brides were choosing this route for their wedding before this year as well. Intimate weddings have been growing in popularity over the years because of the ease of planning, the relaxed feeling on your day, and the ability to splurge on either a few select things for your wedding day, a honeymoon for after, or something else — like buying your first house — after your wedding is over. Not to mention the beauty of having only your nearest and dearest there; your friends and family will surely love your more personalised, relaxed vibe on the day. There are also an overwhelming amount of gorgeous small wedding venues that will make your day jaw-droppingly beautiful.

So, what would we recommend for your planning?

The Venue:

Start thinking about intimate venue ideas and what suits you best as a couple. Research in the location you’re looking for some small wedding ceremony locations or small civil wedding venues. For your reception, maybe you want to host your day in a private room at a gorgeous restaurant, or on the rooftop of a hotel. Many of our brides are opting for one of their family member’s yards to throw a stunning tented party or utilising a small section of a gorgeous, large venue, such as the grounds of an estate or a library.

DIY What You Can:

With cost reduction in mind, DIYing your paper goods (like menus and invites), favours or creating personalised welcome boxes for your guests is a fun thing to do (maybe with your MOH) that having a larger wedding usually limits. It’s a lot more difficult to make 200 place cards, but a whole lot easier to make 20. The ability to make your day feel more personal is one of the beautiful upsides of a smaller wedding. 

Hire A Coordinator:

If you’re worried about the flow of your wedding with a more intimate guest list, and if it’s on your must-have list, you might want to look into how much a wedding planner for a small wedding is to help along the way. They will help your intimate day flow seamlessly and go off without a hitch.

Plan Activities:

If your wedding is taking place in a backyard or Airbnb, this lends itself beautifully to planning fun games and activities for your guests. Giant Jenga is always a great option!

Feeling ready to start your planning? We can’t wait to see you when you’re ready for one of the most fun parts of wedding planning — choosing your gown! Book in an appointment with us for a personalised styling session so you can try on all your KWH favourites.

Planning for a small wedding during COVID and want more of the best small wedding ideas? Check out our other blog posts here about COVID wedding planning and here about small wedding formats!