Small, intimate weddings have been trendy since the pandemic hit in 2020. There are lots of reasons why brides today (post pandemic) would choose to have a small wedding. However, just because something is trendy does not necessarily mean it works for you. As you decide on the size of your wedding, big, small, or somewhere in between, make sure that it is best for you and your groom!
Here are a few things to consider when deciding to have an intimate wedding:
Pros for an intimate wedding:
A smaller guest list means you can spend more time with each of your guests individually on your day. We hear brides with larger weddings say “I barely even knew who was at my wedding.” Your big day goes by fast, and can be a blur if you are not consciously trying to soak up every second. Having a smaller guest count at your wedding makes it easier for you to spend quality time with each of your invited guests.
The above pro also makes it easier for you to spend more time with your new husband, during your wedding, without as many distractions.
An intimate setting can make your wedding feel more personal. When there are less bodies at your wedding, it leaves room for more emotions and feelings. You will likely be more open to sharing personal details of you and your groom with the group.
You can save money by having a smaller guest list. Most of the time the biggest wedding expenses, like the dinner, drinks, dessert, favors, and name cards, are pay per person. Having a shorter guest list shrinks the cost of these wedding day expenses.
The planning process for a smaller wedding can be less stressful - for some. If you come from a small family, went to a small school, have a small group of friends, you are likely your most comfortable in a smaller setting. This could be true for your wedding day too! Keeping it small could help you relax before and during the wedding.
Cons of an intimate wedding:
You may have to limit your guest list to close family and friends, which could cause hurt feelings. There is no good way to not invite someone to your wedding. No matter what size wedding you decide on, someone will eventually not make the list. This just happens sooner and with more people at an intimate wedding.
Your wedding may not be as “grand” as you imagined. Growing up you likely pictured your wedding day as a big celebration. If your heart is set on this idea, an intimate wedding will not fill the feel of a grand party.
Of course while you will not compromise anything with photos of you and your spouse, bridal photos may not look quite like you had pictured. If you are having an intimate wedding, likely your bridal party will consist of just a few people at max. With fewer people, this opens the opportunity for more photos, but just not as “full” looking.
You may forgo some of the traditional wedding activities, like a dance floor or bouquet toss. If you choose to only invite family, think about who will be there. Will that group want to dance all night? Are there any unmarried ladies in that group? With an intimate wedding, you may need to think through the practicality of traditional events.
Because of the above con, the reception could feel more like a dinner party than a wedding celebration.
All the above pros, and all the above cons, may or may not feel like pros or cons to you. This is all dependent on what you and your groom really want for your wedding day. As you decide on and plan for the size of your wedding, pick a guest count that makes you and your groom the happiest.
Our venue space can accommodate both big and small weddings. Visit our Intimate Ceremony Package page for more details!