Planning a wedding is already stressful, there are so many things to think about and arrange for. One way you can simplify things without detracting from your special day is to plan a small, intimate wedding. An intimate wedding is one which usually has fewer than 75 guests. There are lots of good reasons for having an intimate wedding, not only will it decrease the final cost, it is also a great way to create a unique experience for a select few family and friends.
Weddings can be very expensive, but they don’t have to be. Why not save your money for your future together instead of spending a huge chunk on just one day. If you want to save some money so that you can spend a little more on your wedding rings, honeymoon or your new home, consider buying a pre-owned wedding dress. These dresses are in excellent condition and have either been worn only once or owned but never worn. If you want to find out more, visit PreOwnedWeddingDresses. Here are some more insights for planning a small, intimate wedding without sacrificing quality, style and fun.
Set Yourself a Budget
Whether your budget is $1,000 or $10,000, the first thing you must do is set a limit and stick to it. Once you have your budget, it’s time to draw up a guest list. If you both have big families and lots of friends it can be tricky to pare them down, but remember you have to plan for food and drinks and each guest will need a place to sit.
Write your Own Vows
One way to keep your wedding intimate and unique is to write your own wedding vows. Don’t feel intimidated by the idea. You don’t have to be a best-selling novelist to pull this off, just write from your heart, and sum up what this union means you to and your partner. This is a great way to truly personalize your wedding day.
Pick an Intimate Venue
When it comes to picking an intimate venue, you have lots of options. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
A rustic barn: You can plan a beautiful country-style wedding in a rustic barn and you’ll have plenty of room for seating guests and dancing.
A local restaurant: Why not get married in your favorite dining venue. You’ll have all the seating your need and the catering is right there.
Your local church hall: Many churches have a separate hall that can be rented for a wedding reception, and they often supply tables and chairs without an extra charge, just jazz them up with some chair covers from wedding linen direct.
A bed and breakfast: Small inns or bed and breakfast venues can be very intimate and appealing. Many have historic settings and landscaped gardens. They can also provide rooms for your guests.
Your own back yard: This is a great way to have an intimate wedding and reception if you have a low budget. Make sure you plan for the right weather.
Adding Style to an Intimate Wedding
Just because you’re having a small wedding, doesn’t mean you have to forego the style. Here are some inspirational ideas to help you make your wedding look wonderful even on a low budget.
- Intimate invitations: Get creative and make your own invitations. You can create your own unique design and then print them at home.
- Flower power: Instead of a bouquet of flowers for the bride, give the guests a flower each and have them hand it to the bride as she walks down the aisle.
- One-sitting wedding: Use the same venue for both the wedding and the reception. You can set the wedding area in the center and have the guests sitting around the sides. They can remain seated throughout the wedding and the reception.
- A cocktail hour: Instead of a sit-down dinner, provide a cocktail hour with a buffet of finger foods. Keep the drinks simple by just providing wine for the meal and champagne for the toast.
- Make some memories: Get a talented friend to take you wedding photographs and make a video of the ceremony, so you’ll always remember your special day.
- Share stories: After the wedding ask your guests to tell stories about how they met their partners. This is a great way to make everyone feel that they have participated in some way.
Don’t forget, this special day is all about you and your partner and the celebration of your life together, so you can do it any way you choose. The important thing is that you both enjoy it.
Ava Webster works as a wedding planner, a job she absolutely adores! She shares her knowledge and top tips with brides-to-be around the internet.
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