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6 Reasons to Love Small, Intimate Weddings {Plus Advice, Inspiration and Ideas}

I’m writing this post in the midst of the UK’s second lockdown. COVID-19 has certainly kept us on our toes this year. As I type, wedding and civil partnership receptions and celebrations are not permitted to take place in the UK. Once lockdown is lifted and weddings can go ahead, the restrictions on numbers will remain in place. Whatever happens in the next few weeks and months, it seems small, intimate weddings will be the norm for the foreseeable future.

Photography by The Brand Studio

However, focussing on the positive feels like the best way through. If you find yourself planning a small, intimate wedding, I hope the following helps you feel excited about the possibilities…

You Can Enjoy Quality Time with Your Guests 

A smaller guest list makes it easier to mingle with your closest friends and family. With a bit of luck, you’ll be able to spend lots of one-on-one time with everyone you’ve invited. 

You’re Free to Choose a Non-Traditional Wedding Venue

When it comes to choosing a wedding venue, planning a small, intimate celebration gives you a lot of freedom. Restaurants, galleries, cinemas and other non-traditional venues are ideal. Even if you feel drawn to something larger like a historic building or stately home, unusual spaces that are usually overlooked could be perfect. How about exchanging vows in a beautiful old library or a small chapel?

You Can Plan Your Dream Overseas Wedding

Keeping things intimate might mean there’s enough money in the budget for those long-haul flights you’ve always dreamed of. It’s not unusual for destination weddings to feature a more modest guest list, so why not embrace it? This guide to post-lockdown destination weddings is regularly updated with the latest advice. You can also visit the UK government website for more information on getting married overseas and official COVID-19 travel guidance. 

Photography  - Bex Photo Pro

You Can Feast Informally or Go All Out 

Feeding a smaller crowd is infinitely easier. You can forgo formality completely, opting for something cool and casual like a food truck, or go all out with an elaborate multi-course tasting menu. Neither of these things would be impossible at a larger wedding, but they’re a lot easier to execute if your guest list is limited. 

You Can Splurge on What Matters Most

Inviting 15 guests to your wedding as opposed to 150 is always going to cost less. As a result, you may find your budget is a little more flexible, allowing you to spend money on things you love that would not otherwise be considered essential. Whether it’s extra flowers, welcome gifts for your guests or a designer wedding dress, keeping things small and intimate definitely has its perks. 

You Can Share Your Day in a Creative Way

If your guest list is limited to your inner circle, there are bound to be people who want to celebrate your union despite not being there on the day. Why not share your joy with a creative wedding announcement? You could send photographs and film footage to more distant friends and family, complete with a portion of wedding cake. 

Need help? Discover our Wedding Planning Services or get in touch to arrange a consultation. And if you’re still reeling from everything 2020 has thrown at you and wondering whether your dream wedding will ever be possible, know that we understand and will do everything we can to support you.

Val x

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