What is an Intimate Wedding?

An “intimate" wedding is a term that has reemerged in the spotlight lately, in the wake of stay at home orders and limits on the number of people gathering. However, there are so many benefits to smaller weddings even without a global pandemic. Some of my most favorite weddings I have had the pleasure of designing + planning have consisted of guest counts less than 50! In this series I am doing with some of my fellow wedding vendors, I am so excited to get to shed light and love on smaller, intimate wedding the coming weeks! Join us each Wednesday for a different point of view + glimpse into intimate weddings.

This week, as we begin the series, we are simply digging into terminology used to describe and distinguish smaller sized gatherings and hopefully give a little insight to future brides on how smaller does not mean smaller in the sense of design or detail in any way. In fact, if you are keeping your guest count lower, you will have more to work with in terms of budget per guest; wedding details can be thoughtfully curated + personal. We are so thrilled to dive deeper with you here!

Intimate Weddings

Intimate weddings are typically with 50 or fewer people. The planning for an intimate wedding is often pretty similar to a larger wedding, these weddings just get to have more attention to details and so much more customization for your big day. An intimate wedding means that we have the means + intention with each guest to think about small details; however, you are probably still inviting a good portion of your closest family + friends. You may not have to cut many people out of your list for this! With a guest count close to 50, you are guaranteed to be able to personally thank each guest for coming, while still having a packed dance floor at the end of the evening.

Quaint Weddings

Quaint weddings are very similar to Intimate weddings but only with around 30 people. These typically consist of only family and your closest friends. Like intimate weddings, couples are able to be much more selective with curating their perfect day and making their guests feel extra special. A quaint wedding means the possibility of seating all guests together at one, long, dreamy table for dinner or writing a personalized “thank you” to each and every one. Quaint weddings can take place locally or destination (as can others, but this is the guest count where destination is typically focused) + each guest is thoughtfully selected by the bride and groom.

Elopements

Elopements are typically only the couple getting away to get married in a special place; just the two of you, intimate, special. Elopements are great because the couple gets to only focus on each other. Many couples also like to have a photographer at their ceremony along with the officiant to capture the day and be able to share it with their friends and family. Elopements may not typically require a wedding planner, but a designer/stylist is often welcome.

If you are considering a smaller wedding for you and your partner, I am so excited to get to share some of my thoughts and these special and detail-oriented days with you in the next few weeks! As mentioned above, not in every circumstance will you need a planner, you will always benefit from having a designer and stylist for wedding day, no matter the guest count. A designer/stylist helps your vision come to life with curated details and personal touches. Have a smaller guest count just means more intentionality per guest.

We would love for you to read more about intimate weddings from some of our sweet local vendor friends + see their perspective, as well. You can find a post from Amanda of Amanda Olivia Photography HERE + Whitney of Whitewood Events HERE!

Photography by Rustic White Photography