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

UPDATED: 20th February 2025

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

Do you want to have an intimate wedding but worried it wont feel as special as a larger day?

In this handy guide, I’ll help you how to make your intimate wedding extra special.

Small, intimate weddings, micro weddings, elopements…whatever you want to call them are perfect for anyone who wants to ditch tradition and do things their own way.

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!

Here’s some ideas to make your small wedding more “wow”

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. Bonus tip: bring them on your wedding day and have them photographed by your photographer.

2. Go for 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 you can treat your guests to fine dining and the best food. This gives your guests something your guests will remember for years to come.

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 favourites in Edinburgh are The Georgian House, Prestonfield House, Riddles Court, Gleneagles Townhouse and The Royal College of Physicians. If you are looking for suggestions anywhere in Scotland feel free to get in touch. I can help anywhere in Scotland with both outdoor and indoor options.

hoebridge in scottish borders wedding venue

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.

Add candles for a romantic feel

My favourite way to add impact to your wedding decor is to add lots of candles. White candles are an inexpensive and easy way to make your decor have impact.

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 a larger wedding.

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.