Ideas for Small Weddings

small Weddings and small unique weddings

If you had begun looking for small intimate wedding ideas three or four years ago the information available would not have answered very many of your questions. The appeal and flexibility of smaller affairs, however, has carved out popular a new wedding trend.  For a variety of reasons that range from a desire for an intimate and romantic experience to budget constraints, more and more brides are choosing smaller venues and inviting fewer guests.  Recent economic events have put serious financial strains on American families and caused couples to put off or forego a wedding althogether.  Don't give up--there are still great ways to pursue your dream. This website has grown out of my experience planning for my own wedding in January 2006.  

Small Wedding Planning

When I began looking for venues, dresses, etc. I felt like a second-class citizen.  I had a budget of about $3000 and planned to invite 30 guests.  Many wedding retailers want you to spend a LOT of money and they prefer brides who plan to invite upwards of 100 guests and spend tens of thousands of dollars. The average wedding in the United States now costs approximately $30,000 (2006 statistics).  If you have $30,000+ lying around and want to spend it on your wedding by all means do so, but when I hear $30K I think down payment on a house, college fund, 401K, etc.  I was determined to plan an event that I, my husband, our closest friends and immediate family could truly enjoy without tapping out all of our financial resources.  With some research and creativity I managed to put together an ceremony and reception that are still bringing me compliments two years later.  The most striking thing about my wedding pictures is how HAPPY everyone looks eating, drinking, and having a good time.

When numbers are small you can take the time to do special things for your guests and yourself.  Consider arranging your own flowers and taking advantage of your garden. 

 Budget issues aside, there are other significant reasons for planning a small wedding.  If money is not a problem smaller weddings will give you an opportunity to spend lavishly on a few guests rather than conservatively on many.  Smaller venues and fewer guests create a more intimate and romantic setting.  A short guest list means that you and your new spouse can spend time actually talking to the people who have come to help you celebrate one of the most important days of your life. Weddings may be many things but they are first and foremost celebrations. Inviting the friends and family who are closest you can be much more meaningful and MEMORABLE than the pageantry of a large wedding.  I am sad when I hear women say that the day passed in a blurr that they can barely remember.   

Suggested Settings for Small Weddings

One of the first steps in planning a small wedding is determining the guest list.  Who do you include?  Both of you should come up with a list.  Start with your immediate family and closest friends.  Then set a limit and begin adding to or narrowing down the list.  When you have a number and a budget in mind start compiling a list of venues from interent searches, local magazines, and suggestions from friends and family.  You'll probably want to skip the local fire hall, but Inns and Bed & Breakfasts can create wonderful settings.  Consider your own home and the homes of family members.  Local restaurants that could not accommodate a large reception may be perfectly willing to work with you for a smaller group.  Museums, historic houses, and botanical gardens are often available for a reasonable fee.  Many resorts and hotels offer special packages.  If you are considering a destination wedding do your homework.  Ask questions, get the details of your package in writing, and check the venue's reputation thoroughly.  Requesting references from any venue is perfectly appropriate.  The site may also have photo albums of past weddings.  If your first impression of the staff or the place is anything less than dazzling--save yourself some stress and move on to another option.

Choosing to have a small intimate wedding can actually open up more possibilities rather than limit them. 

If you are planning a wedding in the DC, Baltimore, Delaware area I highly recommend the Vandiver Inn  in Havre de Grace, MD.  This historical inn is beautiful inside and out.  The owners and staff are experienced professionals.  The logistics of your ceremony and reception will be seamless. I get nothing from this recommendation but a warm fuzzy feeling.