The Short List
Smaller celebrations have a huge impact
We’re quite sure you’ve heard that good things come in small packages. And when it comes to weddings, bigger isn’t necessarily better. Small, intimate celebrations have become increasingly popular across the country, with couples choosing to surround themselves with only their nearest and dearest on this special day. But what goes into planning an intimate affair? Here’s the scoop on planning a smaller celebration that creates a huge impact.
Numbers Count
It’s a safe bet that the most difficult part of planning a small wedding is cutting your guest list. If you both come from smaller families and you have only a few close friends, then you’re in the clear. But if you have a large extended family, strong relationships with family friends, and a number of very close friends and co-workers, you’re going to have to prioritize. Sit down with your fiancé and the list and create two columns: an A column and a B column. Guests in the A column will receive an invitation (usually immediate family and very close friends); those in the B list will receive an invitation if there’s room. If you’ve been over and over your list and can’t decide where to place certain guests, here’s a suggestion: put co-workers, family friends, and friends that you haven’t spoken to in more than six months into the B column. Still too many guests? Narrow things down further by shifting those you haven’t spoken with in more than three months into the B column. Keep moving people around until you arrive at an A list that fits your budget and your location.
Little Details
When you’re dealing with a more manageable guest list, it’s much easier to focus on the small details that make a large impression. Consider hand - crafting the invitations yourself or enlisting a professional calligrapher to handwrite each invite on specialty paper. When you’re only sending out a handful, exquisite invitations are a memorable and still affordable way to request the attendance of your family and friends.
Your guests will receive their first impression of the celebration to come when they receive their invitations; the second impression will come from the location. One of the best aspects of a smaller celebration is that it opens the door to ceremony and reception sites that are off the beaten path. Quaint restaurants, chic art galleries, secluded courtyards, even private residences could serve as splendid sites for intimate weddings. You won’t be tied to tradition with a small affair; you’ll be able to celebrate in the style you choose because most locations will be willing to accommodate a scaled-down wedding.
Big Impression
Small weddings end up leaving a big impression on guests. The honor that comes with being chosen as one of the few to help you celebrate on your special day will make the occasion that more memorable. You’ll also have a chance to spend more time with everyone, giving the celebration more of an intimate dinner party feel, rather than an impersonal cocktail party and banquet dinner.
And speaking of dinner, when you plan a wedding reception with fewer guests, you can splurge on a spectacular menu. Filet mignon and lobster tails are certainly more affordable for 50 than for 250, and when paired with fabulous wines will provide an upscale feel to your intimate affair. But don’t stop with dinner – dessert provides a sweet ending to your petite party. Since your wedding cake will most likely be smaller, why not round things out with another decadent dessert? Serve chocolate dipped strawberries along with the cake or an assortment of fruits, cakes, and cookies that can be dipped into chocolate or caramel fondue. A cappuccino or espresso bar will bring the evening to a close with high style.
One final word of advice: keep in mind that small doesn’t mean inexpensive. You can spend just as much on an intimate affair as you can on a huge celebration. The key is to prioritize and splurge on what is important to the two of you. That way, you’ll be surrounded by those that mean the most to you and still have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.