10 Small Wedding Planning Tips

Planning a small wedding is as complicated as large ones. Click here to see how the experts structure their decisions. Planning a small wedding, for many reasons, is quickly becoming a common preference for brides.

The term ‘small’ doesn’t only refer to the guest list. Brides are also opting for less extravagant venues, simpler menus, and less adherence to traditional customs. In short, small weddings have an intimate guest list and embrace simplicity.

There are a few differences compared to planning for a large traditional wedding so it’s best to get familiar with the details.

Time

When it comes to planning for a small wedding party, the length of time you need to get everything right is similar to planning for a large wedding.

Start the process the second you say yes to the proposal with a recommended target of 12 months for the wedding date. This gives your guests plenty of time to make their arrangements. It also gives you more access to deals on your venue and vendors.

Budget

Before you can make any decisions, figure out how much money you have to work with. Take the time to physically write down all of your expectations in priority order . This will give you a structure to work with if you have to make any compromises.

For example, imagine that you run into a really good caterer that serves a premium entree. You don’t want to go over budget so you’ll have to get the funds somewhere else.

Are you willing to downgrade your floral package? Are you comfortable with replacing a professional photographer with your cousin?

Having a documented list of priorities will help you make decisions like these. When assigning percentages of your budget to your various categories, don’t forget to include any help that you have access to.

You can reassign a percentage of funds assigned to the menu if you have a team helping you with food, or take some money out of decor and into the gown if you can rely on some high quality DIY.

Theme

It’s wise to choose your theme before finalizing the guest list for a few reasons. This wedding planning tip considers if your wedding theme will have an impact on your budget.

A rustic wedding in your aunt’s barn, for example, is far less expensive than a Gastby theme at an elaborate ballroom. The venue also directly impacts accommodations and transportation.

How much of your budget goes to the venue will go a long way to help you determine how many guests you can accommodate.

Guest List

At this point you can get your friends and family to help you with their wedding planning ideas. In many regards, choosing a guest list for a large wedding is way easier. With a large wedding you pretty much get to choose everyone you want.

When planning a small wedding, there’s a good chance that you are going to have to cut someone that you really wanted to attend. Your inner circle, especially those with experience, will help you make those difficult decisions.

It’s common to announce weddings on social media. When you do this, consider a statement like “We have decided to have a small, intimate wedding and regretfully can not invite everyone that we would like to. A small gesture like this will help a few people that feel that they should have gotten an invite not take it personally.

Details

Keep all of your information in an excel sheet or wedding planning app. This will keep things simple as you organize your options and decisions.

The best structure is to start with major categories, then smaller categories, and then individual details. Keep in mind that many vendors offer bundles so you may have to ask for an itemized breakdown.

Here are the major categories to balance:

• Ceremony
• Venue
• Decor
• Entertainment
• Menu
• Bar
• Photography
• Attire and accessories
• Gifts and favors

Additional To-Do and Sub-Categories

Everything mentioned above identifies the items you need to tend to. However, plans require action.

Here are the major types of actions you’ll have to prepare for.

• The best man and maid of honor
• The groomsmen and bridesmaids
• Who will walk you down the aisle
• Your officiant
• Venue walk throughs
• Contract negotiations
• Scheduling deposits, installments, and final payments
• Creating playlists for various occasions
• Seating plans
• Bridesmaids dresses
• Fittings
• Hair and makeup
• Rings
• Invitations, stationery, and signage
• Pre-wedding celebrations
• Marriage license, name change, and other legal formalities.

There are a million details to tend to. When you organize your budget, give yourself enough time to make smart decisions, and have the support and wisdom of friends and family, the process is quite enjoyable.

Author: Svitlana Yefimets

Svitlana is the chief editor and in control of all Wedding Forward content since 2017. She started writing in 2012. She is an expert in details concerning venues, gifts, ceremonies, music, and everything about real weddings. If you want to collaborate with us, send her an email. She spends her leisure tasting dishes, discovering new restaurants, and staying fit through yoga!

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