Small Wedding Myths
In a recent post – 2021 Wedding Trends I discussed intimate weddings as my #1 predicted ‘trend’ in 2021 and I think this concept is sure to stick around for a while, beyond these COVID times. After a year of uncertainty, planning and re-planning, the word ‘micro wedding’ became a bit of a buzz word synonymous with ANY viable nuptial, but I wanted to use this blog to really break down this concept and re define these celebrations simply as ‘small’ weddings.
A small wedding is defined by brides.com as an intimate affair, typically with no more than 50 guests. These are essentially smaller versions of traditional weddings, but are no less special. The small weddings planned by AME last summer proved to be gorgeous, sentimental and exceeded client and guest expectations. I was so touched by all our brilliant couples who proceeded with their weddings, despite a very tough planning process. Through this experience I think couples and their families have learned a lot about the beauty of living in the moment and prioritizing the overall wedding experience for their guests. Below, I want to address some common myths I hear when discussing intimate wedding options with my couples.
MYTH #1 I can’t have the wedding I want.
INCORRECT. Any of my couples will tell you that a small wedding is quite the opposite. You can ABSOLUTELY still have the flowers, the photographer, the gown AND the celebration with a smaller guest count AND it will land you under your original ‘large wedding’ budget. Small weddings are still stylized, beautiful celebrations full of memories to cherish with your nearest and dearest and with some of the cost savings, you can afford to splurge on enhanced décor like custom favors or elevated table centers. The sky is the limit on the décor front!
MYTH #2 Planning a small wedding will be easier than planning a large wedding.
While planning a small wedding can be fun and also allows you to focus more on your partner, there is definitely still stress involved just as with any milestone event. There are decisions to be made, often quickly if you’ve made a decision to just Do the Damn Thing already as restrictions start to lift in your region. You also have the delicate issue of a reduced guest list, increased communication to your guests about health protocols and the same volume of correspondence with your vendors (if not a little more). The stress is manageable, but it still exists. This is where a wedding planner will support you by dedicating time and expertise to help deliver your wedding in the safest means possible.
MYTH #3 Small Weddings lack a ‘party’ atmosphere.
From experience last summer, we can share this was definitely NOT the case. With 50 guests or less, this means only those closest to you will celebrate in person and you will actually be able to interact with everyone at your wedding in a meaningful way. Those on the coveted guest list are honoured to attend and likely (hopefully) have been limiting their contacts in the months prior to the wedding in anticipation of the big soiree. These guests are SO excited for you that they are dedicated to creating an incredible energy for your wedding reception. We experienced wedding receptions going well into the night at all our weddings last year, (more so than many of our larger weddings in the past).
You can ABSOLUTELY still have the flowers, the photographer, the gown AND the celebration with a smaller guest count AND it will land you under your original ‘large wedding’ budget.
MYTH #4 My venue options are limited with a small wedding.
We’d argue you have MORE options available! With a smaller guest count, your wedding can be wherever you want it to be and it doesn’t have to be in any formal venue. We have seen some pretty amazing backyard / cottage weddings and intimate Airbnb weddings. Also, think about restaurants or bars that are sentimental to you and your partner. These are all terrific options with meaning attached.
MYTH #5 I should expect to pay less for my small wedding.
This is a little more of a grey area – regardless of the size wedding you have, there are some vendors (photographer, videographer for example) who will just cost the same as a regular wedding based on their payment fees. Anything based on the NUMBER of guests, on the other hand will be less (catering, chair rentals etc.) We found that couples planning small weddings still ended up paying anywhere between $18,000 - $30, 000 so ultimately your budget simply comes down to priorities.
MYTH #6 If I plan a small wedding I will face backlash from our family and friends.
Without a doubt, this concern comes up the most so just remember this is NOT your fault! As long as the couple works to provide clear and early communication, your guests will absolutely understand. Most importantly, before announcing your wedding through social media, talk to your parents and closest friends first. Explain why you want to get married and in order to do that, you must do a small wedding and what it means to you. Wedding websites along with clear and consistent communication directing guests to your wedding website is your best bet. Bonus points if you design a custom digital piece to compliment your day-of stationery.
With a smaller guest count, your wedding can be wherever you want it to be and it doesn’t have to be in any formal venue.
As an extension of the small wedding concept, In 2021, we are further supporting couples opting for a sustainable, inclusive small wedding concept as we launch the Pop-Up Chapel
The Pop-Up Up Chapel Co. offers couples a one-of-a-kind wedding experience with a complete and inclusive package. With a few easy steps, you’ll leave the Chapel as a married couple full of beautiful memories, feeling good knowing your wedding day made a positive impact.
The Pop-Up chapel launches this July at the uber cool Non Such Brewery in Winnipeg. Click Here for more information and learn how a socially distanced chapel is still #CoolerThanCityHall
Looking to plan a small wedding of your own? Send me an email alli@allimae.com