Weddings are a lot of fun, but we often make the mistake of making such memorable events way too large for comfort. With hundreds of guests on the list, you’ll probably go into debt and not have as much fun as you’d like. This is one of the reasons why more couples are now looking for ways to have a small intimate reception at home.
If you’re one of them, you’re in the right place! Here are some ideas to make this small wedding a delight:
1. Shortening the Guest List
The first step in holding a small wedding is to cut down your guest list as much as possible. We’re talking about holding the ceremony and reception in a home, so there certainly isn’t much room to spare. A mansion may defeat the point, so we won’t consider that option.
It can be hard to make your guest list shorter, as many people would want to be a part of the festivities. Still, you need to be firm in this regard. Those who matter the most get invited, while others would simply have to do with a wedding announcement. You can send them a wedding favor afterward.
2. Listing Down The Requirements
Even small home weddings need a lot of stuff. Make lists of what you need in your setup. This includes food, catering, rentals, and décor. There might be other basics, so jot them down as you remember them. Consult a personal stylist to get their opinion on the available beautiful bridal and bridesmaid dresses at https://www.azazie.com/.
When the event is small, the service should be impeccable. Even small mistakes are prone to seem large here, so it’s worthwhile to spend a little extra to ensure that everything is according to your needs.
3. Paring It Down
Since it will be a small gathering, you might be able to skip some of the traditional customs. If you and your spouse-to-be don’t like dancing, you can probably get away with eliminating the first dance at a home wedding.
Other extras that you can easily cut out include a photo booth, printed programs, or even formal invitations. Instead, consider handwritten letters for your special guests; this will be a much more meaningful gesture.
4. Spending Wisely
Though you might have some extra funds to host your big day, you should know where to splurge. For instance, if you and your partner want to place special emphasis on the photos, you can invest in a professional photographer for the wedding.
If you’re a foodie, you should think about spending more on the menu as well. There will be fewer people, so you just might be able to afford that dream seven-course meal. Make sure to inform everyone so they come with healthy appetites!
5. Designing the Details
A smaller space and fewer people mean that you can insist upon details in the ambiance. You can go for hand-embroidered napkins, vintage cutlery, and fine china dishes. At the same time, you can ensure that every guest has plenty of elbow space and can access the food easily.
6. Making Everyone Count
A small wedding means that everyone is a large part of the festivities. Make sure that everyone is enjoying themselves and not feeling left out. Even if you can’t get everyone to make a toast, you can set it up so that everyone is eating in a U-shaped setting. This will make it feel like one big family dinner.
The Takeaway
When you’re holding a smaller wedding than usual, you’ll find yourself having a lot more leeway in terms of the budget, décor, and settings. Make the most of all these and enjoy your wedding reception without guilt!
