If you had begun looking for small intimate wedding ideas two years ago the information available would not have answered very
many of your questions; however, small weddings are becomming much more popular. For a variety of reasons that range from cost to a
desire for an intimate and romantic experience, more and more brides are choosing smaller venues and inviting fewer guests. This
website has grown out of my experience planning for my ownwedding in January 2006.
When I began looking for venues, dresses, etc. I felt like a second-class citizen. I had a budget of about $3000 and planned
to invite 30 guests. Wedding retailers want you to spend a LOT of money and they prefer brides who plan to invite upwards
of 100 guests and spend tens of thousands of dollars. The average wedding in the
United States now costs approximately $30,000.If you have $30,000 lying around and want
to spend it on your wedding by all means do so, but when I hear $30K I think "house down-payment." I was determined to plan an event that I,
my husband, our closest friends and immediate family could truly enjoy. With some research and creativity I managed to
put together an ceremony and reception that are still bringing me compliments two years later. The most striking thing about
my wedding pictures is how HAPPY everyone looks eating, drinking, and having a good time.
Budget issues aside, there are other significant reasons for planning a small wedding. If money is not a problem smaller weddings will give you an opportunity to spend lavishly on a few guests rather than
conservatively on many. Smaller venues and fewer guests create a more intimate and romantic setting. A
short guest list means that you and your new spouse can spend time actually talking to the people who have come to help you celebrate one
of the most important days of your life. Weddings may be many things but they are first and
foremost celebrations. Inviting the friends and family who are closest you can be much more
meaningful and MEMORABLE than the pageantry of a large wedding. I am sad when I hear women say that the day passed in a blurr that they can barely remember.
Suggested Settings for Small Weddings
One of the first steps in planning a small wedding is determining the guest list. Who do you
include? Both of you should come up with a list. Start with your immediate family and closest friends. Then set a limit
and begin adding to or narrowing down the list. When you have a number and a budget in mind start compiling a list of
venues from interent searches, local magazines, and suggestions from friends and family. You'll probably want to
skip the local fire hall, but Inns and Bed & Breakfasts can create wonderful settings. Consider your own home and the homes of
family members. Local restaurants that could not accommodate a large reception may be perfectly willing to work with you for a
smaller group. Museums, historic houses, and botanical gardens are often available for a reasonable fee. Many resorts
and hotels offer special packages. If you are considering a destination wedding do your homework. Ask questions, get the
details of your package in writing, and check the venue's reputation thoroughly. Requesting references fromany venue is perfectly appropriate. The site may also have photo albums of past weddings. If your first impression of
the staff or the place is anything less than dazzling--save yourself some stress and move on to another
option.
Choosing to have a small intimate wedding can actually open up more possibilities rather than limit them.
If you are planning a wedding in the DC, Baltimore, Delaware area I highly recommend the Vandiver
Inn in Havre de Grace, MD. This historical inn is beautiful inside and out. The owners and staff are experienced professionals. The
logistics of your ceremony and reception will be seamless. I get nothing from this recommendation but a warm fuzzy
feeling.