The benefits of smaller weddings: why more couples are opting for intimate ceremonies

By Kineta Booker

In recent years, smaller weddings - those with fewer than 30 guests - have grown in popularity. Once seen as an unconventional choice, intimate micro weddings and elopements have become increasingly mainstream, with couples opting for more personal, low-key celebrations. Whether driven by budget considerations, a desire for a more meaningful experience, or the lasting effects of the global pandemic, intimate weddings offer a range of benefits that larger celebrations simply cannot.

One of the key reasons couples are choosing to scale back on their guest lists is the desire to create a more personal and meaningful wedding experience. With fewer guests, the couple can ensure that every person present holds a special place in their lives. The smaller guest list allows for more intimate conversations, deeper connections, and the opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. Many couples find that, with a reduced guest list, they can make the experience feel more authentic and reflective of their personal journey as a couple.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the presence of hundreds of people, the couple can focus on their vows, the details of the ceremony, and truly soaking in the moment. With fewer distractions, couples can craft a ceremony that resonates with them on a deeper level, rather than one that caters to the expectations of a larger audience.

It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive, and many couples are finding that smaller weddings are a more budget-friendly option. With fewer guests to accommodate, couples can allocate their resources towards the things that matter most to them - whether that’s a more luxurious venue, a better quality of food, or splurging on a photographer who will capture every intimate detail of the day.

The cost savings don’t just apply to the venue and catering; many of the other expenses associated with weddings - such as floral arrangements, transportation, and invitations - can be significantly reduced for smaller ceremonies. Couples are realising that by keeping their weddings small, they can have a more luxurious and personal celebration without breaking the bank.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when juggling the logistics of a large event. The more guests you have, the more intricate the planning becomes. From managing RSVPs to coordinating seating arrangements and dealing with vendor contracts, a larger wedding often means more stress and more things to manage.

Smaller weddings, on the other hand, offer couples the freedom to focus on the elements that matter most to them. The planning process becomes simpler, with fewer details to iron out, and the couple can enjoy the lead-up to their wedding without feeling overwhelmed. Many couples who have chosen intimate weddings describe the experience as more relaxed and enjoyable, with more space for creativity and spontaneity.

For some couples, the idea of eloping is the ultimate expression of intimacy. The concept of eloping, once thought of as simply running off to get married, has evolved. Today, many couples are choosing to elope in breathtaking locations - whether that’s on a mountaintop, in a secluded forest, or by the sea - often with just a photographer and celebrant in tow (and their two witnesses, of course!)

Elopements have become a popular alternative for those who want to skip the traditional wedding altogether. The beauty of eloping is the freedom it offers: the couple can create a ceremony that is entirely their own, free from the pressures of tradition or external expectations. Elopements are also ideal for couples who want to focus entirely on their relationship, rather than the spectacle of a lavish wedding day.

While intimate micro weddings and elopements have certainly gained momentum in recent years, the question remains: is this a trend that will continue, or will couples eventually return to large, traditional celebrations?

There is a growing belief that smaller weddings are here to stay. Many couples are realising that they prefer a more personal, intimate wedding experience rather than a large-scale celebration. With the rise of personalised ceremonies, destination weddings, and the shift towards more meaningful, intimate events, it seems that couples are increasingly prioritising quality over quantity.

Additionally, the impact of the pandemic cannot be overlooked. For many couples, the restrictions placed on large gatherings during the height of the pandemic led to a rethinking of what a wedding should be. As travel restrictions and social distancing measures ease, couples are still seeking more intimate celebrations. It’s likely that, even as life returns to normal, couples will continue to embrace the benefits of smaller weddings.