What with lockdown and different government restrictions in place at different times, more and more couples are planning a small wedding. And I don’t blame you! So, I thought it apt to write a blog on how to plan a small wedding.
I love the big celebrations don’t get me wrong but what I really love is seeing a couple in love, with a celebration that is as unique as them. Dave McIntosh Photographics is always here to capture weddings big and small!
Whatever the reason for planning a small wedding, there are still many options available to you, so don’t think it’s limiting or a letdown. I’ve photographed hundreds of couples and have a lot of experience supporting couples with planning advice, so here are my top things to consider on how to plan a small wedding.
Small Wedding Now, Big Party Later
If you’ve been dreaming of a bigger crowd of family and friends at your wedding, don’t forget you can have the wedding now and have a bigger party at a later date. You can have a symbolic ceremony at that party even! There are lots of ways to do it.
Use Your Wedding Budget Differently
Just because you’re planning a smaller wedding doesn’t mean you have to cut corners, although of course your overall costs may be considerably lower. In fact, I’ve seen couples spend more on food + drink + cake because they have fewer people to feed!
It Takes a Village
Of course, as I’ve been involved in the wedding world for 10 years now, I have seen just what a difference getting other people involved in your wedding day can make. Whether you’re going all in on the DIY or whether you’re paying professionals to do it, don’t be afraid of adding special details to your day to make it as unique as you. Use your favorite colors in your flowers, get unique cake toppers to represent you, you name it!
Be You with Your Outfits
It’s up to you whether you go formal or informal, whether you go all out with a black tie wedding or converse shoes, but choose outfits you love. There’s no one else to please. It’s your day.
Choose Your Photographer Wisely
Obviously, I am biased, but no matter the size of your wedding, you’ll want to capture the day the best way possible, so choose your wedding photographer wisely. Whether they have photographed at your venue or not, it doesn’t matter, but it does matter that they have a style that you like, they have experience they can show you and that they have great testimonials (link to testimonials) and a price that suits you! Of course, the vital thing is that you get on with them well as because of being a smaller wedding, the photographer will be part of an event with fewer people to hide behind!
Hire a Wedding Coordinator
Even small weddings can be logistically complicated, so I always recommend hiring a wedding coordinator, a professional who will help the day run smoothly. There are many moving parts – the venue, the flowers, the cake, the guests, you as the couple. Plus any rules you need to be aware of. To help everyone have the best time possible, consider this option.
Spending Time with Loved Ones
With fewer guests, you get to choose more time with each of them, something that isn’t possible on a wedding day with 200 guests. The day goes by in a flash, and there’s a lot going on, so spending this time with your small group will be even more special. This also brings up the idea of choosing who you invite wisely as you’ll be spending that much more time with them!
Open a Livestream
With technology – anything is possible! In order to get more people to join in your wedding day, like friends and family who live far away, you could set up a camera in the corner and send them a link to join in the special day. You could go one step further and hire a videographer to do this for you and even get the guests to record special moments and messages.
Choose Your Venue Wisely
No matter what style of venue you choose, whether it’s an outdoor wedding ceremony or country house wedding, a barn wedding or a pub wedding, you need to choose your venue wisely and check that they can cater to a small party, help you decorate the space so the space feels intimate, suitable for your small wedding.
Cut out What Doesn’t Matter
Planning a small wedding shows you what you really don’t want out of your day. I remember a bride who didn’t care for flowers, so she cut them out, and that’s fine! Spend your money on what you want out of the day and enjoy it!
About Dave McIntosh Photographics
My talent helps you remember each moment fondly. This means not only gorgeous photos and video but also a positive experience. When you look at the photos, you recall how you felt. Capturing special moments is more than picking up a camera. Sometimes is it creating a safe space for you to relax and be yourself. Sometimes it is creating a moment. Once you relax and be in the moment, the magic begins. I will guide you to create memories perfectly suited to you based on over 10 years of photographing weddings.