Big Love, Small Wedding. Why Intimate Weddings Rock.
First off, let’s define small. You’ll see varying numbers floating around the internet, but for our purposes, a small wedding is typically under 50 guests. It may not feel right for you to elope with just your partner, but you also might not be comfortable with a large crowd. If that sounds like you, an intimate wedding might be the perfect middle ground.
In 2024, the average cost of a New York wedding was just about $63,000 according to The Knot. If the price tag alone has you wanting to scrap a wedding altogether and head to the courthouse, I totally understand your hesitations. But I’m here to tell you there’s another option. Intimate wedding planning allows you to celebrate your love publicly without breaking the bank.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning an intimate wedding.
Guest List
Having a smaller guest list means getting to spend more quality time with everyone. If you’ve carefully pared down your invites to only the most important people, you’ll feel extra great when you actually have the time to speak to each one of them on your wedding day. Weddings are always overflowing with emotion, love, and adrenaline - keeping it small ensures you soak in every moment without feeling overwhelmed. Adding a few hundred people to the mix can be too much for some.
Cost
While an intimate wedding doesn’t have to mean a smaller budget, oftentimes, it does. Not having to feed a large group definitely helps keep costs down. You also have the ability to rent spaces that might be off-the-beaten-path and therefore, more affordable. Fewer people also mean fewer schedules to coordinate with, so a weekday wedding isn’t off the table. Many venues offer discounts for weddings on Mondays-Thursdays, which can be a huge budget saver.
Creativity
Having more room in your budget means the sky’s the limit when it comes to design. Have a vision in mind for a super elaborate tablescape? You can do that when you only have to fill 1-2 tables! Want to turn your wedding into an all-day affair with multiple events? That’s also an option with a smaller group.
Timing
By now, you might have realized that planning a smaller wedding gives you more options across the board, from venues to the day of the week. As a result, you can work with a shorter lead time. This is especially true if you enlist the help of a professional wedding planner. I’ve planned full weddings in less than two months!
Location
Traditional wedding venues sometimes offer small wedding discounts, but an intimate guest count also means thinking outside the box. A backyard wedding that wouldn’t work for 150 people? It could be perfect for 30. Or maybe a charming Airbnb, a private dining room, or a scenic outdoor spot fits your vision.
Get Personal
The smaller the group, the more opportunity to give your guests a truly personal experience. That could mean super thoughtful favors, individual handwritten notes, or even a curated guest experience that wouldn’t be possible with a larger crowd. When your wedding is small, the details can be even more meaningful.
Tips for Planning an Intimate Wedding
Be intentional with your guest list. Only invite those who truly matter to you.
Choose a venue that fits your vibe. Smaller weddings open up more creative options.
Embrace quality over quantity. With fewer guests, you can splurge on meaningful details.
Think about the guest experience. What small touches will make the day unforgettable?
Hire a wedding planner. Even for a small wedding, a pro can help streamline the process.
Need more inspiration? Check out my complete guide to intimate New York weddings.
Is an Intimate Wedding Right for You?
An intimate wedding offers the best of both worlds - a beautiful celebration without the stress of a massive guest count. If you’re still on the fence about planning small, let’s talk! I specialize in intimate wedding planning in New York and would love to help bring your vision to life.