Tips for Planning Your Tiny Wedding

As we continue through the “corona-coaster” of 2020, more and more couples are opting to host tiny weddings in lieu of their larger, more traditional celebrations.  As a wedding planner and designer, it has been so much fun (and such an adventure) to work alongside couples to plan these “minimonies,” “tiny weddings,” “intimate weddings,” and all the other fun names people are dubbing this emerging trend with 50 guests or less.  Some couples are opting to host a tiny wedding instead of a larger affair, and others are hosting a tiny wedding in 2020 and will have a larger-scale party when all the COVID-craziness ends (let’s hear it for how EPIC those parties will be!).

(This was featured on Wedding Chicks, here).

Tiny weddings are a great option for couples to consider.  Across the nation, there are various rules and regulations that need to be followed - so rethinking a large celebration and planning something more intimate may be the right choice.  If you are having a smaller soiree than originally planned, you can still make it an incredible experience for you and your guests!  

Here are a few tips:

1. Remember the WHY.  You are marrying your best friend.  You are starting a new chapter in your life.  You’ve come this far, and you’re going to adventure for the rest of your lives together.  You’ve made it through all these years, you are currently making it through a global pandemic, and you are going to be there for eachother.  Staying grounded in the WHY you are getting married is vital during this crazy time.  All the other details are fun and important, but not as important as you committing to the love of your life.
2. A smaller guest count doesn’t mean you need to compromise on the “wow” factor.  Think stunning ceremony florals, gorgeous tablescapes, stunning lighting details, and other design elements that will make you and your guests say “wow” (hanging flowers, anyone?).  
3. Tiny Weddings can have ALL the personalized details.  With a smaller guest count, you can spend more time (and budget) on the little details - from hand painted menus and place cards, to personalized letters to each guest, upgraded rental choices to beautiful designer print details...your tiny wedding can be an incredibly personalized experience!
4. If you are having a tiny wedding, invest in a good photographer and videographer.  This is important at any wedding, but it’s more important now than ever.  If a large number of your friends and extended family will not be joining you on your wedding day, then you’ll want to be able to share the experience with them through photos and video.  A livestream of the ceremony is also not a bad idea! 
5. Incorporate non-traditional elements.  While a traditional wedding would have a ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing, maybe your tiny wedding can include some other fun things!  We have clients doing a sunset sailing trip after dinner with their guests, a wine tasting experience following the ceremony, or creating a “weekend retreat” with their closest family members and friends.  You can think outside-the-box to provide an experience you and your guests will never forget.  With less guests to host, your timeline of the day can be much more relaxed.

The Team of Creatives that made it all happen:

Florals/Design: Tyler Speier Events, events@tylerspeier.com,  @tylerspeier
Venue: Chandon (Inga Winkler), inga_winkler@chandon.com,  @chandonusa
Press: Bridal Bar (Harmony Walton), @bridalbar
Photography: James and Jess, @jessfairchild @jameswitty
Videography: Elysium Productions (Julie Hill), @elysiumweddings
Calligraphy: Jessica Yee Calligraphy, @calligraph.yee
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linens, @latavolalinen
Specialty Rentals: Theoni, @theonicollection
Rentals: Bright Event Rentals, @brighteventrentals
Cake: Crushcakes, @crushcakescafe
Favors: Sugarfina, @sugarfina
Chiffon: Bella Vista Designs, @bellavistadesigns 
Female Fashion 1: BHLDN, @bhldn
Female Fashion 2: Amsale, @amsale
Men’s Fashion: Friar Tux, @friartux
​Models: Look Model Agency, @lookmodelagency
Hair and Makeup: PMA Style (Maria Chang) @pmastyle