How to Make Your Small Wedding Spectacular
Whether it's due to budget or simply a desire to be surrounded by only your nearest and dearest, we're seeing a huge increase in the micro wedding. But small doesn't equal less important; an intimate affair begs for you to put your personal stamp on your wedding. Here are some of our favorite ideas.
By: Kristen Klein
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Ceremony Ideas -189809
With a smaller guest list, you can splurge on what really matters to you. This couple chose to prioritize comfort and upgraded the traditional ceremony seats, renting mix-and-match pieces.
Photo: Ryan Ray
Ceremony Spot
There isn't much space inside a clock tower — which makes it perfect for an intimate affair.
Photo: Camara Photography
Table Décor
If you only have one or two tables to decorate, take advantage of the opportunity to truly go all out on the décor. Cover the table in an opulent floral runner, candles, and top it off with a bevy of unique chandeliers overhead.
Photo: Jessica Claire Photography
Reception Venue
With a large guest list, an alfresco reception on the beach is a huge challenge, if not completely impossible. But with just a few tables to worry about, it’s a cinch to set up (and break down if the weather doesn’t cooperate).
Photo: Tec Petaja Photography
Reception Décor
By surrounding your dance floor with long rectangular tables, all of your guests will feel a part of the action all night long. This lends an inclusive vibe — no one is stuck in a back corner without a view of your first dance.
Photo: Samm Blake Weddings
Reception Décor
A larger venue can feel sparse with your small guest list. But if you have your heart set on a venue that far exceeds your guest list, take advantage of the opportunity to add a flexible seating plan. Use fewer seats per table to spread out your guests, and add comfortable lounge furniture to encourage guests to mix and mingle beyond their own tables.
Photo: Little Mad Studios
Reception Décor
A strong theme ties together your whole event. This couple embraced a Moroccan vibe, including sitting on floor cushions rather than chairs.
Photo: Ellie Koleen
Ceremony Setup
Having to seat fewer guests gives you more flexibility with your seating plan. This spiral setup gives each and every one of your loved ones a front row seat during your walk down the aisle.
Photo: Blenda Montoro Photography
Ceremony Spot
One of the greatest perks of a small wedding is that it can take you to unexpected places that wouldn't work with a larger guest list, like this breathtaking helipad overlooking the Malibu mountains.
Photo: Maggie Smith Photography
Special Touches
Even though everyone has a smartphone these days, disposable cameras add a fun retro touch and are a great way to see the wedding from your guests' perspectives. But developing dozens of cameras (especially when you have no idea whether the photos are any good) can make this a costly choice for a large wedding. At a small wedding, you can simply place one or two cameras on your tables.
Photo: Images By Berit
Special Touches
Celebrate your loved ones near and far with a directional sign showcasing where everyone is from. Take it up a notch by adding photos of your guests on the opposite side of each sign.
Photo: Shoreshotz Photography
Escort Cards
Your small guest list will undoubtedly feature your favorite people — make them feel even more special with a personalized note inside each escort card envelope.
Photo: Gabriel Conover Photography
Escort Cards
Suspending your escort cards from a tree makes a spectacular first impression. It can be a logistical nightmare at a large wedding, but with your smaller guest list, your guests won’t have any trouble spotting their names.
Photo: Maya Myers
Table Décor
Having a smaller space to decorate allows you to up the ante. Draped fabric, modern chandeliers, and a chic color palette elevate this patio into a truly romantic reception space.
Photo: Brandon Kidd Photography
Table Décor
Long tables enhance the intimacy of your reception, especially with a small guest list. Having all of your guests sit together breaks down barriors between individuals.
Photo: Damion Hamilton
Reception Venue
One of the greatest perks of a small wedding is that you can pop up in unexpected places, like on a small patio overlooking the ocean.
Photo: Ana & Jerome
Ceremony Spot
A beautiful pier over the ocean provides a gorgeous backdrop.
Photo: C. Baron Photography
Family Tree
Intimacy is key at a small wedding. Highlight the wedding photos of your ancestors, as well as all of the married couples included in your wedding, with a memorable family tree display. Your guests will love seeing their own photos and those who came before them!
Photo: LaVie Photography
