Intimate Wedding Details You’ll Want to Steal

We’re all about the perks of having a small intimate wedding: the financial aspect alone is sometimes enough to convert anyone who may be on the fence. But some of you may be wondering, “Is it really possible to fit all of the romance and magic of a painstakingly-planned wedding into a smaller ceremony? Does compromising on price mean compromising on experience?” In two simple words: Absolutely not. There is no denying the magic of a big party, celebrating you and your partner. But there are some major benefits of downsizing to a small wedding, and these intimate wedding details may have you reconsider a one-hundred-person hoopla. 

Down-Sized Dessert

When it comes to wedding cakes, many bakers will create colossal (but delicious) confectioneries. But for a wedding with 20 guests, that might be overkill — on price and portion size. Instead, opt for something more manageable. This can mean a smaller, more personalized cake, cupcakes, or even custom donuts! Smaller quantities allows you to get creative while still allowing you to save some money. 

Mood-setting Candles or Natural light

Candle light has such a romantic ambiance. But with the potential for venue restrictions, or guest mishaps, candles can be a real safety hazard. With a smaller ceremony, there’s less margin for error, so you can feel better about your dreamy candlelit moment. 

The same goes for the couple who wants to get married at sunset or sunrise. Natural lighting is a great option for intimate weddings. They can often be shorter than traditional weddings, so you won’t have to worry about the light expiring before your “I do’s.” Plus, a smaller crew is typically more willing to attend a ceremony at an off-hour — especially at sunrise!

Party Games For Guests

With a smaller guest count, don’t be afraid to break out some lawn games for your cocktail hour or after party! There are can’t-fail classics like corn hole or giant Jenga, and you can make it even more personalized by asking guests to write sweet sentiments on the corn hole platform or the Jenga blocks. An interactive game will get your guests moving, allow them to enjoy each others company, and really mingle with each other. You can get creative with rules, teams, and even stakes — winner gets the bouquet!

Dress Code Flexibility

Imposing a specific, non-traditional dress code on a large group can be difficult, especially if those people bring kids or plus ones. But if your guest list is under 20, you have plenty of room to play. Want people to come decked out in fantasy gear? Huzzah! Superhero garb? Roger that. The list is endless. This is a fun way to add a layer of personality and whimsy to your day. Who says the bride and groom are the only ones who get to dress up?

Handwrite Your Invites (Or Anything, Really)

If you’re inviting over 100 people, this could be a one way ticket to carpal tunnel. But with a smaller group of people, hand writing your invitations can take something practical — information like time, place, date and dress—and turn it into a keepsake. You can get creative with this! Get a wax seal kit, custom stamps, bust out your calligraphy! Not only can you save money at the printers, but you can even put a personal note or touch on each invitation that will make each of your guests, and the event itself, feel that much more special. As a matter of fact, handwrite anything you would like: your vows, your seating chart, your ceremony programs — the more personal, the better!

Whether you’re holding a small backyard wedding, an intimate mountaintop ceremony, or reciting vows on the beach at sunrise, make sure the day is about you and your partner. Romantic, silly, or just purely celebratory, make sure the day is whatever you want it to be.

Written by Tori Ward

Victoria Ward is a writer at Simply Eloped as well as a Keats Marginalia scholar and Storyfort finalist for her fiction and creative nonfiction. When she is not writing about elopements, she writes grants for her research and non-profit work.