How to Make Your Wedding Feel More Intimate

Intimate weddings are all the rage, and we get it! But maybe you have a large family, and your big day wouldn’t feel the same with them all there. Or your wedding is in a large venue and you want to make it feel more cozy. Here’s our best tips and tricks for getting the cozy, intimate wedding of your dreams.

1. The Ceremony

Take your time in planning the ceremony! After all, it technically is the reason for this big event. We’re seeing more and more couples personalize the ceremony to make it true to who they are as a couple. Maybe it’s seating your guests in a circle around you. When a pandemic ISN’T happening, we’ve seen couples pass their rings around for a ring-warming. Every guest briefly holds the rings to say a blessing over them. It’s super sweet and makes your guests feel included rather than a bystander. Which brings us to our next tip!

Niche White Photography

2. Make Your Guests Feel Special

We love when couples really want a great atmosphere that makes their guests feel special too. From writing a special thank you note on the name cards, to having a photo seating chart- this can really make a wedding more intimate! Another way to make your guests feel loved? Have sandals for dancing, or blankets if it’s chilly. Guests love this extra love.

3. Decor

This is a big one in our book. First, let’s talk venue space. Even if your venue is large don’t feel like you have to fill every corner! Use draping or backdrops to fill empty spaces. Tall ceiling? How about some hanging lanterns. Lighting- use lots of candles and lanterns if that’s your vibe! Lighting can seriously make a reception go from formal to cozy. If you can’t have open flame-use LED flicker candles or string lights.

We also love lounges. Comfortable couches, pillows, rugs, all of it. It allows guests to relax away from the craziness, and makes corners of your reception feel romantic. The couple can also use this as a perfect time to get away and take a few minutes to breathe.

4. Dancing

A smaller dance floor is actually the ticket to a good party. You don’t want it over crowded where people are dancing in the sidelines, BUT make it cozy enough that everyone is dancing together! Where’s my backyard wedding babes at? This ones for you— if the weather permits, use overlapping vintage rugs as your dance floor!

The epitome of coziness, am I right??

Aaron and Whitney Photography

Another really cute idea is to start off a slow song with all the couples on the dance floor. Then have your DJ clear the floor one couple at a time based on how long they’ve been together, until the longest couple together is the only ones on the dance floor!

5. Meal Time

It’s safe to say long banquet tables are the new round. It definitely makes dinner feel like a family dinner party. Family style menus will also help with that atmosphere, and make it feel less formal. Instead of passed hors d’oeuvres, have a charcuterie board on the center of the table.

Thanks for following along!

~ Carly