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. “It’s all about quality over quantity!” – Celebrant Polly Miller BUDGET “Budgeting is your best friend,” says celebrant Polly Miller. “Prioritise what’s most important to you, whether it’s a favourite photographer, a fantastic meal, or a live band; then allocate your budget accordingly. Planning an intimate wedding is all about detail and flexibility. Smaller guest counts mean you can splurge on unique experiences for loved ones, like customised favours or surprise entertainment. Remember, it’s all about making every moment count. “As a celebrant, I advise couples on how to allocate their budget specifically for the ceremony. This might include live music, custom vows, or cultural traditions that hold meaning for them. I also help couples strike a balance between budget and vision.” VENUES “If you’re not catering for 100-plus people, a whole new world of venue options will open up to you,” says Samantha Smart from The Wedding Regency. While many will offer cosy spaces for more modest guest lists, there’s also another category to add to your search, a dream if you’re both foodies, and that’s pubs and restaurants. Perhaps there’s a special place in your heart for the pub you met at on your first date, or for the restaurant location of your proposal. Maybe you have a love for tapas and can’t find a caterer to help. If so, why not find out if your favourite culinary hotspot has a function room and book it out for your wedding breakfast? Unconventional, quirky venues also become feasible the fewer of you there are. Celebrants Deb Stodgell and Jackie Aldrich from Just Ceremonies say, “What about having your ceremony on a barge as you meander down a canal, or on a hill overlooking your favourite view? Perhaps you might prefer a steam train, or as you wander through a wood with different elements of your ceremony in different places.” Another option is to host at home. Start checking out shelter options such as tipis and stretch tents, to offer your nearest and dearest cover from the elements as you gather together for an intimate wedding breakfast in the back garden. If you like the idea but prefer somewhere different, hiring a holiday property could be an option, and a great idea if you want to make a weekend of it with all of your guests staying on site with you. Celebrant Polly Miller says, “With a guest list of 30 or fewer, you can turn your wedding into an epic, intimate bash. Think about renting a quirky venue, like a cosy barn or a charming garden that’s just perfect for your crew.” GUEST LIST “Deciding who to invite to an intimate occasion involves careful consideration of your relationship with prospective guests and the atmosphere you want to create,” Deb and Jackie say. “Prioritise those who’ve supported your journey; you want to surround yourselves with cherished individuals on your special day. Factor in geographical constraints too – you might want to consider offering virtual ceremony attendance to distant loved ones.” Polly says, “Picking your guest list is like assembling a dream team. Invite the people who mean the most to you and your partner, those who’ve been there through thick and thin. Don’t forget, it’s your day, so go with your heart!” Gaynor Page from Topikki Stationery explains the process for narrowing down the guest list: “Parents and siblings, are likely to be at the top of the list, but sometimes close friends might take priority over family members you rarely see or keep in touch with. Each of you should make your own list limited to around 10, keeping any potential add-ons to one side. From this, you can create a shortlist. Also, decide whether or not the day will be adults only, as children can impact numbers quite dramatically.” “You’ll be able to spend quality time with everyone. You don’t need to feel rushed to speak to each guest, which makes your day feel more relaxed and intimate.” – Samantha Smart,Wedding Regency The region’s wedding aficionados offer expert advice on planning an intimate wedding PERFECTLY FORMED Image courtesy of Ambience Venue Styling Bath © https://amysanders.co.uk Small but INTIMATE WEDDINGS 55
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