All About Small Weddings
Many couples have downsized their weddings in 2020, but there are multiple ways to downsize. Are you thinking of an elopement, a micro-wedding, or a small wedding? Did you know there is a difference between these three types of weddings? Today, we’re finishing up a three-part series that is going in-depth into each of these wedding options and how live streaming fits into it.
What Makes a Small Wedding a Small Wedding?
A small wedding has all of the bells and whistles of a “real wedding,” but with a smaller guest list. It allows couples to have their dream event even when dealing with a smaller budget or COVID restrictions. A wedding with a small guest list that still includes a ceremony, cocktail hour and reception is usually considered a small (or intimate) wedding.
Number of Guests: 30-50
You will usually see a guest list between 30 and 50 people for a small wedding. That said, you might have a small wedding – again, an event with all the bells and whistles – with a guest list of just 20 people. This type of wedding is more about the event and celebrating the night away with loved ones.
Essential Vendors: Officiant, Venue, Photographer, Caterer/Bartender, DJ/Band, Florist/Decor
Because this is a full wedding on a smaller scale, you will need all of your standard wedding vendors, including those for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. In addition to what we’ve listed above, you can also include a wedding planner, transportation services, bartenders and the full gamut of wedding professionals.
Included Events: Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Reception
As we mentioned, this is just a smaller version of what you think of as a “normal” wedding. Your guests will arrive, you’ll process down the aisle, perform a full marriage ceremony and then most likely move on to cocktail hour. After that, your guests will likely transition into the main event space where they will have dinner, dessert and dancing.
Planning Timeline: A Few Months (Plus!)
You will need to coordinate with a large number of vendors and plan all the tiny décor details so you will likely need a minimum of a couple of months to plan your small wedding. Of course, crazier things have happened, and you can always make it work on a shorter timeline!
Adding Live Streaming to Your Small Wedding
Whether you are having a small wedding due to budget or you are being picky with your guest list, a small wedding is a great option for many couples. It allows you to invite your extended family and those friends who you really love. Adding live streaming to your small wedding will allow you to live stream your ceremony and a few key special moments to those who can’t make it to the event, allowing them to still celebrate with you from afar.
photo credit: Caitlyn Nicole Photography