In recent years we have become accustomed to big weddings, but that is about to change. These days, more and more couples choose to keep their relationship private to achieve their ideal wedding. It seems that more and more couples are choosing to have their fiancé attend small, intimate celebrations where only family and close friends are present.

An intimate wedding does not necessarily mean a small and simple wedding. Instead, a smaller guest list often creates more space to do everything. Whether it is for financial reasons or to achieve the ultimate personal wedding, an at-home wedding gives you the chance to think about every detail. Here’s some tips to help you plan yours!

 Decide the Number of Guests

Small or intimate weddings have some unwritten rules to comply with the “small wedding” label. For example, a small wedding usually has no more than 60 or 70 guests!

Before you begin the difficult task of making your guest list, you need to think about the maximum number of guests you want to invite. This is also an important detail because the number of guests you invite will significantly impact your budget.

The first draft of your guest list should start with an estimate of the number of guests. From here, you can further clarify the list by going through it again and thinking carefully about guests you are still not sure about. Choose only those important to you and who you want to be with you on such a special day.

It’s important to tell your guests what kind of wedding you want. Make it intimate and relaxed, let them know you’re only inviting the people you love, and don’t invite the uncle you haven’t seen in 20 years. Even if your family disagrees, they need to know. In the end, you have to do what makes you happy, and they will understand that.

An at-home wedding is also a chance to give your guests a little treat. The element of surprise comes from the unique location and experiencing an atmospheric, chic, and more luxurious day. Think about the details of styling, catering, drinks, and live music at the table during dinner. For instance, think about long tables beautifully decorated with romantic elements, beautiful tableware, and menus. Make an exceptional dinner with good wine and a beautiful cake or delicious pastry for dessert.

Choosing a Location

The wedding location is one of the first things you’ll shoot, so start early. Once you have a rough idea of the number of people to invite, find a suitable location for the wedding or party. And the fewer guests you have, the more choices you will have. You can suddenly choose a site that is out of the ordinary and perfectly expresses your personality.

Choose a “place with a story.” It can be a garden at home or a special place where two people met, or choose a favourite place abroad, a place you will visit together. It can be a wedding of a few days with an overnight stay in this case.

Customize the Wedding

At-home weddings give you room to personalize everything. A ceremony that fully expresses the couple’s personality and involves the guests will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Have people who can empathize and relate to you when choosing your wedding officiant and ceremony, someone who can truly immerse themselves in you and your passion. The ceremony should be about you. Talk with the officiant or speaker to see if there is room for your guests to be involved in the ceremony.

Host a Cocktail Party or Banquet

Another thing that makes choosing an at-home wedding even wilder. An at-home wedding is a chance to break away from the traditional three- or five-course sit-down dinner. Barbecues, buffets, and a wide variety of drinks are ideal for weddings with fewer guests.

This type of banquet is a bit more casual but offers a chance to express your style. For example, if you choose a cocktail bar with a barbecue, your guests will be able to cook their own meat. You can also enjoy your favourite snacks like burgers, sushi, and oysters at an actual food truck.

Since the number of guests is small, you can also make the seating arrangement for the dinner a little more unique. Instead of small round tables, choose one or two long, narrow tables where everyone can sit together.

Final Details

If you choose an at-home wedding, there is room for creativity. You can play more prominently with colors and themes. So, put together a theme beforehand!

Once you have decided on a theme, decorate it to the fullest by applying that theme everywhere, from the invitations to the last detail of the party. An at-home wedding is a space where you can focus on the details and everything else important to you and your guests. It is advisable to ask for help from someone who can help you, like a wedding planner.

Your budget maybe a little bigger now that you have fewer guests to invite, but again, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make it special. The fewer guests you have, the more time you will have to create your own personal touch. Choose a nice gift and write a message to everyone on the enclosed card. I’m sure your guests will never forget your wedding.

If it’s an intimate wedding, you can also afford the budget to choose the photographer or videographer of your dreams and the floral stylist who will create beautiful works of art. Are you having an intimate wedding for financial reasons? If you have your wedding in the fall or winter, the prices and availability of suppliers are often more favorable.