How to Plan a Small Wedding
Planning a wedding, no matter the size is always a daunting task. But planning a small wedding adds an extra layer of complexity to the situation! Whether you’ve made the decision to elope or just have your close family and friends present on your big day, here are some tips and tricks for planning a perfect small wedding.
How Do I Start Planning a Small Wedding?
When planning a smaller wedding, start with the basics: decide on a budget, location, headcount, and date. Starting with these basics will really narrow factors down to what is and is not attainable. Determine your priorities for what is most important to you and your partner, and then allocate the majority of your budget accordingly.
Still looking for an intimate venue for your small wedding? Check out CLAY Venues!
What's the Difference Between a Micro Wedding and a Small Wedding?
The difference between a micro wedding and a small wedding is mostly in the number of guests. A micro wedding typically involves up to 20 people, while a small wedding may include up to 50-75 guests. Many find that elopements and micro weddings go hand in hand as planning flights and destinations is easier to accommodate a smaller group of people. Consider keeping your small wedding somewhat local so all of your smaller guest count is able to attend!
In fact, according to recent polls in the United States, 35% of Americans invited between 51-100 guests to their wedding. This is the second largest percentage behind 52% inviting over 101+ guests. This tells us that smaller weddings are starting to take a larger lead nowadays.
How to Stay Within Your Small Wedding Guest Count
When planning a small wedding, the most difficult thing to do is to narrow down your guest list. Here are some tips to consider for staying within the parameters of a smaller wedding guest count:
Stick to Immediate Family and Close Friends Only
It can be challenging to determine who is a close friend and who are just friends; especially when the bride or groom is a social butterfly and is friends with, what seems to be, everyone! Try narrowing down your list to immediate family first, and then consider those of your friends who feel closest to family. Not all friends are ride or die, but comparing them to family members you would do anything for may help you narrow down that close friends list a bit more.
Prioritize who has been there from the beginning of your relationship
Another way to determine who should be invited to your small wedding is to consider those who have been along for the ride from the beginning. Whether that be your childhood best friend or the friend who has seen you try your hand at love and has been there alongside you cheering you on. Whoever that looks like to you, making sure you are surrounded by people who have been there from the start can be a great way to really narrow down that guest list as long-term friends don't grow on trees.
Consider hosting a larger celebration afterward
There is always the option of having more of a micro wedding ceremony filled with close family and friends, and then a larger reception to follow of more of that 50-75 people guest range! We've seen couples even have their larger celebration the following day so the closeness and specialty of the micro ceremony is captured and savored longer. At the end of the day, your friends and family want to celebrate you and your partner, no matter how that may look!
Small Weddings are The Perfect Opportunity to Spoil Your Guests
It has been said that it is the small things in life that are remembered most, and having a smaller wedding gives you the opportunity to spoil your guests with some extra special touches. Whether it be providing gifts for each guest or giving them a personalized memento- something to remind them of this special day. Even if you don't have the funds for overly extravagant gifts, even something small can go a long way.
We've seen personalized seating assignments, personalized party favors, extra time to connect with them during cocktail hour, or even prioritizing being on the dance floor for the majority of the evening! There are lots of ways to make your guest count feel special without shelling out hundreds of dollars.
Choosing the Right Venue for Your Small Wedding
When looking for a wedding venue, finding the perfect space to fit your small wedding can be surprisingly difficult. The good news is, there are plenty of options that will work beautifully. Think about outdoor venues like parks or wedding gardens and even private homes to get up close and intimate with your guests.
It's important to have an idea of how many people you are expecting and if the venue is able to accommodate them with ease. Also consider whether you want the option of having a separate area for dancing or eating, as this can help narrow down your search. Surprisingly, some venues may not be able to host up to 75 people for your smaller wedding guest count. These will likely look like older venues that have a limit to how many people they can comfortably sit for reception and cocktail hour. It is best to go into your wedding venue search with a strong estimate for your guest count, even though the guest count is smaller!
Ready to Book Your Dream Wedding Venue? Visit CLAY Venues Today!
How to Budget for a Small Wedding
It may seem counterintuitive, but planning a small wedding can sometimes be more expensive than a larger one, depending on what you want to devote the majority of your budget to. When you’re planning your budget for your small wedding, consider the following:
#1. Guest Count
We've talked a lot about guest count already, but it should be emphasized again! The more bodies you have at your wedding, the more food, drinks, and rentals you will need to account for.
#2. Venue
No matter where you choose to host your wedding, the cost of the wedding venue rental will likely be up there, and rightfully so. Where you choose to get married and host your reception can frame everything from the start. If you don't have a good wedding venue, the overall environment, not to mention the pictures, will ultimately suffer.
#3. Photography/Videography
This is the best way to capture your special day and will be an important expense to budget in. It will be the main way you and your partner get to cherish the wedding day memories forever, so make sure you choose a great photographer and videographer!
#4. Decorations
No matter the wedding size, decorations can make or break the wedding environment and sometimes the bank. If you are concerned about budgeting for a small wedding, consider DIY-ing some of your decor! This will help allocate your budget to some bigger items such as food, drinks, and venue.
#5. Food and Drinks
The largest expense you can expect to pay for your smaller wedding is the cost of food and drinks. Although, it is one of the more important factors to take seriously within the budget! Yes, your wedding day is at the end of the day all about you and your partner, but considering your guests when it comes to the food and beverage menu can go a long way with their enjoyment level throughout the night. Consider providing a general menu option but with a personal twist when it comes to signature cocktails or even dessert at the end of the night. A special note to you guys and also acknowledging the general guest counts interest.
#6. Music
The dance floor is where the party is at, so choosing the right person or people to mix things up is key to having a great dance party. Whether that is hiring a DJ or a live band, this expense can add up quickly so should be considered during your initial budgeting!
When it comes to budgeting for a small wedding, prioritize what is most important to you and allocate the majority of your budget accordingly. This will help ensure that you get the most out of your wedding day and also show consideration to the small and intimate guest count you have invited to share this day with.
Host Your Small Wedding with CLAY Venues
Set in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, CLAY Venues serves as one of the best venues to host a wedding of any size. With a room that is completely customizable, we can sit up to 200 people and also have smaller parties of 50 people! Our industrial and modern venue is best seen with our couple's special touches and fun decorative twists. Come check out CLAY Venues and let us bring your wedding day vision to life!
