31 Small Wedding Ideas for an Intimate Affair
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Is your dream wedding small, romantic, intimate, and magical? I can certainly relate. These small wedding ideas will give you plenty of inspiration for your intimate event.
Including only your nearest and dearest on your special day will allow you to truly enjoy every moment of celebration with your loved ones and your beloved.
If you are planning a small wedding, I have tons of cozy, sweet, and elegant ideas to make your wedding one to remember!
1. Big and Beautiful Florals
Source: @anticipationevents
Opting for a smaller-sized wedding doesn’t mean that everything about your magical day has to be small. Don’t you think these big and bold floral bouquets are stunning?
I think that one of the best parts about a smaller wedding is that you have more room for décor since you have fewer guests. In my opinion, large florals like this might look like a bit too much at a wedding with lots of guests.
These eye-catching arrangements look just perfect at this intimate wedding though. I think they add romance and joy to the atmosphere.
2. Rustic Registrar Table
Source: @princessoccasions
I love small weddings because they are full of potential for stunning décor. Do you adore this beautifully decorated registrar table as much as I do?
When you plan an intimate affair, your décor budget can go a long way. Smaller weddings allow you to beautifully adorn every part of your wedding, even the registrar table.
If you love this idea, you can recreate it at your own small wedding with beautiful white fabric like this.
3. Intimate Dinner
Source: @eventdujour
I love going to small weddings because of the quality time you get to spend with the couple of honor! If you want to create tons of memories with just your nearest and dearest on your special day, you will love this stunning circular dinner set-up.
Isn’t the eye-catching floral arrangement in the center amazing? I think a cozy and gorgeous dinner like this is the perfect way to celebrate saying “I do!”
4. Donut Wall
Source: @partydelightsuk
I love going to small weddings because they allow for so many personal touches. This sweet donut wall is an adorable idea for your small wedding, especially if you and your future spouse are donut lovers.
5. Elegant Cake
Source: @thegingerbearbakery
Don’t you adore how beautiful this simple, yet elegant cake looks? I think this classic wedding idea is perfect for any intimate wedding celebration.
If you love the romantic color scheme of these flowers as much as I do, you can recreate the look with these ones.
6. Beautiful Tent Wedding
Source: @storybookendingevents
Tents are a staple for outdoor weddings. I love everything about this classic and understated small tent reception.
From the beautiful centerpieces and hanging floral arrangement to simple linens and clear chairs, everything about this tent set-up is perfect.
Check out these other wonderful outdoor wedding ideas.
7. Rustic Outdoor Wedding Table
Source: @beinspiredpr
Outdoor weddings are my favorite! If you adore celebrating love surrounded by lush greenery as much as I do, this charming and beautiful tablescape will give you plenty of inspiration for your own special day.
I particularly like the beautiful centerpieces which use pampas grass. I think the colors are just perfect.
If you agree, you could do this for your own wedding using this great option.
8. Lakeside Ceremony
Source: @peachperfectwed
Have you been dreaming of an outdoor wedding? I love going to weddings with natural beauty as the ceremony backdrop like this beautiful lakeside wedding.
With only a few rows of chairs, every guest will have a perfect view of you saying “I do!”
9. Mimosa Station
Source: @storybookendingevents
Mimosas are some of my favorite celebratory drinks, especially during a wedding. I have found that it can be hard to keep everything in order at a mimosa bar during larger weddings.
In my opinion, mimosas are perfect for smaller receptions. If you agree, you will love these glass carafes with cute little labels.
Your guests will have a great time trying a few different mimosa flavorings while celebrating you!
10. Provence Wedding Table
Source: @encoreeventsrentals
Don’t you think this Provence-inspired tablescape is just stunning? I love the delicate florals, shades of blue, and simple linens.
11. Food Stations
Source: @jemmajadeevents
When it comes to food, I love variety! If you are the same way, food stations are a great idea for your wedding.
One thing that I love about food stations (besides the opportunity for tons of yummy flavors) is the potential to add personal touches, charm, and décor. From dishware to florals and candles, there are plenty of ways to add personality to your food stations.
If you are looking for a way to add a little something extra to your food stations, I love these cute mini chalkboard signs. I have seen them at appetizer stations, cheese & charcuterie stations, pizza stations, taco bars, mashed potato bars, dessert stations, and more!
12. Secret Garden Wedding
Source: @rootfloraldesign
How stunning is this secret garden wedding? This spot is tailor-made for a small, romantic, and intimate event.
I love the greenery, candles, tablescapes, and separate sweetheart table.
13. Intimate Backyard Wedding
Source: @detailsdarling
I love going to backyard weddings. They feel so special and personal, especially when they are on the smaller side.
Don’t you think this set-up is so elegant? I love the flower-lined aisle, the arch, and the mismatched chairs!
14. Waterfront Wedding
Source: @rachel.payne.photography
Are you as obsessed with this ceremony aesthetic as I am? I love the simple set-up on the dock, which allows the stunning scenery to take center stage.
If you are saying “I do,” in a setting with tons of natural beauty, it makes sense to keep the décor sweet and simple. If you are looking for an elegant, understated arch, I love this one!
15. Dessert Table
Source: @chruscikibakery
If you are planning a small wedding, why limit yourself (and your guests) to one wedding cake? Assorted pastries, cookies, cupcakes, and other sweet treats are perfect for a small celebration!
Arranging your desserts on pretty, coordinated cake stands like this will take this cute wedding idea to the next level!
16. Pretty Entrance Table
Source: @the_venetian_estate
Again, one of my favorite things about small weddings is the potential for personal, pretty, and sweet details. Don’t you love the way this entrance table looks?
It is truly an eye-catching way to welcome your guests!
17. Champagne Welcome Table
Source: @wildheightsevents
Can you think of a better way to welcome your guests than a celebratory bubbly table? This is perfect for a small wedding and is guaranteed to get your special day off to the right start!
18. Vintage Ceremony
Source: @cultiv8_venue
Do you adore all the vintage touches at this wedding ceremony? I am obsessed with all of it.
The chairs are lovely, and I honestly can’t stop looking at those beautiful boxes!
19. Mini Wedding Cakes
Source: @georginascottbridal
Don’t you think these mini wedding cakes are an unforgettably sweet detail? They are so cute, and my mouth is watering!
If you like this idea as much as I do, you could use these mini cups to implement the idea at your own wedding. I know your guests will love it!
20. Pretty Parasols
Source: @oceanmanorevents
Outdoor weddings, especially beach weddings, are some of my favorite events! But they can get uncomfortable on sunny days.
These pretty parasols are the perfect solution. Your guests will love that you thought of their comfort and as a bonus, they will make for stunning photos!
If you like this idea, you will love these beautifully decorated parasols for your wedding.
21. Sweet Signage
Source: @infinityevents.decor
These sweet and sentimental signs will add both beauty and joy to the décor of any small wedding. You can keep them to hang up at home after your special day is over!
22. Natural Tablescape
Source: @fionakellyphoto
In my opinion, natural elements are a must-have at every wedding, especially small and rustic events. I love how beautiful and simple this tablescape is.
23. Personalized Floral Arrangements
Source: @florissadesignsevents
I think flowers are some of the most important parts of a wedding. Pretty floral arrangements with your favorite colors and flowers are essential at a small celebration.
24. Suspended Candlelight
Source: @the_lane
Don’t you love this suspended candlelight arrangement? Elegant, eye-catching, and romantic, it would be hard to execute at a large wedding but is perfect for small events!
25. Roses & Floating Candles
Source: @maddisonjcreations
I love how beautiful these sweet and simple roses with floating candles look. You can recreate the look at your small reception with this set.
26. Photo Guestbook
I love the idea of getting fun photos of all your nearest and dearest. This would be hard to execute at a big wedding but excellent for a smaller one!
A polaroid camera with a sweet sign like this would be perfect for your photo guestbook!
27. Romantic Candles
Source: @erikagabalyte
I think candlelight adds so much romantic ambiance to any wedding. Lots of candles are perfect for a smaller wedding and a great way to fill extra table space!
28. Hand-Painted Place Cards
Source: @dylinastreasures
I would adore getting a hand-painted place card at a wedding. You just can’t beat the love and thought that goes into a detail like this.
This is another idea that would be so hard to do at a big wedding but would be amazing at your small celebration!
29. Boho Backyard Wedding
Source: @berryvintagehire
I love all the funky bohemian touches at this backyard wedding, don’t you? I particularly adore those umbrellas.
You could get one or two of these similar umbrellas for your own intimate backyard wedding!
30. Welcome Sign
Source: @letterbcalligraphy
This welcome sign is so pretty, and well, welcoming, don’t you think? I love the personal touches that go into a small wedding!
If you are looking for a beautiful welcome sign for your own small celebration, I love this option. You will cherish it forever after your special day is over!
31. Barbecue Buffet
Source: @a2zweddingcards
The food at every small wedding I have attended has been amazing! I love the idea of some delicious barbecue at a small event.
Your guests are sure to come back for seconds!
You’ll want to see these other creative wedding food bar ideas!