Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming with so many decisions to make. Should it be a large or small celebration? Will your dream venue accommodate all your guests? Should you opt for an outdoor wedding? Or maybe eloping is the way to go! With countless questions swirling around, this article aims to help answer some of them, particularly those about small, intimate weddings. After all, that’s likely why you clicked here!
While large weddings are often the go-to, there are plenty of reasons why smaller, more intimate weddings can be the perfect option. Whether it’s creating a closer connection with your guests or reducing stress, smaller weddings offer a unique and memorable experience.
Guest Count
One of the first factors to consider when planning a small wedding is the guest count. Limiting the number of attendees can make a big difference in your wedding experience. Not only does it save you money, but it also allows you to invite only the people you genuinely want to celebrate with. Smaller weddings give you the opportunity to have more meaningful interactions with each guest, ensuring you can spend quality time with everyone.
At a large wedding with 200 or more guests, it’s nearly impossible to have deep, personal conversations with each attendee. If you aim for around 60 guests or fewer, you create an intimate environment where you’re able to enjoy every moment without feeling pulled in multiple directions.
Venue Options
Another advantage of hosting a small wedding is the wider range of venue options available to you. Larger weddings can be limiting when it comes to venue choices, as you’ll need a space that can accommodate a large group, which often comes with higher costs. With a smaller guest list, you can explore more unique and intimate venues that might not work for a larger event.
For example, consider looking into renting an Airbnb. Many allow private events (with permission), giving you the opportunity to celebrate and stay in the same location without having to worry about transportation or hotel bookings. This option works especially well if you pair it with a local food truck for catering, offering a more relaxed, personalized experience.
Smaller weddings also lend themselves well to outdoor settings. National and state parks often permit small gatherings with minimal fees, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature while hosting an outdoor picnic, barbecue, or taco station. Additionally, campground weddings are a great way to stretch out the celebration over a weekend, offering you the chance to host multiple receptions in different locations if your loved ones are scattered around the country.
Environmental Impact and Flexibility
Smaller weddings are not only more intimate, but they can also be more eco-friendly. Large weddings often generate a significant amount of waste—whether it’s food waste, single-use decorations, or excessive packaging. By keeping your guest list smaller, you reduce the overall waste produced, which benefits both the environment and your budget.
If even a small wedding feels too overwhelming, you might want to consider the option of eloping. Elopements allow for an even more intimate experience, focusing entirely on you and your partner without the pressure of planning a big event. Ultimately, your wedding should reflect your vision and preferences, not what others expect from you.
