Planning a small wedding
If you want to say, ‘I Do’, sooner rather than later, here are some tips for creating an intimate gathering that you’ll always remember…
2020! What a crazy year! The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption and has been the result of weddings across the world being postponed, with many couple’s plans being cut short. The current restrictions of just 15 people are still in full swing, meaning brides and grooms all over the country are having to get creative and adapt their wedding plans for the foreseeable future – but don’t fret, lockdown hasn’t stopped love. I’ve had the luxury of capturing some of the most beautiful intimate weddings since lockdown… a small wedding is still filled with meaningful moments and can be just as stylish as the original celebration you may have had planned pre-COVID.
Love is not cancelled…
Micro-weddings have always been on the radar, but 2020 has thrown them to the forefront and they’re now the hottest trend going forward. They’re a relaxed, flexible and often a more personal option for couples, generally hosting up to 30 friends and family. They’ve been a popular choice due to their informal vibe and the fact that you often get to spend much more time with the people you really care about. A micro-wedding allows you to step away from tradition and instead plan something that feels like you!
Kirstyn + Jonnie’s intimate wedding at Crondon Park, Essex
Once you’ve got the legal side of things covered, you can start thinking about the fun stuff. Elements of your micro-wedding (such as timings and schedules) can be tailored to suit you – it really is up to you both how you plan your day and which parts you decide to keep or ditch. For instance, you may want to add in a first look – one of my favourite things to photograph and such a special time to cherish before the ceremony. However, you might find the cake cutting or first dance feels a little unnecessary. Long story short; focus on the things that mean the most to you!
It goes without saying, a micro-wedding often comes with a smaller budget as there are less guests to consider. If you’ve already saved for your celebration and you’re ready to splurge, you could spend the extra money on creating an extravagant five-course feast for your friends and family to enjoy – a personalised menu is certainly one way to spoil your guests!
There are plenty of other ways to add the wow factor to your micro-wedding, from bespoke edible favours, a stunning tablescape overflowing with florals or of course – you could go all out with your aisle style. There a few hurdles to overcome however, especially when it comes to choosing your guest list. 15 isn’t a huge amount of people to invite to your special day and it’s guaranteed to come with some awkward conversations, difficult decisions and even a few tears along the way. If you’ve got your heart set on a huge wedding with tonnes of people, why not save the party for later down the line when restrictions have been lifted? Then you can still celebrate with all of your friends and family.
In the meantime, invite those who you can’t imagine not being there with you as you exchange your vows. You also have the option of streaming your ceremony live via platforms such as Zoom – meaning everyone can get involved. If technology isn’t your bag, you can always share your wedding photographs with your friends and family members – I provide all images via a beautiful private online gallery to make it easy for sharing with friends and family after.
Georgia & Simon’s small wedding at Prested Hall, Colchester, Essex
I’ve photographed small celebrations in some of the country’s most unique locations – from enchanting woodlands to quirky city restaurants. A micro-wedding means you can choose a location that, pre-COVID, may have not been an option with a larger guest list. Just imagine all of the amazing backdrops for your wedding photographs!
In the end, it’s all about marrying the one you love…
The most important thing to remember about a micro-wedding is why you’re doing it. You want to spend the rest of your life with the one you love and in a way that is meaningful to you both. So, focus on the things you care about and enjoy every second of it…
