Tips for a More Intimate Wedding

People are fed up with the same formulaic wedding packages – which you have to follow if the numbers are larger.  If you have smaller numbers, then you have more options to be more creative in what you offer.  Many people are now having fewer people, but maybe extending it over 2 days with a Wedding Day followed by a Recovery Party or the family Rehearsal Dinner followed by the Wedding Day.  And by doing it this way, you could invite a different group of people to each.  Why not have your important family and friends to your wedding day, but then invite your work colleagues, more distant relations, etc to the Recovery Day.  It makes it more about spending quality time with the people that really matter.

It’s more about having the people you really want.  Many venues ask that you guarantee a certain number in order to get a Friday or Saturday night.  This is usually around 150-200 people.  So if your numbers drop below this number, you are essentially paying for the ‘empty seats’.  So then it becomes a situation of ‘rent a crowd’ to make up the numbers.  That doesn’t make it feel very special.  The issue then is to find a venue that is flexible with the guaranteed numbers.

People have smaller weddings not just necessarily to save money – although that could be a by-product.  It usually is more about spending your budget on what is important to you and on those who really matter to you. Who can get around to talk to 200 people in one evening?  It’s more about the quality of time. More intimate – so it feels more unique and special to not only you, but for your guests as well.

Our Top Tips

Choose Venue Wisely

Smaller groups can feel a little lost in a big room. Bring them together! Ensure that your venue can adapt and configure a room to meet the needs of your party. There is no point having them spread out in a large room. One long banquet table can be great fun if it works for your numbers.

Make sure also that if you are having your ceremony onsite, that it has an option to suit the size of your group. Many venues may only have the one room for ceremonies and the one size room for reception.

Ambience

With a small group this is a huge factor. Less people can be awkward of the mood and tone is not considered. Heating in the room is very important and background music to create ambience is also essential. Lighting can help hugely to give a room a welcoming, warm feel. With small groups you can never have enough candles lighting. If it’s a winter wedding, see if an open fire is an option. This really brings people together.

Music

Since you have a smaller wedding, you wont need a large band. Try to source a band that can offer a few different styles. So for example maybe they could play acoustic guitar for the cocktail reception or before or after dinner, and then turn it up a notch for the dancing.

Food

The most talked about elements of a wedding are usually the food and the service. So give your guests something to talk about! Skip favours or too much décor on the table, and spend the difference on a better dining experience. With a smaller group there is more freedom to be creative with your menu. Don’t feel obliged to fit the mold of a certain amount set of course. See if your venue are willing to consider sharing plates for some courses. For example, the first or second course can be brought to the table on sharing platters. This is a good way to get the conversation going between small groups who may not know each other. It brings a family feel and helps people to get more comfortable with each other. A smaller group means you can really make it a culinary experience for your guests. Don’t bother with courses that are only acting as fillers. Spend the money on a better main course.

Fun Activities

See if there are any down times, like between courses for example, where you can incorporate some fun elements. Maybe get some guests or bridesmaids to read out interesting facts about the date of the wedding, but 100 years previous. These can be googled in advance and add some entertainment for your group. Maybe guests would be willing to share their stories about the bride and groom.

Speeches

With smaller groups, it is possible to make the speeches more casual and relaxed. You could actually do the speeches during the drinks reception. This takes a lot of stress away for the groom in particular.

To discover how Ballinacurra House can work for your numbers, get in touch 021 4779040 [email protected]