How to have a small, intimate wedding

Planning and organising a wedding is a lot of work. You’ll be faced with – what seems like – never ending questions and challenges you have to find the solution to. And when it comes to your big day, we think you’ll agree that size plays a big part. Whilst large, extravagant celebrations mean you don’t have to worry about leaving friends and family out, smaller weddings are perfect for creating a more intimate day with those closest and dearest to you. And just because there are less people doesn’t mean the atmosphere will be any less vibrant.

Planned well, an intimate wedding party of 70 guests or fewer can be just as much fun as a party of 300+! And often more meaningful! So let’s take a closer look at how to successfully have a small, intimate wedding!

The perks of small weddings

From offering your closest friends and family an extraordinary wedding experience to taking some of the typical pressures away during the planning, intimate weddings have a plethora of benefits that make them pretty irresistible.

Prioritising costs

For many of us, cost is the first thing we consider when organising the big day. It guides the rest of the planning and has a significant influence over the end result.

Opting for a wedding party of 70 guests or below will free up a lot of your budget and allow you to prioritise what really matters to you. After all, this is your big day!

From your choice of venue and accommodation arrangements to the wedding breakfast and evening entertainment, smaller weddings give your more freedom to design the day you’ve always dreamed of!

Time well spent

Fewer guests means more time for you and your other half to ‘make the rounds’, which means you can spend more time with each person who has attended your wedding.

You’ll be able to dedicate time to visiting each table during the wedding breakfast and dance with each guest on the evening. This not only means your time is better spent, but makes for a much more enjoyable and special day for your loved ones.

And with less guests to worry about, you are far more likely to find accommodation for everyone under one roof.

Boasting a small number of charming rooms, Heaton House Farm is perfect if you want to keep all your loved ones close during your big day, from start to finish. Our on-site accommodation can host up to 40 guests.

A meaningful venue

For many happy couples, ‘the perfect venue’ has been at the forefront of your mind since the proposal. It is one of the most important aspects of any wedding day, and can set the scene and atmosphere for the entire day.

With a smaller and more intimate guest list, you can enjoy much more flexibility when it comes to choosing the perfect space. And don’t worry – you won’t be limited to ‘small banquet rooms.’

Here at Heaton House Farm, we’ll help you adapt the venue to meet your needs and create the vibe you are looking for. All of our rooms, for example, can be resized to cater to the size of your party and the feel you want to achieve

With rustic charm, high ceilings and authentic oak beams, even parties with less than 45 guests feel lively. And with a stunning outdoor space available too, there’s no limit to the amount of space you can make your own.

Top tips for planning intimate weddings

Just because there are less guests to cater too, doesn’t mean planning an intimate wedding is any easier than something more extravagant!

Pay attention to the little things

From flowers and transportation to wedding favours and name cards, with less guests to worry about you can spend more time on the little things. The things that are going to make your wedding one to remember. And the extra touches that are going to make your wedding special for everyone involved.

Focus on entertainment

With larger parties, finding the right entertainment that everyone will enjoy is difficult. So often, couples opt for mainstream options to avoid going wrong.

However, smaller guest lists mean you (should) know the likes and dislikes of everyone invited. This means you can focus on finding entertainment your guests will love.

And with extra budget, you could even opt for a handful of performers or musicians to transform your day into something truly memorable!

It’s intimate, keep it that way

Small intimate weddings are just that – intimate. They’re magical, they’re special, and more than anything they’re romantic. Or at least they should be.

Try keeping it as personal as possible by keeping everyone as close to you and each other as possible. From seating arrangements during the ceremony to breakfast the next day, try and keep everyone involved throughout for a perfectly magical experience.

Make it an event

Use the small number of guests to your advantage and stretch out your big day over a few days. This is perfect if you can find a stunning and extravagant venue that can cater to your needs from the ceremony right through to the rooms to stay overnight!

Ask for advice

Planning a wedding – big or small – can be a scary task to take on. So don’t be afraid of asking for help. Even the most intimate of events needs careful planning before and throughout to guarantee a seamless day from start to finish.