Weddings are a time-honored tradition steeped in meaning and significance, and many couples feel like they need to have a huge, over-the-top ceremony to make it memorable. But that’s not always the case! If you’re not one for big crowds and elaborate events, there are plenty of ways to keep your wedding simple and intimate without sacrificing the magic or excitement.
Keep your guest list short and sweet
Having a smaller guest list can help minimize the amount of work that goes into planning and executing the perfect wedding day. In addition, it can also help to keep costs down. Think carefully about who you want to invite, and don’t be afraid to cut out any extras. Remember, it’s your day, and the ones who should be present are only those who will make it special for you.
If you want to keep things more intimate, you can consider having a destination wedding with only close family and friends.
Choose a venue that doesn’t require a lot of decoration
It is possible to have a beautiful and memorable wedding without spending a fortune or going into debt. One way to keep your wedding simple is to choose a venue that doesn’t require a lot of decoration.
A blank canvas venue like an art gallery can be easily transformed into a beautiful event space with just a few well-placed lights and simple floral arrangements. Likewise, a park or beach setting can be stunning with just a few well-chosen items, such as flowers or an archway. If you’re set on a more traditional venue, like a hotel or banquet hall, ask about what is included in the rental fee. Many places will have essential items like tablecloths and chairs that you can use, which can save you both time and money.
Stick to a limited color palette
Less is definitely more when it comes to wedding decor. Instead of trying to incorporate every color under the sun, stick to a limited color palette for a more cohesive look and feel. Deciding on two or three shades will make it easier to choose everything from your invitations and bridesmaids’ dresses to your flowers and decorations.
Of course, you’ll want to choose colors that reflect your personal style and the overall tone of your wedding (and please, they should complement each other well). Once you’ve settled on a palette, you’ll be able to confidently move on to other aspects of wedding planning.
Keep your menu simple
There’s no need to have a multi-course meal with fancy dishes. Instead, choose a few key dishes you know everyone will enjoy, and don’t try to overdo them. Stick to tried-and-true favorites that will please a majority of your guests. A simple meal can be just as satisfying as an elaborate one, and it will leave you with more time and energy to enjoy your special day.
And, of course, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Family and friends will often be more than happy to lend a hand in the kitchen. Keeping the menu simple can take some stress out of wedding planning and let you enjoy the process a bit more.
Skip the fancy wedding cake
A large, multi-tiered wedding cake can cost hundreds of dollars; and truthfully, most of it will go uneaten. So instead, opt for a smaller, more modest cake that can easily be cut and served. If you’re open to a refreshing change from the typical wedding fare, you may also serve other delicious desserts like cupcakes, pies, or even ice cream.
There are many other ways to make your reception special, so don’t let the cake become a stressful focal point.
Choose minimalistic invitations
Wedding invitations with too much frill can be both expensive and time-consuming to assemble. The truth is, there’s no need to go overboard with intricate fonts and multiple layers of paper. Instead, a simple, clean design will get the job of sending a message to your guests done just fine.
Minimalistic invitations are beautiful and elegant, and they’ll save you precious time and money. You won’t have to worry about addressing each envelope individually, and you won’t have to spend hours sorting through RSVPs. Plus, minimalistic invitations are often easier to read and less likely to get lost in the mail.
Consider a daytime wedding
Daytime weddings tend to be less formal than evening weddings, which can make them more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone involved. And they can often be cheaper as well. In addition, a daytime ceremony lets you have the added bonus of beautiful natural light for your photos, so that’s one more thing to take note of!
Oh, did we mention it? A daytime wedding also means you’ll have more time to enjoy your honeymoon!
Have a shorter ceremony
Having a shorter ceremony will reduce the time you need to organize and rehearse (whether exchanging rings and vows or the procession of the entourage).
This will also help reduce costs and logistical complications, since it will minimize the amount of time you need to rent the venue, hire other vendors, and do other things that go into wedding planning. Additionally, it will allow you to focus on the most significant aspects of your wedding day.
Every wedding is unique, and there’s no right or wrong way to do things. But a simpler one is often less stressful to plan, and it can be more enjoyable for both the couple and their guests.
Skip the wedding favors
You might think wedding favors are a must-have, but hear us out. Unfortunately, favors can often become more trouble than they’re worth. Not only do you have to take the time to find and purchase them, but you will also have to deal with the logistics of getting them to your guests on the big day.
And let’s be honest, most guests don’t even remember what favors they got after the reception is over. So why bother? If you’re looking for a way to simplify your wedding, skipping the favors is a great place to start.
Wrapping Up
Weddings can be quite a production. And while there’s nothing wrong with wanting to pull out all the stops for your special day, sometimes it’s nice to keep things simple. What are your thoughts on these? Share them with us in the comments below!
*Many thanks to Katie Pierce, Content Writer for this great blog full of tips!