Forget the pressure of a huge guest list! Intimate weddings are taking centre stage, and for good reason. Small weddings, with a guest list typically ranging from 10 to 50 people, offer a unique and meaningful way to celebrate your love. Whether you’re drawn to a more focused gathering or simply want to prioritise specific aspects of your wedding day, a small wedding can be the perfect choice. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s personal, stress-free, and full of joy, an intimate wedding might be just what you’re looking for. Here are 10 reasons why a small wedding could be the perfect fit for your big day.
1. Focus on what really matters to you both
A wedding should always be about what means something to you as a couple, but we all know what it’s like… your grandma thinks you should do something her way, and Aunt Mary has an opinion on everything. It can leave you making decisions based on pleasing other people instead of creating the day of your dreams.
A small wedding throws caution to the wind. It lets you be you, and you can do things your way (which I always encourage!). You can make meaningful choices, choose the elements you love, and leave out the bits you don’t like. And you can really personalise the day with all of your favourite things.
2. Guest list
Guest lists can be one of the biggest headaches when planning your wedding. Family politics can come into play, and couples often feel intense pressure to invite people they don’t really want to be part of their day. A small wedding removes that pressure, allowing you to invite only those who truly matter to you. The result? A more intimate and meaningful experience, surrounded by the people who bring you the most joy.
3. More Time with Your Guests At A Micro Wedding
Fewer guests mean more quality time with them all. At larger weddings, it can be hard to make sure you’ve said hello to everyone, let alone have any lovely conversations. A smaller guest list makes for a more welcoming reception. No one feels left out, and you get to enjoy the company of all your guests.
4. Budget Goes Further
We all know weddings can get expensive. With each additional headcount, your budget has to stretch further and further. Of course, you can’t put a price on marrying the love of your life, and wedding planning shouldn’t just come down to money. But an intimate wedding gives you more control over how and where you spend your budget. It also means you can afford to invest in the things that are most important to you or get creative with your choice of venues – like these unique London wedding venues.
5. Spoil Your Guests
Making your guests’ experience second to none is most people’s dream. You want your wedding to be the best they’ve ever been to—an unforgettable celebration. That can be hard when you’re planning something big. Having a small wedding means you can spoil your guests. Think: the best food they’ve ever eaten at a wedding, personalised touches (from drinks to gifts), and special details that make everyone feel incredible.
6. Splash Out On Your Suppliers
Having an intimate wedding means you might also be able to splash out on the photographer, flowers, made-to-measure outfits, or any other supplier and element you’ve always dreamed about.
Beautiful photographs and videos of your wedding day are priceless. With a smaller guest list, you might be able to allocate more of your budget to hiring an incredible photographer, videographer, florist, or designer, making the day even more special.Having a micro wedding means you might also be able to splash out on the photographer, flowers, made-to-measure outfits, or any other supplier and element you’ve always dreamt about.
7. Create Elements Yourself
With fewer guests to organise, and possibly fewer suppliers to manage, an intimate wedding gives you more time to craft or create unique elements yourself—making the day even more personal. All those wonderful touches you’ve seen on Pinterest but thought you wouldn’t have the time to make? Now they’re possible!
8. More Relaxed Vibe And Less Spotlight
There can be so much stress involved with a larger wedding, from the planning to the day itself. Although, obviously, that’s where a wedding planner can help! But a small wedding can have a more relaxed vibe.
If you don’t enjoy being the centre of attention, fewer guests means less pressure. Let’s face it: the idea of standing up in front of a packed room of your friends and family can feel a bit daunting. With only your nearest and dearest present, you can relax and fully enjoy your day.
You can also be more open about your hopes and dreams in your vows and ceremony, sharing more of your story as a couple without feeling self-conscious.
9. Shorter Lead Time For A Micro Wedding
A well-designed and styled wedding usually involves lots of detail. As a creative London wedding planner, I should know! However, with fewer people to cater for, and therefore smaller orders for suppliers to arrange, a small wedding means you can have a shorter lead time and still achieve something spectacular.
10. Combine it with a mini-moon
Perhaps you like the idea of a destination wedding but don’t think it would be possible with a large guest list. With an intimate wedding, it could be an opportunity to make a weekend of it, or even a mini-moon.
See? A small wedding isn’t a lesser option—it’s just a different way to celebrate your love. It’s all about quality over quantity, creating something truly personal, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
As a creative wedding planner in London, the South East, and beyond, I can help design and plan your perfect, intimate wedding. Whether you want something stylish and unique, or a relaxed, meaningful celebration, I can take the stress off your shoulders so you can enjoy every moment.
If you’re considering a small wedding, out of choice or necessity, get in touch. I’d love to hear from you.
All images by Maja Tsolo Photography, from Hidden London Wedding venue– The Charterhouse photo shoot
