Embrace the charm of small and intimate weddings, a trend that continues to enchant couples in 2024 and beyond. It's not just the budget-friendliness that captivates; it's the profound connection you forge with each guest. These cozy gatherings are becoming the choice du jour for modern couples seeking quality interactions and a laid-back ambiance. Inject your small wedding with unique flair and personalized touches.
2024 year is all about personalization and intimacy! But remember, ‘small' is no synonym for ‘mundane'.
From selecting the perfection like country wedding dress to choosing jewelry that complements your wedding theme without overpowering it. Every detail contributes to your unforgettable day. Think delicate pearl necklaces for a classic look or minimalist gold bands for a contemporary vibe. This guide is your gateway to creating a small wedding that's big on style and memories without breaking your budget. Get ready to be inspired and craft a celebration that mirrors your vision and love story, making every moment shine.
What is a small wedding?
A small wedding typically involves a guest list of fewer than 50 people, offering a stark contrast to the average 100-guest event.
How do I choose jewelry for a Small Wedding Ceremony?
For your small wedding ceremony, the key to selecting jewelry is to focus on pieces that complement your style without overpowering it. Delicate necklaces, minimalist earrings, and elegant bracelets are perfect. Consider timeless pieces like pearls or diamonds for a classic look, or sleek, contemporary designs for a modern vibe. The goal is to enhance your bridal attire while keeping the overall look harmonious and understated.
What are popular themes for Small Weddings in 2024?
Small weddings in 2024 are embracing themes that highlight intimacy and personalization. Popular themes include ‘Rustic Elegance', where natural elements blend with chic decor, and ‘Vintage Glamour', which combines retro aesthetics with modern sophistication. These themes allow for a highly personalized touch, making each wedding uniquely memorable.
Small Wedding Ceremony on a Budget
Small weddings, big memories — this is the mantra of many modern couples who are choosing intimate ceremonies over grandiose celebrations. In 2024, the trend towards smaller, more personal weddings is more prominent than ever. If you're dreaming of an intimate wedding that's both budget-friendly and deeply meaningful, embracing a small ceremony is a beautiful choice.
Small wedding creates an atmosphere of closeness and exclusivity, allowing you to share your special day with those who truly matter. Remember, the size of your wedding doesn't dictate its significance – even the smallest weddings can leave a lasting impression.
Imagine a cozy venue brimming with personal touches, from bespoke jewelry that echoes your style to a bridal gown that speaks volumes about your personality. Each element of your day can be tailored to reflect your unique love story. Embrace the freedom to experiment with unconventional themes, vibrant color schemes, or even a casual dress code that resonates with your personal taste.
Crafting a small wedding guest list can be a delicate task. While you might start with 50, remember to account for potential plus-ones. It's not uncommon for a list of 50 to gently grow to 60 or 70. The key is balance-prioritizing those who play a significant role in your life while keeping your vision for an intimate gathering intact.
🦋FREE Wedding Planning eBook!
Hundreds of money-saving ideas from wedding experts.
Packed with useful planning ideas and tips, a finance tracker and free checklists.
By downloading, you accept our Downloading Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
What's considered a small wedding on a budget?
A small wedding on a budget typically refers to a more intimate and cost-effective celebration, often characterized by a limited guest list and thoughtful allocation of resources. Here's a breakdown:
- Guest Count: Generally, a small wedding consists of around 50 or fewer guests. This limited number creates an intimate atmosphere and allows for more meaningful interactions with each attendee.
- Venue Selection: Opt for smaller, less traditional venues like a family backyard, local park, or a quaint community hall. These choices often come with lower rental costs compared to larger, more commercial venues.
- Simplified Decor: Embrace minimalist decor that emphasizes quality over quantity. Use natural beauty or existing venue aesthetics to your advantage, reducing the need for extensive decorations.
- Catering Choices: Consider a simple yet elegant menu, possibly from a local caterer or even a family-style meal. Smaller guest numbers make it easier to provide quality food on a budget.
- DIY Elements: Engaging in DIY projects for invitations, decorations, or even the wedding cake can add a personal touch while cutting costs.
- Attire and Jewelry: For bridal attire and jewelry, focus on elegance and simplicity. Classic styles or heirloom pieces can be both budget-friendly and timelessly beautiful.
Remember, a small wedding on a budget is all about prioritizing what truly matters to you as a couple, creating a special day that reflects your love and personal style without overspending.
1. A Non-traditional Venue Is a Good Choice
You can be more imaginative with your venue because you don't have to accommodate hundreds of people under one roof. A coffee shop or library can be a good place to tie the knot if that's where you and your fiancé first met. This will enhance the sentimental value of your special day.
2. Get Married At City Hall
You can save money by getting married in City Hall instead of a traditional wedding venue. When choosing your day, be sure to check the maximum number of guests so you can decide who to invite, including your photographer!
Recomended: read our guide on how to save money on wedding invitations!
A City Hall wedding is also advantageous because you can celebrate in whatever way you choose! To commemorate the occasion, a small dinner for close friends and family or a larger party can be planned.
3. Destination Wedding at the Location of Your Choice
A destination wedding can be costly, particularly if you intend to travel out and host a large number of peoples. However, a destination wedding is a fantastic way to keep your wedding small. Because many guests will be unable to travel to a wedding that is far away, destination weddings tend to be smaller in size. Perhaps you and your significant other have a dream vacation destination in mind. If this is the case, now is the time to check it off your to-do lists. Plus, your honeymoon won't require you to travel far.
4. Small Wedding Reception In A Backyard
The backyard wedding arch is a great location because you save time and cost on traveling. Not to mention the cost of venue! When planning your small wedding, consider having the ceremony at your own home or the home of a close family member.
It's easy to honor the love between you and your partner in the privacy of your own backyard with a wedding. If you're going for a rustic look, be sure to use lots of greenery and wildflowers, as well as string lights. If you're having a small gathering, consider renting a long table and a few couches to create a creative hangout area for your guests. Another great idea is to play activities like corn hole or badminton in the backyard! Take a look at some of our favorite Pinterest rustic ideas! Wood pallets can even be used to create a dance floor on your lawn.
5. Consider tying the knot on a boat
Consider getting married on a small yacht or a boat for a more seafaring atmosphere. The skyline of the city might be a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos. Jet ski exits are a great way to end your wedding reception, and your guests may join in the fun.
6. Get Married in the Family House
One of our favorite and cheap options for a small wedding is an in-home ceremony. Consider getting married in a family house if you want to get married at home but prefer to keep it inside because of the weather or your own preferences. Any family member or family friend who is willing to host could be the home of the happy couples, their parents, or another kind of family member or family friend.
7. Employ A Food Truck Rather Than A Caterer
However, food trucks may not be suitable for large weddings because they lack the capacity to accommodate large numbers of guests. When it comes to food, what are your visitors going to rave about? Maybe it's a truck your partner and you used to see all the time back in college? It's even better now! You can even collaborate with the food truck owner to develop a customized menu for the night, or even a late-night snack if you so desire. Instead of a food truck, consider an ice cream cart or even a mobile bar reception where your guests may mix their own cocktails.
8. Consider A Potluck Meal
Consider having a potluck lunch for the reception if you're planning to invite a small number of relatives and friends who are excellent cooks. Request that each visitor bring their signature dish. This is a wonderful way for guests at your small wedding to get to know one another and perhaps even trade recipes.
9. Consider A Small Brunch Wedding
If you’re planning a small wedding with a limited guest list, brunch is a fantastic option to consider. It’s a great way to add a personalized touch to your wedding and show how much you care about each other. You can serve delicious Belgian waffles, fresh fruit, muffins and mimosas to your family and friends. Not only is it a fun and tasty meal but it’s also a best way to set your wedding apart from others. Everyone loves brunch cuisine so why not make it a special part of your wedding day?
See also: Delicious Wedding Dessert Table Display Ideas
10. Make A Playlist Or Engage A Few Musicians
It's easy to play the music that all of your guests will enjoy for smaller events. Hire some local talent or create a playlist of your favorite country wedding songs as a couple to play during the reception. So that everyone may dance the night away to their favorite song, including a message in your RSVPs asking for music recommendations. Wherever your wedding is located, make sure there is a space for guests to dance.
11. A Small Chapel Wedding
A chapel wedding is a great choice for a small wedding! Unless you want a religious ceremony, chapels tend to be smaller and non-denominational than other types of religious buildings.
12. Go On A Camping Trip!
How much time do you and your partner like to spend in nature? You and a few close pals can get married in the woods while camping with a few family members and friends. Instead of simple wedding cakes, serve s'mores to your guests at a nearby campsite. There are usually park shelters available for rent in campgrounds. You can go hiking or to the beach the next day and remember the funniest moments from the wedding. If your guests don't want to camp, look for a campsite that has a nearby hotel.
13. Consider Out-Of-The-Box Innovative Places
Having a smaller wedding gives you more alternatives when it comes to the venue. Don't be afraid to think outside the box if you've got a smaller group. You don't have to hold your wedding at a traditional location, so choose any location that you like and can accommodate your guests!
14. Remember To Take A Group Photo
Although taking group photos at a large wedding may seem unfeasible, if your guest list is less than 100, a photographer can easily accommodate all of your guests. A heart-shaped snapshot of you and your guests standing together outside of the venue is a great way to remember the occasion.
Recommended: Read our guide on wedding photo booth backdrop ideas
15. Family Style Dinner
If you have a small wedding, you can have a family-style dinner no matter where it is held! You might want to pull out a long but minimalist wedding table so everyone can sit together, whether you're all having one big lunch or each person is getting their own dish.
See also: Trending Wedding Dessert Bar Ideas
16. Splurge on Special Elements
When you have a small wedding, you have more money to spend on the things that are truly important to you as a couple. Make a list of the things that are most important to you and your partner, whether it's the flowers, the food, or the location.
17. Large Reception, Small Ceremony
A small wedding ceremony and a lavish reception are possible if you want them. Having a small ceremony and a large reception are popular choices for many couples.
18. Add Personal Touch To Invitation
A personal phone call to each member of your immediate family and close friends will go a long way toward showing them how much you value their company on such an important day as your wedding. You may add a personal touch to your creative wedding invitations by giving guests personalized champagne flutes as a save-the-date.
19. Have A Wedding In The Woods
Create an aisle by stringing lights between the trees, setting up a few chairs for guests, and scattering flower petals on the ground. This is an easy way to mark a special occasion with the people you care about most.
20. Reduce The Size Of The Wedding Party
Having a small wedding party or no bridal party at all is a great way to save money and keep everyone on the same page. All of your guests will be treated as VIPs if your guest list is limited enough. Without a formal bridal party and groom's party, you can save money on your wedding by reducing the number of people in your wedding party.
Small Wedding Reception Ideas
With all the wedding ceremony details in place and the wedding ceremony script in the works, it’s now time to focus on the wedding reception ideas. Unique wedding ideas are abundant and finding inspiration will be easy and fun. Whether it is an outdoor intimate wedding or inside setting, wedding party ideas can provide special moments for you and your guests.
Wedding Details
Small weddings don’t mean sacrificing the details that make your big day special. In fact, a countryside setting offers the perfect backdrop for intimate celebrations. Create a cozy atmosphere with DIY rustic wooden arch décor and make sure to include a dance floor for you and your loved ones to create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re dancing under the stars or surrounded by twinkling lights, your wedding details will make your small wedding just as memorable as any grand affair.
Final Thoughts
Having a small weddings on a budget can be a perfect choice for couples who are looking to celebrate their love in a unique and intimate way. Whether you opt for a simple ceremony in your backyard, a romantic beach wedding, a cozy winter wonderland theme, a traditional church celebration or a charming fall inspired event, the possibilities are endless. The key to a successful small wedding is to invite the people who matter most to you, break away from tradition, keep things simple and make the day personal and unique to you as a couple. With these small wedding ideas, you have the freedom to create a celebration that is completely your own, while saving money and enjoying a memorable and special day with your loved ones.
