Celebrating any kind of milestone is a big deal, but when it comes to your wedding, it doesn’t necessarily mean that bigger is better. Having an intimate gathering of your 50 closest friends and family members can open up options for your budget and provide a more personal experience for your guests. Luckily, we’ve done the work for you and have come up with small wedding ideas that you can use to bring your dream wedding to life.
Think About Who to Invite
When planning for a 50-person wedding, it is crucial to know exactly who is coming and who isn’t. An intimate wedding calls for only those who are closest and dearest to you, which might make it easier to decide who should get invites. It’s best for you and your partner to agree on a number that you’re both happy with — typically, the 50 guests will be divided between the bride and groom, giving you both 25 people each.
When you think about it, 25 people isn’t a lot and spots can easily be taken by immediate family members and close friends. Be sure to consider who is truly important and who will stay with you in the years to come. Be sure to ditch annoying co-workers or people you’re unlikely to see again after the wedding.
It’s also best to talk about whether or not guests can bring a ‘plus one’ and whether your invitations will be extended to close people from work or not at all. The important part of this step is to keep an open line of communication and be consistent to avoid arguments about who gets to bring more guests.
Plan Your Budget Carefully
Your budget should encompass everything you need for your wedding to help you determine whether or not your plan is feasible. This includes where your funds will come from (family or savings), as well as the expenses you expect to have. Once you have a grasp of your finances, you’ll be able to work within that budget and you’ll know if you’re going over it.
Another reason why you need to sort out your budget ahead of everything else is so you can prepare a rich experience for your guests. An intimate wedding will provide you with more time to spend on each guest, which means that you’ll need to ensure that every moment is unforgettable. With your budget in mind, think about how the day will proceed, along with what you can do to make it different compared to a big wedding.
You can also think about getting guests involved — the fewer people there are in your celebration, the more opportunity you’ll have to make them feel like they’re truly a part of this special day. If you’re aiming for a smaller wedding, you can provide your guests with disposable cameras to truly capture every magical minute of your celebration. If you have a more modest budget, you can simply leave cards and pens by your guests’ tables to have them write wedding wishes for you to read later.
Look for the Right Location
One of the most important aspects of planning a small wedding is to ensure that the venue is the right size for your guests. A place that’s too big will make your wedding look empty and going for a place too small will make it look like you’re cutting on costs. The best thing to do is to look for available venues online and in-person ahead of time to see if it’s the right fit for your party. When looking for a location, there are plenty of themes and options for you to choose from, such as country houses, beaches, gardens, churches, and even family property.
If you want a small wedding in a magical setting, consider getting married in a garden or another natural-looking setting. This can also provide a beautifully designed, yet relaxed approach to your wedding while giving it a bohemian theme. Garden weddings are a great way to keep numbers in check because the seating arrangement will depend on just how big or small the venue is.
If you plan on having a wedding with less than 50 people, then a country house might just be right for you. Some of these offer bed and breakfast accommodations for up to 25 people, where you can all spend the day as a family. Another advantage to this option is that most venues will have their wedding coordinators who will help you make the most of the space.
Make it More Personal
One reason why couples prefer an intimate wedding to a big one is that it gives them the option to steer clear of tradition and add their sense of personality in the process. A smaller wedding party can give you the chance to make the day exactly how you want it to be. A smaller wedding will let you make personal touches while staying within your budget.
Such changes could be a particular color scheme, or having a designer wedding cake. You may also opt for bigger changes like having a gin club bar or a film about the event shown at the end of the day. Whatever it is you want, having a bespoke wedding will ensure that everyone remembers even the small details because it represents you.
Depending on the number of your guests, you can also opt for a five-course meal of hand-picked food rather than handing out a buffet for hundreds of people. In this way, you and your guests can focus on a delicious culinary experience. This won’t just feed people but will remain in their minds as the most memorable gourmet meal they’ve ever had at a wedding.
Get Planning for Your Wedding
A 50-person wedding isn’t ‘cheap’ or less extravagant — it can be better than a big wedding in many ways and can also bring families and friends together. No matter what you decide, this is your special day and should be remembered as such, so do your planning in advance and make sure that everything is within budget.