Since the pandemic, the biggest shift in the wedding industry has been towards more intimate weddings. Born out of necessity during various lockdowns and restrictions, small yet mighty nuptials made us all reevaluate what’s important and remind us what a wedding is all about. So much so in fact that the trend for intimate weddings is here to stay. We chatted to our local experts to discover the benefits of a small but perfectly formed celebration as well as their tips for planning your own. BUDGET “The space you create for an intimate wedding can be so cosy and personal, which means that with the same budget as your average wedding, you can go all out to make the experience more special for your loved ones,” says Florrie Warrener from de Havilland Memories. “When it comes to budgeting, consider your priorities. What do you want your experience to be, or what will guests say about your wedding after the event? Which are the memories you’d like to keep alive the longest? Invitations are one of the few parts of the wedding that will last forever, and something that’s unique and bespoke to you that you can treasure as much as your photos.” Francesa Neame-White from Event Elegance with Francesca says, “You can allocate more resources per guest, ensuring each person feels like an essential part of the day. So, when it comes to budgeting for an intimate wedding, allocate your funds to the elements that will make your day memorable, such as the venue, catering, and personalised details. Invest in high-quality photography and entertainment to capture every special moment and keep your guests engaged. Just remember to keep a careful eye on your budget to ensure a flawless celebration that doesn’t break the bank.” Meanwhile, Precious Randall-Greene from Green Lily Events, has some fantastic practical advice: “Although intimate weddings are typically less expensive overall than large celebrations, remember that some suppliers may charge a higher minimum fee for smaller gatherings. “Create a spreadsheet. This is always the very first step whenever I take on a new client. Decide on your overall budget then break it down to cover absolutely every category of your wedding from the dress to the rings and accommodation. It’s a good idea to keep 10 per cent in a miscellaneous category as something unexpected will always crop up. Once you’re happy with how you’ve allocated your spend on each element, start reaching out to suppliers. I’d recommend getting three quotes for each category – enough to let you compare without becoming overwhelmed.” “Intimate weddings allow you to experience a destination-style wedding here in the UK for a fraction of the price,” – Abi Clough,Voco Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa VENUES “With a guest list that doesn’t exceed 30, the possibilities for creating a more profound and memorable experience are endless,” says Francesca. “You can venture into exclusive venues such as boutique hotels, private estates, charming vineyards or cosy restaurants, which all provide a perfect backdrop and atmosphere for a celebration that’s all about closeness and togetherness.” When looking for a venue, there are some slightly different considerations when it comes to a smaller celebration, says Precious: “Choose a venue that’s the right size for your guest list, you don’t want to choose somewhere that’ll feel empty. But the benefit is that you have more flexibility, and can choose a more unique or exclusive space that might not be within budget for a larger wedding.” Voco Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa is an ideal venue and offers an intimate wedding package for up to 30 loved ones. The venue’s Abi Clough says, “The package offers you exclusive use of our traditional 14th-century Oak Room for both your civil ceremony and wedding breakfast. It allows you The county’s wedding aficionados offer expert advice on planning an intimate wedding PERFECTLY FORMED www.facebook.com/lemontreephotography Small but Simply Laura Calligraphy INTIMATE WEDDINGS 53
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