Big weddings are not limited to the flashy, over-the-top ceremonies that you see on TV. Although some people prefer a simple wedding without hundreds of guests surrounding them as they say “I do,” others want a more intimate ceremony with just their closest family and friends present. Aside from convenience issues, smaller weddings are becoming more popular as the COVID-19 epidemic has encouraged social isolation. Here are some great ideas on pulling off the perfect small-scale wedding ceremonies.
Who to invite
When you’re creating your guest list, keep in mind that although having lots of people there, you might want to avoid inviting more than you actually know. By having more people there, it can seem impersonal and forced. If you’re not sure how many people to invite, ask yourself who makes the most important day of your life perfect for you, and then go from there. Quality over quantity is very important for small weddings.
Where to have the ceremony
It doesn’t matter if it’s inside or outside; each has its own charm and advantages. Some people prefer having their wedding indoors because of fear of rain or sunny weather (but if that’s what you like then go for it). Another advantage is the fact that many wedding venues have a built-in sound system and an area dedicated as a dance floor! Outdoor ceremonies tend to be a little bit cheaper per person because you don’t have to use as many decorations, flowers, and such.
Wherever you choose to have the wedding, whatever the weather may be, just remember that what really matters is having your friends and family surrounding you on the most important day of your life.
What to wear
If you’re having a small and intimate wedding, you don’t have to spend thousands on wedding dresses and suits. Just make sure that your dress or suit is comfortable enough, as long as you’re happy wearing it. Most friends and family won’t really care what you’re wearing if they see how happy you are on your wedding day.
Micro weddings (50 Guests)
A micro wedding is a simplified version of a traditional wedding that maintains certain aspects of the original ceremony. A micro wedding includes everything from a ceremony to a cocktail hour and reception, although the latter should only accommodate around 50 people.
Micro weddings are slowly becoming the more preferred wedding ceremony of the century. The point of a micro wedding is to have all that you need in one location, making everything easier and less stressful for the couple getting married.
Wherever you choose to have your ceremony, make sure it’s somewhere special for both of you, not just one of you. It will be more beneficial if this place holds some significance for both of you as a couple — after all, this is where your new lives are going to start together!
Consider a Minimony (15 Guests)
a Minimony is a small gathering of closest family and friends and consists of up to 15 people, a marriage officer, and a photographer. This is one of the most intimate and easiest weddings to plan. Besides the obvious advantage of having a small wedding, these types of ceremonies are perfect for small families.
Possible locations for a wedding this small could be a garden, backyard, local upscale boutique hotel or restaurant, a park bench overlooking the beach, an art gallery, etc. Don’t forget that you can always have your wedding somewhere that holds significant meaning for just the two of you instead of only one person!
No matter what type of location you choose for your minimony wedding, if you are looking for venues other than churches try calling up local historical sites or upscale hotels — they usually cater small weddings (and sometimes free of charge!).
Plan for a sequel wedding
if you prefer an intimate ceremony, a sequel wedding is a larger celebration that occurs after a minimony or an elopement. Sequel weddings can be scheduled some time after the initial ceremony, which gives you and your partner more than enough time to plan something special.
Sequel weddings provide the best of both worlds as it provides a chance to celebrate with loved ones while still preserving the atmosphere of your private ceremony. You can have an intimate ceremony and then have a party with all your family and friends. It can be as long or as short as you want it to be, so plan it how it’s best suited for you!
Elopement
If you think your wedding should be about you, your spouse, and the commitment you’re making to one another, an elopement may be a wonderful alternative.
All you’ll need is a marriage officer, a justice of the peace, and the required documents. For a small fee, you can have a private ceremony in most courthouses, city halls, or parks. This is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get married. You can choose to have a small reception afterward or even just book a lunch with family and friends after the ceremony.
Conclusion
While the amount of people at your wedding isn’t important and should never be a source of stress, it is still nice to know that you can have a quiet ceremony with just close family and friends. If you feel like having an intimate wedding filled with love and laughter, do not let anyone tell you otherwise. It’s all about how you want it to be!
In today’s world, there are several reasons why a small-scale marriage ceremony may be beneficial. Traveling is difficult since the COVID-19 epidemic, and our health is more essential than ever before.
The virus also serves as a reminder that time is precious and that love should be cherished. When you can create magic during these gloomy times, you don’t have to postpone your wedding day.