The idea of having a small, intimate wedding has become more popular over recent years for a number of reasons. This could be due to the infamous C-word… Or it could be due to couples choosing to truly personalise and celebrate their special day with just immediate close friends, family and loved ones. But what is an intimate wedding? Is it just a small wedding? Is it a budget friendly option? Is it just the easy way to ‘get it done’?
As much as we love being people-pleasers, I think 2024 is the year that we should banish that and do our weddings and our own celebrations EXACTLY the way we want them!
Examples of how to make it wow!
One question we often get asked is how can we make a wedding that is so intimate have the same WOW factor as a wedding with 200 guests? Some of these are ideas from couples who have had weddings with us or ideas that I think would make a great talking point to an intimate wedding.
Having the whole wedding party involved!
Embrace guests hidden talents, if your brother, sister, best friend or grandparent is skilled and talented in any way – use them! (Unless it was learning to play the recorder 50 years ago and they’ve never picked it up again… But then, if that’s your thing, you go for it!) Guest involvement is an all-round crowd pleaser, everyone loves being able to help you on your special day.
One couple had their father as their celebrant. Firstly, the father was superb, the right balance of professional and traditional but with the added spice of making it light and personal to the whole family. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much laughter, as well as (happy) tears in one ceremony. Pure perfection!
Another couple wanted their children to get involved. Having both young toddlers and teenagers can always be a challenge at any wedding, but surrounded with family and close friends, they will shine brighter than you ever could imagine (but not as bright as you on your wedding day – don’t worry!)
If you are graced with guests who have the gift of angelic voices, musical talents or fun magical tricks, they can always be involved by creating some entertainment for the group.
Skip the traditional speeches…
Speeches are like marmite – you either love them or hate them. It’s the part of the day which is often discussed between couples when deciding on an intimate wedding. If having your dad or best man embarrass you in front of your nearest and dearest is your thing, then please carry on. But for the other half of us who would rather not have our dirty laundry aired for all to see and hear, perhaps consider a less traditional approach.
One couple decided to address their guests personally. Standing and addressing each and every individual around them, personally expressing their words of gratitude. Such a powerful moment in the day, almost impossible to do with a larger wedding.
What I am trying to get at is don’t limit your options of an intimate wedding to ‘small’ and ‘easy’ and ‘boring’. This day is about you. Create a day that is supportive, heartfelt, all-embracing and guaranteed to be one of the best days to start your lives as a couple together. Memories are there for a lifetime, lets create incredible ones.
Love Ruth x
