There’s a misconception floating around that a wedding must be big, extravagant, and packed with guests to feel “special.” But let’s set the record straight: a small wedding can be every bit as magical, meaningful, and fabulous—if not more so—than a grand affair.
Whether you’re planning a micro-wedding with 20 guests or an intimate elopement for just the two of you, the beauty of going small is that you can go big on personality, comfort, and intentionality. Here’s how to plan a small wedding that still feels like the event of a lifetime.
The guest list: choose your circle intentionally
One of the key advantages of a small wedding is that you only surround yourself with the people who matter most.
Tips for curating your guest list:
- Focus on relationships, not expectations. Invite those who genuinely support and uplift your love story.
- Ditch the guilt. You don’t have to invite distant cousins, plus-ones you’ve never met, or your mum’s tennis partner.
- Create a ‘would I miss them if they weren’t there?’ rule—and stick to it.
Remember: smaller guest lists mean more time to connect, better conversation, and less stress.
The venue: make it uniquely yours
Small weddings open the door to non-traditional, personal venues that might not be possible with a larger crowd.
Venue ideas for small weddings:
- A boutique hotel rooftop
- A sun-drenched beach cove or clifftop lookout
- A registry office followed by a chic lunch
- Your family garden, favourite café, or even an art gallery
Many intimate venues offer exclusive-use packages, so you still get that “all eyes on you” feeling—just in a more relaxed setting.
Tip: Always check venue capacity limits in advance to make sure your final headcount aligns.
The dress: go all out or keep it chic—your call
Just because your guest list is small doesn’t mean your look has to be. You can still walk down the aisle in the dress of your dreams—the one that makes you feel confident, radiant, and completely you.
Dress ideas for small weddings:
- A full-length gown with a dramatic veil for a classic statement
- A chic jumpsuit or tea-length dress for a modern twist
- Vintage or secondhand finds that tell a story
- A bold colour if white’s not your vibe
Whether it’s just you and your partner or 30 close guests, how you feel in your dress matters most.
The details: personalise everything you can
Fewer guests mean more room in the budget for personal touches that wow—without the stress of large-scale coordination.
Small wedding luxuries to indulge in:
- Handwritten letters or notes for each guest
- Custom cocktails named after your love story
- A live acoustic musician for ceremony and drinks
- Personalised menus, name cards, and floral favours
- An indulgent tasting menu or family-style dinner instead of buffet service
This is your chance to treat your guests to something meaningful and memorable, not just traditional.
The memories: quality over quantity
One of the best things about an intimate wedding? You’ll actually remember every face in the room.
With fewer people, your photographer can:
- Capture more candid, emotional moments
- Spend time on relaxed portraits
- Highlight the details that matter—your vows, your laughter, your stolen glances
Pro tip: Ask your photographer for a “documentary-style” package to focus on natural, unposed moments.
The experience: slow it down and soak it up
Small weddings often feel less rushed and more relaxed, which gives you time to be fully present.
You can:
- Share a quiet pre-ceremony moment with your partner
- Personally greet and thank every guest
- Sneak away for a sunset walk or a 15-minute breather between events
- End the night with your closest people, dancing under fairy lights or sipping cocktails by a fire
It’s your day. Enjoy it at your pace.
Final word: small doesn’t mean less
Don’t let anyone tell you that a small wedding isn’t “real” or that it can’t be spectacular. Some of the most beautiful, intimate, and joy-filled weddings are those that focus on authenticity, not scale.
Whether you’re having five guests or 50, your love is what makes the day unforgettable. So go ahead—dream big, plan small, and create a wedding that’s all about you two and the people you hold closest.
