Many couples today are choosing to have an intimate, small wedding instead of a large, lavish affair.

A small wedding offers a cozy atmosphere focused on bringing your close friends and family members together for a heartfelt ceremony and celebration.

If you're considering a romantic small wedding, read on to learn more about creating a special day for you and your VIP guests.

We've also provided small wedding ideas and a section about holding a small destination wedding.

What Defines a Small Wedding?

Though a "small" wedding is subjective, typically guest counts of 50 people or less are considered intimate affairs.

But any wedding where you're only inviting your inner circle can fall into the small wedding category.

The benefits of an intimate small wedding stem from keeping the focus on quality time with your closest family and friends.

Pros of Planning a Small Wedding

There are many advantages couples can enjoy by opting for a small wedding. Here are just a few of them.

Special Moments with Guests

For one thing, an intimate event allows for a greater connection with your wedding guests. You'll be able to spend meaningful time with each guest when the headcount is low.

Your Budget Will Thank You

Small weddings are also a more affordable choice. Generally, venues, catering services, and other vendors charge less for smaller guest counts.

That frees you to splurge on something important to you, whether it's that designer wedding gown you've been eyeing, a videographer, or some of your costlier small wedding ideas.

You'll Be Better Able to Go All Out for Your Wedding Guests

The lower costs associated with smaller weddings can also make nicer meals, gifts, and entertainment for your guests more doable.

Smaller Weddings Can Simplify Your Planning

While this isn't always the case, planning a small wedding can involve less stress than putting together a larger affair.

You Can Create a More Focused Experience

Everything from your first look and ceremony to your reception will feel more intentional and relaxed when you have a smaller, more intimate celebration.

Potential Cons to Weigh

That said, small weddings also come with a few potential downsides.

People May Feel Left Out

Only inviting a small circle could offend extended family and friends.

You May Have a Less Lively Dancefloor

If you envision a party atmosphere with the energy of a packed dancefloor, a small wedding may not be able to deliver.

That's not to say you can't have dancing and all of the fun that comes with it. You'll just have less people joining you.

You Should Anticipate a Smaller Gift Haul

Fewer guests will probably result in fewer wedding presents. Keep your registries modest.

Your Venue Options May be Impacted

Some venues have 50+ person minimums, even for small wedding packages.

If you want a small wedding, ask about this as you research locations.

Be Ready for A Shorter Celebration

Don't expect a big production with a long reception and multiple dances. A smaller wedding generally will be a simpler, more straightforward affair.

If you don't mind letting go of a huge guest list and feel you can avoid offense through tactful communication, the benefits tend to outweigh the cons for couples who value a more intimate celebration.

Key Features of a Small Wedding

If you've decided an intimate wedding is right for you, let's look at some signature features that characterize small weddings.

An Intimate Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony sets the tone for your intimate wedding celebration.

Here are small small wedding ideas and key features to keep in mind.

-Inviting only your nearest and dearest: Keep the guest list to less than 50 people comprising your closest inner circle.

-Minimal wedding party: A small wedding definitely can include a wedding party, but you likely won't need as many bridesmaids/groomsmen with a small crowd.

-Subtle decor: Keep your ceremony decor simple with minimal flowers and decorations.

-Incorporating children: You may want to include nieces, nephews, and other young family members by having them do short readings or songs.

-Signature cocktail hour: Host a bespoke cocktail hour with your favorite drinks and foods.

-Reception: The reception is your chance to treat your nearest and dearest to a good time.

Your Reception

Small wedding reception elements can include:

-A small or boutique wedding venue: Consider a small wedding venue or a wedding venue that offers intimate event spaces.

-Family-style dinner: Serve dinner family-style at a large shared table to keep things cozy.

-Intimate cake: Keep your cake minimal like a single-tier or cupcake tower to share.

-Signature drinks: Work with bartenders to create custom cocktails for your small group.

-Dedicated MC: Hire a dedicated MC to engage your small crowd on the dance floor.

-Personalized decor: Use family photos, favorite flowers, and homemade touches in your decor.

-Send-off: Do a special champagne toast instead of a large-scale grand exit.

Who to Invite to a Small Wedding

Trimming down your guest list is tricky but important. Be sure to include your immediate family, including parents, siblings, and grandparents.

You may also want to include the extended family members, aunts/uncles, cousins, nieces/nephews you are closest to you.

Don't forget your oldest and dearest friends. Another possibility could be mentors: coaches, teachers, and others who have had a significant impact on your life.

Be prepared to accept the fact that some friends, extended family, and colleagues simply won't make a pared-down small wedding guest list.

Managing Expectations with a Small Wedding

Instead of letting the possibility of hurt feelings dissuade you from a small wedding if that's what you want, do as much as you can to get the word out about your plans and manage expectations tactfully.

This can be a sensitive topic to navigate. Here are some tips for managing expectations gracefully:

Break the News Early

Once you've set your small guest list number, start spreading the word casually in conversation at family events and with friends.

Explain Your Reasoning

Emphasize that you're focused on having a more modest, close-knit affair that allows quality time with close friends and family. Make it clear it's not personal.

Send Announcements

After your wedding, send printed or digital announcements to share news of your marriage with those who couldn't attend.

Host a Post-Wedding Event

Having an open house reception, party, backyard BBQ, or casual meet-up allows more people to celebrate you as a married couple.

Share Photos Publicly

After the wedding, post a few photos publicly on social media to include more extended connections in your happiness.

Send Personalized Notes

Send handwritten cards to those you wish could have attended, expressing how much they mean to you.

Express Gratitude

Send prompt thank you notes to anyone who sends a gift or kind wishes regardless of attendance.

With understanding and creativity, you can enjoy a small wedding while minimizing hurt feelings. The important thing is to make your small number of attendees feel extra special.

How to Plan Your Dream Small Wedding

Follow these key steps when planning your intimate wedding from start to finish:

Set Your Guest List Number

Decide on a hard cap for your number of guests first. Let this guide all planning.

Pick Your Important Splurges

With a smaller budget, choose two or three things like food, photography, or music to invest in.

Find an Intimate Wedding Venue

Research and visit venues to find the location that feels right to you—and can meet your needs.

Send Save-the-Date Cards

Tip off your VIP guests about your plans six to 12 months before your wedding date.

Hire Supportive Vendors

Find vendors experienced and excited to do small events.

Utilize Rentals

Renting items like chairs, glassware, and linens saves money with small guest counts.

Send Online Invites

Save money by emailing invites through online wedding platforms

Should You Hire a Wedding Planner?

When planning a small wedding, you may be on the fence about whether you need to hire a professional planner. Here are some factors to consider when making this decision:

Pros of a Wedding Planner

-Handles logistics you may overlook when new to planning.

-Helps design floorplan, order rentals, manage vendors, and other tasks.

-Provides guidance on etiquette questions.

-Keeps you on track with timelines and budget.

-Diffuses family opinions and personality conflicts.

-Allows you to relax and enjoy your special day.

-Can provide proven small wedding ideas.

Cons of a Professional Planner

-Costs a portion of your budget you may prefer to save.

-You give up control over certain decisions.

-With a small guest list, you may not need an "expert."

In general, hiring a wedding planner, even just for day-of coordination, can be worth the investment to reduce stress.

But couples comfortable doing their own planning can also pull off a small wedding seamlessly on their own.

Talk to trusted vendors and married friends to decide what's right for you. The choice comes down to your budget, planning style, and priorities.

Small Destination Weddings

For couples who love to travel, a destination wedding with an intimate guest list can be the perfect combination. Here are some tips for planning a small wedding in a favorite destination:

Selecting a Destination

Choose a place that is special to you, whether it's where you got engaged, had your first vacation together, or have always dreamed of visiting.

Research locations that are easy for your VIP group to access.

Send Save-the-Dates Early

To allow extra time for travel planning, send save-the-date notices at least 10-12 months in advance of your small destination wedding date.

Book Group Room Blocks

At hotels near your wedding location, reserve room blocks for your guests to easily book accommodations together. Negotiate group rates.

Host Welcome Events

Plan airport transfers, a welcome cocktail party, a group dinner, or other events so out-of-town guests can spend time together.

Help with Travel

Provide guests with transportation, recommended flight/hotel options, area recommendations, and an itinerary to simplify travel.

Capture the Location

Hire a local photographer to beautifully document your wedding backdrop and hire vendors familiar with the area.

Scout on a Trip

Take an advance-planning trip to tour venues, caterers, and florists and secure all the elements with local vendors.

By giving guests ample notice and planning assistance, you'll be able to gather your nearest and dearest in your dream destination for an unforgettable small wedding.

Creative Small Wedding Ideas

One advantage of a small wedding is the ability to get creative and personalize all aspects of your day.

Here are some small romantic wedding ideas for you to consider:

-Purposeful decor: Use decor representative of special memories like vacation souvenirs and ticket stubs.

-Bespoke menu: Work with chefs to plan a customized multi-course menu for your small wedding filled with your favorite foods.

-Sentimental music: Have a playlist of songs that are particularly meaningful to you.

-Personalized vows: Pen your own vows to share rather than using traditional scripted vows.

-Specialty entertainment: Consider something special, whether it's a band that specializes in cover tunes for your favorite group or a specialty entertainment like a magician or stand-up comedian. Or, invite a close friend or family member sing or perform in some way during your ceremony or reception.

-Guest involvement: You also can ask loved ones to do readings or share memories during your ceremony.

Small Wedding Themes

Opting for a small wedding is an excellent opportunity to be creative with your theme and overall aesthetic. Consider these charming little wedding ideas to transform your intimate celebration into something truly special and memorable.

Romantic Themes

-Enchanted Garden: This theme is perfect for a spring or summer wedding. Decorate with soft flowers, fairy lights, and draped fabric. You could have your ceremony in a botanical garden or a backyard filled with flowers.

-Vintage Chic: A vintage chic theme is perfect for a wedding with a touch of elegance. Decorate with lace, pearls, and antique furniture. You could have your ceremony in a historic mansion or a vintage library.

-Travel Inspired: This is a fun theme for couples who love to travel. Decorate with globes, maps, and postcards from places you've been together. You could have your ceremony at a train station or an airport hangar.

Cozy Themes

-Backyard Bonfire: Create a warm and intimate atmosphere by decorating with string lights, lanterns, and blankets. You can roast marshmallows and tell stories around the fire after the ceremony.

-Wine & Cheese Night: This approach is ideal for a small, sophisticated wedding. Decorate with grapes, wine bottles, and cheese boards.

-Game Night: This is a fun and interactive theme for a small romantic wedding with a playful spirit. Decorate with board games, cards, and puzzles.

The Bell Tower is an intimate wedding venue with customizable packages for small weddings.

Our purpose-built Houston venue features a beautiful garden setting.

Learn more about holding a wedding here.