Small Weddings

My friend Charlotte recently discussed with me ideas for her South African wedding. A small 'intimate' celebration is what she envisages, no hype, no unnecessary expense, just a day that's memorable and brilliant.

If the notion of a lavish event with hundreds of guests you don't know or haven't seen in years is your worst nightmare, just like Charlotte, you'd be amongst a growing number of many a bride-to-be with the exact same fear.

'How can I create an intimate wedding without it being a non-event?' I'm often asked this very question and the answer is: 'Very easily!' Whether you're getting married on a beach, in a garden, by a lake, in a church or stately home, you can make your day anything you want it to be - even on a minimal budget! In fact opting for a smaller, more intimate wedding can open up further possibilities rather than limit them.

And no matter how low-key your event may be, every bride can do with a little help. A major misconception many couples have is that wedding consultants only assist with big budget weddings.

If you’re not the most organised bride-to-be, if event planning is a stress that looms like a big black cloud, or if you have a demanding job that doesn’t leave you with time to spare, making an allowance for some professional assistance could be the smartest thing you do, especially if you're getting married in a location different than where you live.

Keep in mind that a wedding planner can design your wedding from start to finish but you don’t have to hire a wedding planner to do everything. A wedding professional is there to offer guidance, giving you a clearer picture of what you want (or can have), helping you stick to your budget, to prioritize and introduce you to reputable vendors that suit your tastes, alleviate family conflicts by taking charge, pose questions to vendors that you might never have considered, devise an overall wedding vision and even book your honeymoon. The purpose of all of this is to allow you as a couple to relax, have a good chance of getting better rates with vendors and ultimately have more time to devote to other things like your job, fiancé and life in general!

Budget issues aside, there are some significant reasons why planning a smaller wedding is the way to go. If money is not an issue a smaller wedding offers the opportunity to spend lavishly on fewer guests rather than conservatively on many. Smaller venues can often create an intimate and romantic setting. A shorter guest list means that you and your new spouse can spend real time with your special guests, and of course inviting friends and family who are closest to you can be so much more meaningful than the pageantry of a large wedding.