WEDDING PLANNING: 5 ways to make your small wedding extra special

With the current uncertainty around covid-19 still ongoing, a lot of couples just want to be married and are looking at downsizing their wedding . Small, intimate weddings are the perfect way to celebrate your day and the word “micro wedding’ has been being used a lot both online and in the media. I much prefer to call them wee weddings as I think the work micro gives them a bit of a negative connotation! With going for a smaller wedding; lot of couples worry that small weddings feel less special than a big one, or that guests will get bored. Trust me, they are every bit as special!

I wanted to write this post to offer couples advice on how to move forward with planning weddings. Even before covid hit, about half of the weddings I photographed were smaller weddings and elopements so I really know what works with making these days every bit as perfect as a larger day. You can see some more images and inspiration over on my blog HERE.

As much as this virus has put a hold on your wedding plans, it can’t put a hold on the love you have for each other. Don’t cancel your wedding plans, hold onto that love and know that you WILL get married.

As the situation and advice is constantly changing, please make sure you keep up to date with factual and up to date information on staying safe and preventing the spread. Keep up to date by checking the UK Government , Scottish Government pages and  World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHO’s COVID-19 myth buster page is great also.

alternative wedding photographer edinburgh

1. Personalise your invites

With a smaller guest list you can really go all out on the invites to make your guests feel special. Go all out and have them custom designed by a designer get them to make a version with your guests names printed directly on the invite. Another good idea is to luxe out on the paper stock,  and got for a high end finish for the wow factor that everyone will treasure for a lifetime.

georgian house edinburgh elopement photographer

2. Choose a venue with wow

As you are having a smaller day with less people, go all out and choose a spectacular venue with wow. Think about the uniqueness and special features of the space, the experience for you both and your guests as well as the food. With a smaller day typically being much less expensive going for that extra mile for the best meals for your guests really gives the day something your guests will remember.

You want everyone who is present for the day (as well as you both as a couple) to feel excited and really included in the celebrations. My go to favourites in Edinburgh are The Georgian House (see the picture above!), Prestonfield House (see pictures below) and Riddles Court. If you are looking for suggestions anywhere in Scotland feel free to get in touch, I can help anywhere in Scotland both for elopement locations outdoor and also inside venues.

 

micro wedding edinburgh scotland

succulents as wedding decor

3. Luxe out on the decor

Having a smaller wedding means you have more budget to really wow with the florals and decor. Go for the same budget as you would a larger day and make a real impact with table settings. Think foliage on tables, lots of candles and other items to really have that impact and make everything feel just as impactful as a larger day.

scottish bohemian elopement

4. Make everything personalised

Table settings and favours are a great way to add a personalised touch for each guest. Individual hand written table name settings, personalised drinks or cocktails for favours at their place setting make things special to each guest and tailor to what they like in a way which wouldn’t be possible with  larger wedding.

prestonfield house wedding photographer

5. Book a fancy hotel suite with a late check-out to continue the celebrations together

If you are not having a large part or send off, and your day is ending after the meal it’s important to do something special together to end the day on a high. Book in to a fancy hotel suite (another plus thing of having a smaller day, as it leaves some extra budget to go all out!) with a late checkout so you can continue the celebrations together with a glass of champagne in fabulous surroundings. The bonus point of the late checkout is that you can spend your first morning as a married couple going for a nice breakfast or some spa treatments. Make the most of the wedding bubble for that bit longer.

I hope my tips help you along the planning journey, feel free to add anything else in the comments. If you are looking for a photographer for your intimate micro wedding, please get in touch! I would love to hear from you.

Warmly,

Loraine x