YOU MAY WANT A SMALLER WEDDING, CELEBRATION OR EVENT?

• With that you can let your imagination run wild!

Now we have kicked 2022 out the door let's start thinking about your wedding or event, I have had a few Brides so far opting to go smaller instead of the BIG wedding.  What you need to think about is what is right for you as a couple not what is right for anyone else!

A smaller one is called a "Micro Wedding" and might be right up your street, typically no more than 50 guests but still, features time-honoured traditions just on a much smaller scale. With fewer guests comes less work, fewer opinions, and people to please, less budget required, and more options in terms of spaces to celebrate,  This also works for a party or special event.

You open up the world of unique spaces that are inaccessible to larger wedding/events. You can rent out cafés, restaurants, bars, parks, galleries, or really anywhere you’d never consider for a big wedding/event. They’re already designed beautifully—meaning you can save on décor and might have their own tables and chairs, so you don’t have to rent them. 

• Select your venue first...

Whether your wedding is big or small, it’s easier to find a venue and then tailor your guest list to fit, instead of inviting everyone and then realising you can’t find the right space.  If it’s your favourite restaurant, for example, find out the capacity of their private dining room, then cut down your guest list until there is space for everyone at the table.

• Hire a photographer...

“No matter how small your wedding/event is, please, please hire a photographer. You’ll want to document this day, no matter what, but that doesn’t mean you need an eight to 10-hour package and a second shooter.  A smaller guest list also means a smaller shot list, so talk to your photographer about creating a custom package for a shorter amount of time.

• Make it meaningful...

I'm a huge fan of personal vows in any setting, especially when it’s a more intimate wedding. Don’t skip the chance to share words and promises with one another, surrounded by the people who are truly closest to the two of you. I also love the inclusion of sentimental details, like wearing your grandmother’s brooch or having your dog walk down the aisle with you, to give the day personal value.

• Turn to the Pro's... 

You can definitely still do things like rent linens, hire a florist, or get a cake. Look for someone who can create what you love, and know that they might not be a full-blown “event designer” or “wedding cake baker” who has a spend minimum. You don’t need a cake for 100 people, so get creative with your local bakery or favourite sweet shop instead. Your local florist, who might specialise in single arrangements instead of bouquets and floral arches, is a great resource for a smaller table. And you can definitely still work with a planner! Many (Me included) offer hourly rates that would be just the thing for an intimate celebration that doesn’t require the same level of planning as a larger-scale wedding.

Talk to me about doing a few arrangements which I can bring on the day which will cut that budget and still make the space beautiful.

You may go for 12 guests mean you’ll only have one or two tables, or you may go for around 50 so you don’t need a full production team for setup and breakdown (unless you love flowers and want to splurge on a total transformation of the space!)