6 Steps to Plan a Perfect Small Wedding

Learn how to plan a perfect small wedding with 6 easy steps of budgeting, venues, guest lists, and personal touches for an intimate and unforgettable day!

Small weddings are the next big thing. More and more couples are cutting back on lavish celebrations and refocusing on intimate wedding parties that focus on the couple and their close ones! If you’re one of those couples and don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. 

Whatever you’ve envisioned for your bridal party: white wedding gowns, sage gowns for bridesmaids, a beautiful vintage gazebo, and guests in gorgeous clothes, etc. In this blog, we’ll cover the 6 essential steps to planning the perfect small wedding. But first…

What counts as a small wedding?

In the US, the average wedding hosts between 100 and 120 guests. That makes it a big wedding. And so with that in mind, a small wedding is one where you’ve got no more than 50 guests. 

While you’re figuring out who to invite, set a clear rule about plus-ones. Significant others can quickly grow your headcount so having a rule of who counts as a plus-one (married, engaged, or unwed partners) can help.

How to plan a small wedding in 6 steps

Now that you know the size of an intimate wedding, let’s talk about how you can plan the perfect small wedding. We’ve broken all the wedding planning into six easy steps you can follow: 

1. Set up a budget

Not every small wedding must be budgeted, but the budget should still be your priority. After all, it sets the tone for everything else that comes on this list. Sit down and discuss the budget for your wedding day with your partner and make sure everything is mutually agreed upon. 

2. Limit your guest list

When planning a small wedding, trimming your guest list is one of the hardest yet most important steps. Start with close family and lifelong friends—those people you can’t imagine celebrating without. Then move to acquaintances and distant friends. It’s always a good idea to discuss with your partner how they feel about these individuals to make sure you invite people who don’t tense the wedding atmosphere, given how it’s already intimate. 

From there, stick to your pre-set rule about plus-ones to avoid accidental expansions. Remember, intimacy is the hallmark of a small wedding. Keeping your circle tight means you can focus on quality time with each guest instead of feeling stretched thin trying to greet everyone.

3. Choose an intimate venue

The venue sets the vibe for your wedding day. Smaller gatherings mean you have more freedom to pick unique and unconventional venues. Think charming vineyards, boutique hotels, backyard gardens, or even a cozy cabin in the woods!

An intimate venue not only saves money but also makes your wedding feel more cohesive and put-together. Smaller spaces allow you to arrange seating closer together, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere where everyone feels connected. Long banquet tables or circular arrangements can encourage conversation and make the event feel less scattered!

Tip: Look for venues that provide packages specifically for intimate weddings. These often include seating arrangements, tableware, and even decor, making your planning process smoother. Visit your shortlisted venues in person and envision how they’ll look on your big day.

4. Hire a specialized wedding planner 

While you may feel like a small wedding doesn’t require a planner, think again! Wedding planners who specialize in intimate ceremonies bring expertise in curating personal and memorable events.

A specialized wedding planner can help with:

• Vendor selection: Find trusted vendors like caterers, florists, and photographers who are experienced with smaller events.
• Budget management: Keeping track of expenses and negotiating deals to make the most of your budget.
• Design and decor: Ensuring your vision is executed perfectly, from table settings to lighting arrangements
• Logistics: Handling timelines, transportation, and guest seating arrangements for smooth execution.
• Day-of coordination: Managing the schedule on your wedding day so you can relax and enjoy the celebration.
• When hiring a wedding planner, look for someone who has experience with small weddings and understands the importance of personalization. Ask for a portfolio of past events, check reviews, and ensure they’re open to your ideas while providing creative suggestions.

5. Involve your guests

One of the joys of a small wedding is how involved your guests can be. Whether it’s contributing to the playlist, sharing stories during speeches, or writing heartfelt messages for a keepsake book, smaller groups allow for deeper connections.

Interactive activities like DIY cocktail bars, group games, or communal toasts add personal touches and make the celebration even more memorable. Plus, with fewer guests, you can go the extra mile with personalized favors or handwritten notes. For even more involvement, you can organize group activities the day before or after the wedding, like a casual brunch or a sightseeing trip!

6. Personalize your wedding 

Your wedding should reflect your love story. From custom vows to curated playlists, there are endless ways to make your day unique. Consider adding family traditions, favorite dishes, or decor elements that hold sentimental value. Think about your ceremony layout too! Circular seating or candlelit aisles create intimacy and warmth. 

Don’t forget to customize small details like table settings and signage for a cohesive aesthetic. With fewer guests, you can also invest in meaningful keepsakes, like monogrammed napkins or photo albums, to cherish the memories for years to come. For entertainment, consider hiring a musician, storyteller, or even a caricature artist to keep guests engaged! These personal touches make a smaller wedding feel rich in experiences and character.

Final Thoughts

Planning a small wedding is no easy feat. When it comes to cutting down on the guest list and creating something just as magical as a traditional wedding, small weddings can get quite confusing to plan. But in this blog, we’ve put together six steps to plan your perfect small wedding today!