A small guest list means that you can have a relaxed wedding with a family style dinner and individual dishes. Make the tables long so everyone can sit together, and prepare a family recipe for dinner. Add statement pieces to the table to tell your love story. For example, if you met at a coffee shop, create centerpieces that reference the place you first met.
Choosing a venue
Choosing a small wedding venue should be based on a few important factors. First of all, you should know your budget. You don’t want to end up disappointed because you cannot book the venue you like. Also, you should think about the number of guests you want to invite. While it may be difficult to predict the exact number of guests, it is a good idea to ask as many questions as possible to help you make the best decision.
Secondly, you need to consider the aesthetics and accessibility of the location. You want to get married in an environment that will make your guests feel comfortable. If you want a rustic or outdoorsy look, you should choose a venue with outdoor areas for the ceremony. Moreover, you should also consider if the venue is pet friendly or is located in a convenient place.
The next thing you should consider when choosing a small wedding venue is the guest list. You can choose a venue with a smaller number of guests if you’re having a cocktail reception, but if you’re having a seated dinner, you will need a larger space. Ideally, you should have around 100 guests, but if your guest list is larger, you’ll need to hire a larger venue.
The venue’s reputation is another factor to consider. Read reviews about the venue before choosing it. Some reviews may be helpful, while others may be negative. If possible, try to note down both good and negative comments. Read reviews on third party websites and the venue’s Facebook page. Also, look at how the venue responds to guest reviews.
Choosing a guest list
While deciding on your guest list, it is important to make sure you include the people who matter most to you. Typically, you will want to include your immediate family and friends. If your budget and space are limited, you should only invite the people you truly want to celebrate your marriage with.
You can also choose to invite just your closest friends and family members. This allows you to have a personal and intimate wedding. Choosing a smaller guest list means that you’ll be able to spend significant time with your guests. However, you might encounter pushback if you choose not to include a plus one. In that case, you’ll want to explain why you don’t want a plus one.
It’s also important to keep the list private. Sharing your guest list isn’t a good idea, as there could be a lot of “what if” conversations. Be sure to share the list with only those who know it. It’s important to respect the wishes of those you’re inviting.
Avoid including people you haven’t spoken to or seen in a while. If possible, limit your guest list to close family and friends, so you don’t upset anyone. Besides, you can always explain the reasons why you’re limiting the number of guests to a few.
Choosing a menu
There are many factors to consider when preparing a menu for a small wedding. The size of the gathering, the food preferences of guests, and any allergies or dietary restrictions should be taken into account. Choosing a menu for a small celebration should reflect the personalities and tastes of the bride and groom.
You will want to make sure that the food is delicious and affordable. Many couples choose a variety of small stations for the meal instead of a single main entree. You may also want to consider whether your guests will be mingling over small plates or sitting down for a formal meal. If your guests are not into meat, you can consider substituting with more cost-effective options.
Another option is a family style menu. This style consists of shared plates of food with serving utensils for each course. The idea is to recreate a family dinner, where guests pass the plates around and help themselves to what takes their fancy. It’s a favorite among brides because it represents the coming together of family and friends.
Choosing a menu for a small event can be challenging. You’ll need to choose the types of foods to serve and how much food you’re willing to serve. While traditional foods are great for a wedding, you also need to make sure that you give your guests plenty of variety. If your guests have specific dietary requirements or are vegan, make sure to include options for them.
Choosing a reception area
Choosing a reception area for a smaller wedding requires careful planning. It’s essential to consider the amount of space available for table setups. You may want to opt for round tables to accommodate more guests in a smaller space. Likewise, you should ensure that the area designated for the dance floor is at least 300 square feet.
When choosing a reception area, try to avoid using a lot of decorative items, because they will make the space look crowded. Stick to neutral colors, which make the space look larger. Also, avoid using patterns. You can also choose to use folding tables and chairs for the dining portion of the reception. These tables and chairs can be put away once dinner is over, leaving plenty of room for the dance floor.
You can also choose a more relaxing reception area where guests can relax and mingle. Many reception areas offer amenities for guests to socialize without interruptions. The best options offer a comfortable atmosphere and plenty of space for your wedding party. You can also hire a catering service to take care of all the details.
When choosing a venue, remember the size of your guest list. A wedding with 300 guests will need a lot more space than a wedding with only 20 guests. It’s important to select a venue with enough space to accommodate the ceremony and reception.
Including close friends
If you have a small wedding, you may want to include close friends and family in your celebration. While this may seem like a great idea, the downside of this decision is that you will have to cut down on your guest list. This may hurt some feelings for those who were invited to the wedding, but it is also a good way to cut down on your wedding expenses. Moreover, your gift list will be smaller, meaning fewer gifts for your guests. Typically, the parents of the bride and groom will pay for the wedding.
Another advantage of a smaller wedding is that you will be able to connect with your guests better, and you can share a more personal experience with them. Although this can be difficult to do, it is important to have a clear idea of your preferences, and to include close friends only.
Another advantage of an intimate wedding is that you can include activities that will engage your guests. Perhaps you can hire a mixologist to teach your guests how to mix cocktails, or have your bridesmaids teach line dancing. Using fun activities like these will make your wedding day extra special, and will allow you to focus on your love for one another.
Choosing a small wedding guest list allows you to have a family style dinner. Instead of having each guest sit on either side of the table, you can create a long table where guests can sit together. You can use the table settings to tell your story, including family recipes and comfort food. You can also include statement pieces on the table to tell your love story. For instance, if you met at a coffee shop, you can create a centerpiece that references the place where the two of you first met.
Avoiding big-ticket items
Keeping costs down can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, couples can save money by not hiring a florist. Instead, a flower arrangement can be created using candles, silk flowers, or a book. A videographer is another option, although it is wise to book early to secure a professional.
It’s best to avoid printing save-the-dates, which can end up costing hundreds of dollars. Moreover, these items must be printed again, which will add up. Using digital save-the-dates is a more efficient option. Using a website like Paperless Post can help you organize these emails, send reminders, sync calendars, and create an easy-to-access wedding website.
Another important consideration is the guest list. Couples should agree on the number of guests. If the guest list is too large, it might be best to cut it. It’s important to keep in mind that the feelings of your soon-to-be spouse are more important than those of distant relatives. However, it’s important to respect the wishes of your near and distant relatives, as well.
Once the budget is set, couples should communicate it to each vendor. This can be done via email, phone, FaceTime, or in-person meetings. Communication is vital and will help ensure that no vendor overcharges. By being upfront about your budget, you can save money in the long run.