Let us start off by saying that everyone has a different vision for their big day. Some have always dreamed of the classic fairytale wedding in an elegant ballroom complete with enchanting floral arrangements. Others think of the ideal as eloping to Las Vegas and having an Elvis impersonator serenade them down the aisle. The truth is that every wedding is beautiful, as it symbolizes a lifelong promise.
If you’ve never really had a vision for your wedding or are feeling pressured to please, you might find it reassuring to learn that micro-weddings and smaller-sized weddings have begun to attract many engaged couples in the past few years. Wedding trends constantly change, just like how electric cars have revolutionized the automotive industry and casinos that accept ACH online payments are beginning to dominate the iGaming space.
While the concept of a lavish wedding day might be enticing, there are countless benefits to an intimate wedding that range from cost savings to a better focus on what’s most important. Think a small wedding could be just what your marriage needs? Here are a few of the pros.
Less Stress and Chaos
There are no two ways about it—planning a wedding is stressful, especially if you’re not extraordinarily wealthy. According to The Knot, only 37% of couples hired a professional wedding planner in 2023. Considering that the average cost of a planner increases by a few hundred dollars every year, it’s not that surprising. As well, many couples like to have more control over the decision-making and discovery process. But the fact remains that figuring out when, how, and what to book and buy becomes stressful and overwhelming.
Choosing a smaller venue, inviting only the people you truly want to be there on your big day, and focusing more on personalization and less on extravagance will mean fewer frills to worry about and a lot less chaos.
Financial Benefits
Weddings aren’t just traditionally a hassle to plan over months; they can also be outrageously expensive. Although most people start with a budget and try to stick to it as much as possible, costs often add up unexpectedly and come out of nowhere. There are the big expenses, like the venue, the photographer and videographer, the day-of coordinator, the outfits, the wedding party costs, the catering, and all the other bits and bobs like decorations, cake, wedding bands, invitations, wedding favors, flowers… At this point, we’re out of breath.
Don’t forget that the wedding industry is just that—an industry. Businesses are still trying to make profits and know that people are willing to fork out top prices for the best offerings, which means you’ll have to play it smart. While the motto ‘you get what you pay for’ rings true, a small wedding can reduce the number of vendors you need and allow you to focus your budget on the elements you care about most. With all these cost savings safe and sound in your bank account, you can put those funds towards your honeymoon or preparing for the future.
More Intimate Celebration
Do you really want to invite your mom’s aunt’s second cousin twice-removed, or are you just doing it because you’re inviting everyone and feel like you need to invite them too? Larger weddings can lead to difficult decisions when it comes to putting together a guest list, but telling people in advance that you’re having an intimate celebration with a select few can reduce the pressure.
With only your best friends and more immediate family members attending the wedding, you can make sure you only have people who genuinely have a close relationship with you there. Maybe you’ll also want to choose an intimate venue, like a backyard wedding, a charming bed and breakfast, a restaurant, or a boutique hotel, to match your smaller guest list.
This intimate setting will allow you and your partner to feel more relaxed. It’ll also remove the potentially ‘performative’ nature of traditionally large weddings and let you focus on enjoying the food, music, love, and all the hard work you’ve put into planning the event.
Quality Over Quantity
When you’ve got hundreds of guests to please, it’s common to try and cut costs by spending less on certain items. Maybe you’ve realized that going with a more basic caterer and opting out of a late-night food option will save you about a thousand dollars, or perhaps you need to sacrifice that live music hire because you feel like you can’t afford it. With a smaller venue and fewer guests, you have the freedom to invest in quality items you actually want at your wedding rather than simply trying to please your guests or accommodate your tight budget.
Couples can sometimes forget that the most important part of the wedding is them, which means each detail should feel meaningful and align to their wishes. These thoughtful decisions can end up making your day even more special than it already is.
Sets a Precedent for Marriage
With a smooth sailing wedding day, the right people attending, and money saved and not overspent, you’ll set up a great foundation for married life. The decisions you make for your wedding and on your wedding day are often a great reflection of how both of you will approach your union. After all, planning a wedding is no easy feat—it involves handling challenges, pressure, and a lot of decision-making. It’s a true test to see what you’ll prioritize, how you communicate, and how you compromise, which are all essential for a successful marriage.