If you’re wondering how to make the most of your close-knit nuptials, you’ve come to the right place. Here are nine small wedding ideas for the unconventional bride.
1. Destination Vows
There are many ways to find a unique wedding venue. It’s unrealistic to expect a large number of invitees to travel somewhere exotic for your wedding, but a refined guest list makes a destination wedding slightly more practical.
If you’ve been dreaming of an exotic destination wedding, now might be the time to do it. Guests can also take advantage of the locale, arriving a few days early or staying a few days after, turning your wedding ceremony into their own extended vacation.
2. City Hall “I Do”
If Carrie Bradshaw can get married at City Hall, why not you? Saying “I do” at City Hall is one of the less common small wedding ideas.
Why you should consider it: The ceremony is simple and casual, and it eliminates the majority of wedding hassles. You can spend the rest of the day enjoying an intimate brunch or late lunch with immediate friends and family.
3. Be Your Own DJ
Eliminate the cost of a DJ or band completely and show off your own DJ skills. Ask guests for requests to curate the perfect party playlist with tunes that flow from dinner to dancing. Apps, such as Spotify, make it easy to get inspired to make your own or use pre-made lists—just be sure your wedding song is on it.
4. Midnight Snacks
Fuel those late-night food cravings and bring out the treats. It could be a late-night dessert, like chocolate chip cookies and milk shooters, or a full-sized snack, courtesy of a taco truck. See how these catering menu ideas will leave every guest raving. All that dancing is sure to work up an appetite.
5. Build Your Own Bouquet
Instead of ordering a pre-made flower arrangement, have it made for you as you proceed down the aisle. Guests at the end of each aisle can hand you a flower on the way, so by the time you reach your groom, you’ll have a full, beautiful, floral bouquet, made to your own liking.
6. Friends & Family Seating Chart
Even if most guests at your smaller wedding already have an idea of who’s invited, putting a seating chart on display is a great way to show who everyone will sit next to. Include pictures and fun facts about each guest that show how everyone is connected to the bride and groom. It’s sure to bring everyone closer together, and it’s a great conversation piece.
7. Choreographed First Dance
Skip the traditional routine and wow your guests with a choreographed first dance—one of the fun small wedding ideas. For another unexpected surprise, consider letting your groomsmen and bridesmaids in on the fun. The look on your guests’ faces will be priceless.
8. Outfit Change
Slip into something a little less formal for the reception, whether it’s a dress styled with pants or a full transformation. You can still wear something elegant, and your guests will be shocked to see you go from formal wedding wear to cocktail-class. It’s your wedding—have fun with it.
9. Your Own Snap Filter
You want to start the social media wedding game early to build anticipation and excitement. Create a clever hashtag caption for guests to include on any wedding-related photo. Design and buy your own Snapchat filter specifically for the day of, the wedding shower, and even the bachelor and bachelorette parties. Not only does it involve your guests, it’s easy for everyone to use, taking pictures and showing off the big celebration.
