Weddings come in all shapes and sizes. Some couples want to have the type of event seen in movies and during telecasts of royal nuptials. However, not all people are as enticed by the grandiose. For many, the perfect wedding is one that is as small as it is intimate. Though it may paint a pretty picture, this type of celebration still requires thought and effort. In fact, you may find there are a few extra challenges. Look over these tips and plan in advance for some of the bigger obstacles encountered when planning an intimate wedding.

The Guest List

Perhaps the most complicated task is figuring out the guest list. Fewer invitees mean that you’ll be able to save money in a number of areas. However, you also need to make the decision of whom to invite. If you have a very small social group, this should not be a huge challenge. For everyone else, you will need to be resolute in where you draw the figurative line. You might hurt some feelings, but you have to stand firmly by your decision in order to throw your wedding the way you envision. 

The Announcement

How you announce your engagement is something you should take into consideration early. Yle you may feel excited to tell the whole world the news via social media. You also will be alerting everyone you know that invitations to your wedding will be mailed out in the near future. When people expect invitations to a wedding and don’t receive them, it can lead to uncomfortable tension. While you shouldn’t hide your engagement, think about how you make the information known to those who will not be getting invited. 

Typically, telling people that you plan on having a very small affair is enough to get them to understand. Still, be prepared for awkward conversations or odd encounters with some individuals when planning an intimate wedding.

The Venue

Locating a space that will be comfortable for a small group can be as much of a challenge as finding a big enough venue to fit hundreds of guests. A majority of traditional venues are designed to accommodate the average number of wedding guests, which falls around 200 people. If you’re hosting a gathering with less than 50, you may feel like you’re wasting money by opting for a larger room. While it may be a bit difficult, creativity will help in volumes. 

Some couples find that having the wedding on the property of a family member or friend can be a great way to keep the event feeling cozy. Familiarity tends to give people a sense of ease, allowing the group to enjoy the night the way they would an event in a traditional venue.

The Entertainment

Another interesting area to think over with smaller weddings is entertainment. Hiring a DJ so that a few dozen people can dance may feel pointless. The fewer people in a room, the less likely it is that the entire night will be spent on the dance floor. If your crowd doesn’t really dance to begin with, explore alternate routes. In this case, a live band may be the better choice. Though more expensive, you’re more likely to have the crowd feel engaged when there’s the electricity of live tunes in the air. 

The size and scope of your wedding are entirely dependent on what you want from the event. If your goal is to throw a small affair, all you need to do to ensure the plans go off without a hitch is think over the details. With a little effort, you will have no trouble meeting each challenge with confidence.