Sometimes, the most memorable nuptials are the simple and small ones. But small doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful, too.
Whether you’ve been reading Rock n Roll Bride for years or this is the first time you’ve been on our site, I hope you’ve realised that we are all about encouraging our readers to bring the YOU into their I Dos!
Weddings do not have to be all about tradition, fancy venues and hundreds of guests. If you’re planning an intimate wedding or you’re going to elope, here are some ways you can still make the day super special and undeniably you.
Choose a Unique Location
Whatever the size of your wedding, the wedding location is one of the first things you’ll need to organise. The beauty of eloping or having a micro wedding is that you can really think outside of the box on where you do it. You’ll have fewer requirements in terms of how many people you can get in, facilities to keep everybody happy and comfortable all day etc which means the only limit is going to be your imagination!
Forget conventional spaces; instead think cliff tops, beaches, woodlands, caves, warehouses, restaurants, or even your own backyard. What’s a place that screams “you”? Maybe it’s where you first met or a spot where you both feel utterly at peace.
Book an independent celebrant and make saying your vows in your own way the focus. Just remember, if you are in England or Wales you’ll need to stop by the register office to make it legal. In Scotland and Northern Ireland humanist celebrants can legally marry you anywhere you’d like!
Dress to Impress
Undeniably the most exciting part of getting engaged is starting to think about what you’re going to wear. Of course, going a non-traditional route is something we wholeheartedly encourage whatever the style or size of wedding, but when you have no one to worry about but yourselves you should definitely go all out with your attire.
Feathers, sequins, capes, jumpsuits, vintage pieces or even a themed costume are all available to you when you don’t have to worry what other people will think! Wear something you feel utterly fabulous in.
Use Props and Décor
Small doesn’t have to mean you can’t think bout décor and props. The more ‘things’ you have, the more you have to play with, the more variety you’ll get in your photos. Bring extra accessories like hats, sunglasses, a jacket or a change of shoes and change your look for the different locations. You could also think about things you can hold or set up and stand near – think colourful balloons, quirky signs, vintage furniture or even an on-theme backdrop. The more creative, the better!
Utilise Personal Items
As with any wedding, think about how you can incorporate elements that reflect your story. Maybe it’s a family heirloom, a piece of art you both love, or even your favourite books. These personal touches add a unique flavour to your day, whatever the size.
Embrace Flexibility
With fewer guests you have the freedom to be spontaneous. Leave gaps in your schedule for impromptu activities or choose things that have meaning to the two of you. You could stop at your favourite coffee shop, bar or ice cream stand, have a picnic at sunset, take a dip in the sea or even go and get matching tattoos. What about a Ten Things I Hate About You inspired paintball fight or a hike to your favourite outlook? This will not only make the day more enjoyable and give you more memories, it will bring variety to your photos as well.
Remember, a smaller wedding is all about celebrating YOU and your love in your way. So, ask yourselves, what would you do if there were no expectations? In a world where big and lavish often takes the spotlight, there’s something profoundly beautiful about a small, intimate day. Ultimately, your wedding day is a canvas for your love story so this is your chance to embrace what that means to you.
This article originally appeared in issue 55 of Rock n Roll Bride magazine. You can purchase the latest copy here, or why not subscribe to never miss an issue?