A Small Wedding in a Big Way

Perfect Wedding. Historic Setting.

A SMALL WEDDING IN A BIG WAY

pivoting to a smaller wedding

One of the biggest trends in 2020 weddings was the need to pivot the planning. Couples rescheduled, pared down their guest lists, and largely scrambled to rearrange and reimagine. Because of the state of the world, we’ve seen a surge in smaller weddings done up in a big way. Whether you’re choosing a small wedding out of want or need, here are some things to consider.

A NEW VISION

On the heels of 2020’s uncertainties, there are a few key changes many couples are encountering as they start to plan weddings in 2021 and beyond. First up, streamlining the guest list. Brides and grooms are choosing smaller, intimate affairs in an effort to keep guests at ease and conform to any local capacity regulations.

Since many couples shifted back their 2020 wedding date, Saturdays are filling up fast in the foreseeable future. This means a rise in Sunday, Friday, and even mid-week weddings. One good thing about a weekday wedding: Your dream venue will likely be more wallet-friendly. Brides and grooms are also embracing nature, taking any chance to host some or all of their wedding out of doors. On the tech-savvy flip side, livestreaming and wedding watch parties are on the rise, as is the desire for professional videography services to fully capture the day for friends and family at home.

THE CHAPEL

at the Beaches Museum & History Park 904-241-5657 ext. 2 | beachesmuseum.org beachesmuseumweddings@gmail.com

Wedding Chapel Ad.FINAL.indd 1 5/18/16 10:08 AM

SMALL WEDDING, BIG STYLE

While a small wedding limits guest count—and a post-2020 wedding may limit

options for dates and venues—there are also boundless, exciting opportunities for creativity. Because of the modest number of guests, couples are able to allocate budget funds elsewhere. Consider detaildriven tablescapes, larger-than-life floral installations, and characterful rentals to create the ultimate atmosphere. Think outside the box to create the small wedding of your wildest dreams.

Brides and grooms are getting creative with entertainment, too. There’s still uncertainty surrounding crowded dance floors, so couples are either ensuring ample space to spread out or dreaming up a fun alternative. From musicians to live painters to dancers, there are countless ways to keep guests entertained even off the dance floor. It might also help to think of your intimate wedding as a glorious dinner party and find inspiration in that. With an intimate group, the vibe can be more communal and casual.

THOUGHTFUL THROUGHOUT

While couples want to plan a day that’s beautiful to behold, there’s also a focus on keeping guests safe and healthy. As such, weddings are leaning heavily on thoughtfulness. To limit points of contact throughout the day, consider giving each guest a personalized welcome box complete with their wedding program, favors, and more. Rethink passed appetizers in favor of individual charcuterie boards or boxes of snacks. Perhaps seat guests in smaller, spaced-out clusters, rather than at crowded banquet tables.

With the right attitude and imaginative thinking, an intimate wedding can be the wedding of your dreams. Make the most of your small numbers, focus on the marriage, and you’re sure to find that a small wedding can be perfect in a big way.