How to Plan the Perfect Small Wedding

Mariah Treiber

December 14, 2020

Mariah Treiber Photography
small weddings by Mariah Treiber Photography
outdoor wedding

Megan & Jeremy’s Small Wedding at Rustic Acres Farm

What are wedding dreams made of? This right here! I loved everything about Megan and Jeremy’s intimate wedding. These two wanted a simple yet romantic boho-themed ceremony. Rustic Acres Farm in picturesque Volant, Pennsylvania provided just the retreat they were looking for. 

Rustic Acres Farm wedding venue PA

We may be in the middle of a pandemic, but that doesn’t mean couples have to throw in the towel. Intimate weddings can be just as – if not more – special. I’m a huge fan of intimate weddings because they give couples the time and space they need to really enjoy their day. Plus, the couple can spend quality time with their nearest and dearest.

One of Megan and Jeremy’s family members couldn’t attend, so we FaceTimed them right into the ceremony. It was perfect and completely doable because of the smaller setup. 

small weddings

And, there’s a bonus to small weddings: more delicious food options and better drinks for you and your guests!

Megan and Jeremy opted for an outdoor wedding ceremony with a super romantic backyard reception. It was all so much fun and relaxed with all the good vibes and zero stress. There was never a moment when these two weren’t smiling. They ended their magical day dancing, eating cake, and sharing toasts beneath twinkling string lights. Cheers to the newlyweds!

Feeling Megan and Jeremy’s boho wedding vibes? Here are 3 ways to plan the perfect small wedding.

3 Steps to Planning a Romantic Small Wedding

1. Choose the Venue

First, choose a venue that fits your budget, style, and guest count. Imagine the types of photos you hope to have from your wedding day. Are you dreaming of a remote place in the mountain with a charming cabin feel? Would a family backyard wedding mean the world to you? Maybe a place with a glassy pond and trees? Or you could go with a rustic-chic farm look like Megan and Jeremy. The venue and setting set the overall tone for the wedding day and your wedding images. Opt for a venue that authentically reflects your style and personality as a couple. 

2. Narrow Down the Guest List

For some couples, this part is easy. They know they want parents and siblings and no one else. For others, this process is a bit trickier. You start adding in best friends, and then eventually, you get to people who used to be super close, but maybe you’ve grown apart over the years. And what about close aunts and uncles – or if you invite one cousin you have to invite all ten. If you don’t want your list to grow and grow, I would recommend setting a number upfront and then deciding on some criteria for each of you to follow. For instance, maybe you decide on immediate family members only, plus the wedding party (maybe 2 best friends each). If you’re worried about how others will feel, let them know that you’re planning a small wedding and inviting immediate family members for the wedding day; however, you would love to celebrate with them later. You could also send photos from the ceremony or cheerful wedding announcements so they feel included. (Live streaming is another option. But this is your special day – do what makes you happy. Loved ones will understand your decision.)

3. Plan the Details

The great thing about an intimate ceremony is that you may have a little extra moolah to spend on things that matter most to you. Maybe you’re foodies and would love to share some incredible chef-inspired food in celebration. Since you don’t have to provide 100 meals, you can spend up in that area. Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of wearing a designer wedding gown or planning a magazine-inspired wedding. Use the money you would have spent on a large venue to incorporate personalized details into your big day. Many couples use this as a chance to have a full weekend-long getaway, celebrating with those they love in a romantic location. An intimate wedding provides the opportunity and flexibility to make your big day – or weekend – your own! Make it an experience of a lifetime.

Want to see the rest of their incredible day? Check out the full story below! Enjoy.

To book your wedding or elopement, connect with me HERE — can’t wait to meet you!

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