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Small weddings are definitely coming back in vogue, and it’s easy to understand why. A small wedding costs less and gives the couple an opportunity to spend quality time with a few select guests. Even though your guest list is small, your wedding is no less important than the typical 100-person affair. Speaking as a celebrant, intimate wedding ceremonies are my absolute favourite. There’s a real sense of joy throughout the room, and the couple work hard to make every guest feel special.

Are you planning an intimate wedding? Here are my top tips:

1. Choose an all-in-one venue

One of the reasons couples choose an intimate wedding is so they can spend more time enjoying the company of their guests (instead of running around making small talk and getting photographs). So eliminate other time-sucks by choosing a venue where you can perform the ceremony and host the reception. You could even choose a venue such as a hotel or lodge where guests could stay over, further eliminating the need to organize transport or sober drivers. Simple!

2. Avoid Hard Feeling with Invites

Sometimes, people’s feelings get hurt when you have an intimate wedding and don’t invite them. Of course, this isn’t your intention!

When sending out your invitations, let your guests know that it is a small ceremony – that way, hopefully they won’t go blabbing to all and sundry that they got an invite.

If anyone asks why they’re not invited, explain calmly and kindly that you’ve chosen to have only a small group of “immediate family” only. You could also hold a more informal BBQ “reception” at your home at a later date and invite your extended friends and family, while keeping the actual wedding small.

3. Make it personal

An intimate wedding is an opportunity to do things your way and let your personality shine. So add your own touches to every aspect, from choosing the wine to be served with dinner to writing your own ceremony and vows.

4. Choose entertainment wisely

Entertainment needs to fit the style and tastes of your guests. You don’t want to hire a band for 20 guests and be the only two dancing! Think carefully about what your guests would find enjoyable, and don’t be afraid to look outside the square. I recently officiated a wedding where the couple and their guests spent a few enjoyable hours playing pool and table tennis!

5. Involve Guests in the Ceremony

In an intimate wedding, guests are able to experience the actual ceremony on a more personal, emotional level. Guests will often surround a couple in a protective circle, and can hear and see every word of the ceremony. Embrace this intimacy by having guests light candles, perform readings and music, give blessings, and even pronounce you wed!

6. Splash out on food

A small guest list means only a few mouths to feed, so why not spend your wedding dollars giving those mouths the experience of a lifetime … within budget, of course. Do something unique that you wouldn’t be able to do with a bigger group, such as booking a table at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, or getting your favourite hotel to cater a champagne high tea.

7. Include some fun, light-hearted touches

Intimate wedding photos are always filled with light and laughter. Couples wear gumboots, bring their beloved pets, kiss over toy dinosaurs, and genuinely embrace their wackier side!

Intimate weddings are sweet, romantic and beautiful way to celebrate your union with your closest friends and family.

Are you having an intimate wedding? What are your tips and ideas?