How to Find the Perfect Small Wedding Venue
By CAROLINE LANGHAM
Recent research shows that weddings are getting smaller. Not only are couples getting married later in life, but they are also choosing to have fewer guests. This year’s coronavirus pandemic has forced some couples to rethink aspects of their original wedding plans, in particular its size.
As specialists in small weddings, we hope you will find some useful tips on how to find the perfect small wedding venue, then how to plan the perfect small wedding.
The Location
With fewer guests to consider, you might find locations further afield and opt for a destination wedding. If this is something that appeals to you, think about what would make the perfect place for you to get married.
This may be somewhere that holds special memories for you, a favourite holiday destination, or that idyllic place where you said ‘I do’.
Or…It could be somewhere you have never been to yet, but have always wanted to visit.
The Perfect Small Wedding Venue
Now you have pinned down the location, it’s time to start searching for your ideal small wedding venue. Ensure that you choose somewhere that fits your needs. After all, you don’t want to feel lost during your wedding. Instead of traditional hotels, halls and exhibition spaces, try looking for more unique, unusual or quirky venues.
Privacy
With a small wedding you need to consider privacy; so look for a venue that offers exclusive use that gives you the whole place to yourselves. For a relaxed and laid back style of wedding, you may want to look for a venue with a homely feel, perhaps with some all-inclusive options for ease of planning.
All in One Wedding Venue
For a more chilled day, consider a wedding venue where you can enjoy your ceremony and reception in the same place. Flexibility is important too. Maybe a venue that provides different areas for each part of your day giving interest and variety to you and your guests? A big reveal for the wedding breakfast is always a great talking point, and you’ll remember the gasps of your guests for years to come.
Indoor and Outdoor Ceremony Options
Check if your venue can offer both outdoor and indoor ceremony locations. It’s always a good idea to have a plan b if the weather isn’t on your side.
Local Guest Accommodation
Many small wedding venues can offer mid-week or weekend options, some with or without onsite accommodation. Depending on budget and location, you may need to consider the location of the venue in relation to the guest accommodation. Will you require transport or can you walk to the wedding!
It’s a lovely quirky idea to walk to your own wedding just like David and Victoria did below!
Enhance Your Guest Experience
If you’ve chosen a destination wedding then think about the local accommodation options for your guests? Are you and your guests going to stay in the same place, or would you prefer a little privacy on your wedding night?
Also, think about local amenities, attractions and things to do to enhance your guests’ experience. As your guests are splashing out to travel to your wedding, think about recommending local activities, places of interest and restaurants. Are you planning to do any activities together, either the evening before or the day after the wedding? Are you all staying for the whole weekend or even a week? Have you thought about extending your wedding into your honeymoon?
Having chosen the perfect small wedding venue in a place that you adore, you now need to set about designing your guest list, and planning your perfect small wedding… Well, that’s a whole new blog – Check out Part TWO: How to Plan the Perfect Small Wedding
Suppliers Links:
Photography by Rachel Joyce Photography
Food by Karen Healy
Flowers by Made in Flowers
Hair by Aqua the Salon
if you have enjoyed this blog, that’s great, I would love to hear from you in the comments below.
You may also enjoy this blog about A Small Lake District Outdoor Wedding
Did you have a small wedding? Or are you planning a small wedding – Add some comments below to let us know all about your plans 🙂
