Image by Tara Sloane
Many people dream of their wedding day from the time they are young. As children, some envision a wedding fit for hundreds of guests. But as we navigate a new generation of weddings, we’re loving small weddings (50 guests or fewer) because of their intimacy and romance. While small weddings were already trending pre-pandemic, we think they’re likely to stick around. Let these ideas inspire you if you’re considering a small wedding for yourself.
Image by Jess Ekstrand
Small Wedding Locations
With a small guest list, your location opportunities are limitless. Here are some perfect venues for small weddings.
Backyard Wedding
Tying the knot in a friend or family member’s backyard is a great option because you have ultimate flexibility. When you know the host, there’s a lot you can prepare ahead of time, which can make the day of the celebration a lot easier and more relaxed. Some couples take a casual approach with homemade centerpieces and a potluck dinner and still others opt for catering and formal flower arrangements.
Garden Wedding
There are several great locations for small garden weddings in the Twin Cities area. There are multiple outdoor gardens at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum also has some beautiful spots for weddings with less than 50 guests. With a garden wedding, you also have the benefit of gorgeous natural decor already surrounding your celebration.
Restaurant Wedding
While restaurants are currently figuring out how to navigate during a pandemic, warmer weather will bring options for renting out patios and rooftops for small weddings. Bonus: delicious food and drink already on site!
Taproom Wedding
Are you and your partner beer geeks? A taproom wedding may be the perfect fit. Hire a food truck to take care of dinner for tasty fare and some fun photo ops!
Vacation Rental Wedding
You don’t have to board a plane to take advantage of a vacation rental because there are probably amazing rentals wherever you happen to live. Check out Vrbo and Airbnb for rentals near you, or within driving distance. You could rent a cabin, cottage, farm or home with a large property and make a weekend out of the festivities. Keep in mind that certain vacation rentals may require advance notice of an event happening on the property because of additional permissions and insurance that will need to be secured. So be sure to ask about any requirements before you book.
A Small Wedding in a Large Venue
If you’ve had your heart set on a specific venue there’s no reason why you can’t still have a small wedding there. Museums, libraries, and various historic buildings all offer stunning settings to wed. A larger venue with a smaller guest list means you can have your wedding indoors, in your dream location, and stay properly socially distanced.
Image by Melissa Hesse
How to Include More People on Your Big Day
There are many reasons to have a small wedding, but there will probably be people who still wish they could be part of it. Here are a few ways to make them feel like they aren’t missing out.
Livestream
When you have a small guest list there are likely more people you wish you could include in the celebration. Now it’s easier than ever to livestream your wedding for an unlimited guest list. Make virtual guests feel even more included by mailing them some wedding favors.
Videography
Another way to make sure many people can feel part of your big day is to hire a videographer to document the occasion. From rehearsal dinner to the ceremony through speeches and the first dance, the videographer can make so many more people feel like they were right there with you. Many videographers have also started offering the ability to stream live, so check with your team to see if this is a possibility!
Photography
Another great benefit of a small wedding is you’ll get lots of photography of everyone in attendance and more photos of the most intimate moments. Once you receive your photography after the big day you could send a wedding announcement with your favorite photos to those people who couldn’t attend and instructions for viewing the photo gallery.
Image by Nicole McCoy
Shifted Priorities
Every wedding has a budget, no matter how big or small. With a small wedding, there are certain areas you may find cost savings, which means you can invest in areas you may not have been able to before. With a small wedding, you can focus on high-quality food, photography, and decor for an elevated event that won’t soon be forgotten.
Another great investment, no matter how large your wedding, is a wedding planner. A planner can help design your space, navigate safety guidelines and make sure everything is running smoothly. They will also ensure that your loved ones can still relax, have fun and enjoy the big day!
Image by Ben Lansky
Stay Updated on Health Guidelines
Guidelines have changed several times since the start of the COVID pandemic, so it’s important to stay informed as the rules change in your area. No matter how you decide to celebrate, a small wedding is just as wonderful as a great big one.