While plenty of people go above and beyond when putting together the details of their weddings, there are countless individuals who are not interested in large or lavish affairs. For a number of same-sex couples, the idea of a small and intimate gathering of loved ones is far more appealing. However, a small wedding reception does not need to be a boring one. There are many great ways to enhance your reception and impress your guests. Consider these ideas and throw a party that perfectly captures the personalities of you and your partner. 

Explore Alternative Venues

One of the easiest ways that a same-sex couple can make the most of a small wedding reception is by selecting the right venue. With large events, you are limited to spaces that can accommodate bigger crowds. When you’re only inviting a handful of people, however, your options begin to open up. If you have a favorite restaurant that would make for a perfect spot to party after your ceremony, reach out and inquire how much it would cost to reserve the whole space. If you want to have an outdoor celebration, consider a backyard reception at home. 

Get Creative With Food

Having a wedding catered is usually the most cost-effective option when you are inviting upwards of 100 people. When the guest list is on the smaller side, you can get a bit more creative with your food options. If you and your partner consider yourselves foodies, you may want to think about hiring a personal chef for your reception. This can be the perfect way to impress your guests and indulge in a truly delectable meal. Another interesting catering alternative is renting a food truck. This is a great choice when you’re hosting an outdoor wedding.

Find the Perfect Entertainment

The right music is key to throwing a perfect wedding. When you’re planning a small gathering of your family members and friends, you can think beyond the standard DJ experience for your event. Instead, look at how much it would cost to hire actual musicians for your celebration. Having a pianist or cellist play some classical tunes while you and your guests eat dinner can make your party into a truly elegant experience. Similarly, a live band can totally transform your reception. Guests will want to dance all night thanks to the electrifying atmosphere live music creates. 

Put Your Personal Touch on Things

Plenty of couples try to save money by going the DIY route with decor. Unfortunately, exploring this option when you have 200+ people on your guest list can easily make your life a lot more difficult than it needs to be. The beauty of a small gathering is that you and your partner can put your personal touch on decorations by creating beautiful pieces by yourselves. For example, consider writing the dinner menu out by hand. The look of your handwriting will make the entire affair feel much classier and personal overall.

Give Out Great Gifts

Finally, a small guest list makes it a lot easier for you to give out gift bags that your friends and family will truly treasure. There are a number of different directions you can take this idea. A mid-range bottle of wine can make for a perfect thank-you gift that your loved ones will surely appreciate. Similarly, you may want to think about giving out a present that you have a personal connection with. If you swear by a specific brand of olive oil for cooking, your wedding can make for a great time to give out bottles to guests. 

Create a Memorable Experience

For plenty of same-sex couples, a small wedding reception is far more appealing than an event with a huge guest list. Not only can this choice save you money, but there are also plenty of great options to explore when it comes to customizing the experience.