Planning the biggest day of your life can be exhausting, especially if you want to control every last detail. That is one reason more and more couples are choosing an intimate wedding, also called a micro wedding: a celebration with only your closest family and friends, usually fewer than 30 to 50 guests.
A smaller wedding still needs careful planning. Here are our tips for organising the intimate wedding of your dreams, and how a wedding planner can take the stress off your shoulders.
Our tips for planning a small wedding
An intimate ceremony lets you celebrate surrounded by the people who matter most. To get it right, think about these points.
1. Set your budget
Start by reviewing your budget to decide which suppliers to book and what to include. Even if a small wedding costs less overall, estimate each expense carefully.
2. Keep the guest list short
A micro wedding means a limited number of guests, so choose carefully. Invite close family and the friends you can't imagine the day without. Fewer guests also frees up budget, perhaps for a dream honeymoon!
3. Choose the right venue
Pick a venue that suits your guest count: a calm, comfortable place that matches your theme and the atmosphere you want. A private dining room, a country house, a restaurant or a garden can feel far cosier than a large hall that looks half empty.
4. Take care of the details
At an intimate wedding, every detail gets noticed. Take time to refine each one, or ask for help. If you hire a wedding planner, they will handle them with you.
5. Make the food an experience
With fewer guests, you can treat everyone to a more refined menu: a tasting menu, a chef's table or a long sharing table. A planner's contacts can help you find an excellent caterer at a fair price, for a more exclusive and convivial dining experience.
6. Get your guests involved
You'll be surrounded only by people you love, so let them take part. Ask a musician friend to play, a relative to give a reading, or plan a few games together. These personal touches make the day unforgettable.
Why hire a wedding planner for an intimate wedding?
A wedding planner's job is to organise your event and make sure the day is memorable. Even for a small wedding, the benefits are real:
- Time and energy saved: you hand over most of the preparation, so you have less stress and more time for each other.
- Access to a network of suppliers: planners work with florists, photographers and caterers all the time, and know who offers the best value.
- Professional experience: they know how to organise every type of wedding, intimate ones included, and help you make informed choices that fit your tastes and budget.
- Better handling of the unexpected: a planner knows how to deal calmly with last-minute surprises on the day.
- Smart budget management: creative and resourceful, they will help you get the most out of every pound.
In short, a wedding planner makes organising your wedding easier and makes sure everything runs smoothly, so you can fully enjoy your day.
In conclusion
An intimate wedding can be a wonderful, memorable experience. The small details matter, and a micro wedding can be every bit as special as a big traditional one.
