Prairie HiveA wedding is a special occasion for the bride and groom, and they will want to share it with all their family and friends if possible. Thus, it has become a norm to have large crowds at weddings. However, as wedding celebrations evolved through the years, trends also changed and so do the preferences of couples. Many brides and grooms today choose to have more intimate weddings.
But some may be a bit hesitant about the idea of small weddings because of the fear that their guests will feel awkward. Are small weddings awkward, though?
No, small weddings are not awkward as long as you plan them accordingly. In fact, a small wedding is perfect for couples who wish to celebrate their big day with just a few people close to their hearts. It is also the best option for couples who want to be practical as far as their wedding budget is concerned.
Why are Small Weddings Getting Popular?
Statistics show that more and more millennials now prefer small and intimate weddings. It means that many couples want to celebrate the special milestone of their lives with just a few select people. These are those brides and grooms who are not fond of the idea of spending all their money on a celebration that will only last for a day.
Some couples may not mind spending more for their big day, but they still want to just invite people who are really close and special to them. These include their parents and siblings, as well as their closest relatives and friends. This gives the couple a chance to interact with every guest during their wedding.
What are the Benefits of Small Weddings?
Small or micro weddings have several remarkable benefits that make them popular among many couples today.
Prevent Awkward Moments
If you only have a few select guests during your wedding, you will actually lessen your chances of having awkward moments throughout your ceremony and reception. Since the wedding is small, it means that you know each of your guests, so you don’t have to worry about any judgment or criticism.
It is also a wise idea that you only invite those people who truly care for you and your other half. This will ensure that you won’t hear negative comments on your big day.
Manage Your Wedding Timeline Better
With a small wedding, you don’t need to spend a lot of time on the preparations. All you have to do is meet with the wedding coordinator and then finalize the plan after several meetings. A follow-up with suppliers is not even necessary. It will let you check off items on your to-do list fast without any delays.
Enjoy More Savings
The extra money you save for the celebration can be used instead for other purposes, like your honeymoon or as a downpayment for a house or a car. It will give you more funds that you can use to finance your future needs as you start a new life as a married couple.
Set Lower Expectations
A small wedding will also help you avoid the pressure of meeting the expectations of all your guests. After all, you will only be inviting your family and the relatives and friends who are closest to you. It gives you the peace of mind that they will appreciate and love everything that you prepared for your wedding.
Skip the Non-essentials
With a small wedding, you can also eliminate the need to pay for many expensive things, some of which might not even be essential at all. You just need to make sure that you got all the necessary items for your wedding to be a blast.
These will include catering services, reservations for the wedding venue, wedding rings, and attire. You can also hire a wedding planner to make sure that you don’t forget any important detail of your big day.
Tips to Make Your Small Wedding Less Awkward
Now that you know the benefits of a small wedding, you might be more inclined to go for one. However, if you are still unsure and you want to get rid of the potential awkwardness during your small wedding, here are some tips to help you out:
Find a Special Thing to Do
If you plan your small wedding with the thought that it is just a legal wedding, it will definitely feel awkward whatever happens. Try to change your thoughts. Don’t forget that this day is all about you and no one else. You can spend more time with your partner and the few people close to you, something that you don’t often get to do.
Try to identify one special way of celebrating your big day. Maybe you can host a dinner with the whole family after your wedding ceremony. You can also cook a special brunch a day before. Look for something that can make your big day even more special and unique to set it apart from other days of your life.
Don’t Make Announcements Yet
The moment you announce your engagement to everyone, they will start harboring expectations of being there to witness your big day. However, don’t forget that it is your day, not theirs. If you don’t tell people about your plans for a small wedding, your big day can become yours again. You can choose to tell them later or not even tell them at all.
Never Think It’s Awkward
This one might be easier said than done but at the end of the day, it all boils down to changing your mindset. Why do you think your small wedding will be awkward? Is it the smaller number of guests? is it the lack of tradition? Is it because you don’t have any context or prior experience with small weddings? List down all the things that make you think that a small wedding is strange or weird. It will give you an idea of what causes your fears and how to deal with them.
Small weddings are special because of the benefits they offer not only to the couple but also to the guests. So don’t be surprised if this trend will continue for the years to come.
