Are Intimate Weddings Here to Stay?
We know there are many brides out there right now who are trying to plan their wedding for a 2021 date and perhaps are worried they might be missing out on a larger wedding if they compromise by choosing an elopement, micro wedding or more intimate guest list. What if the Covid rules change? What if I could have invited all those guests after all? Well we are here today with photographer Natalie Bray to help you have confidence in intimate weddings and that they are here to stay. Covid or no Covid, smaller weddings are the perfect celebration full of joy. Read on for more sage advice from Natalie...
"As a photographer for the past 10 years, I have had the joy of seeing weddings of all variations: big, small, medium, destination, and more. I have a great affection for weddings and understand every couple is unique and their choices for their day are made with careful consideration. That is the wonderful dynamic of a wedding. The personalization and thoughtfulness always astounds me in the best way."
This article is not to say one type of wedding is better than another. With the past year, the importance of family, friends, and connection have been made abundantly clear and have an even deeper meaning than ever. To see couples love be full of resilience and joy has been truly inspiring. This is one of the reasons, I feel that smaller weddings are resonating with many couples, are becoming their first choice, and definitely hear to stay. I am excited to share 3 reasons why Intimate wedding are here to stay:
- TIME MOVES SLOWER
A little known fact is that wedding days tend to move quickly. With priorities shifted and people having to cut back guest lists or replan events entirely from scratch in a few weeks like Elizabeth and Spencer, seen here. They had to re-plan a more intimate wedding at a completely new location with only 30 guests from their original guest count of over 220. It made them reevaluate those closest to them and choose a way to celebrate with the rest of their friends and family at a later date in time.
With that they chose to have a ceremony and dinner at their families lake house in Tahoe, CA. A place Spencer and Elizabeth grew in their love together and have many many meaningful memories. Something they wouldn’t have been able to share with 200 people, and made their day even more significant. They could truly relish and enjoy the company of each guest invited. They could linger on every bite of their dinner, and even enjoy the coconut cake her mom made that morning because it’s Elizabeths absolute favorite.
You can have long conversations and not worry about having to move to the next table or group. You can savor each interaction and share in the experience along with guests. This makes the day feel slower paced and that feeling of home abounds. I think this is here to stay.
2. YOUR BUDGET CAN GO FARTHER
For instance, I had a couple choose to have a destination wedding in Rome with 40 of their closest family and friends for an entire week vs a 1 day celebration with 200+ guests. It was absolutely unforgettable for everyone. They grew closer on the trip and still talk about it fondly.
No matter where you choose to host your celebration, with a smaller guest count you can afford the luxuries and elevate each guests experience in many ways that you may not have been able to with a larger celebration.
For example, you could get the custom invites you absolutely adore, you can hand select ALL the flowers, even if they might be out of season. You can get the designer wedding dress and shoes that you will looooove forever, let’s be honest you’d probably wan to do that anyway ;). You can hire the vendor team you want vs can only afford. Even, live music might be an option where it wasn’t before. A trio or harpist to add to the ambiance and experience your guests feel and you feel. Your vendors should want the best for you, whether a large or small wedding. As a photographer, I help with timeline curation, collaborate with planners, plan shot lists, and much more whether big or small wedding. You will create an experience like one you may not have been able to with a larger guest count celebration.
The details can be elevated and just as thoughtfully curated. Just because you have a smaller guest count does not mean you need to lower the style and beauty that you envision. If anything it can be more of what you dream of. Plus, you can go on the honeymoon to Maldives you’ve had on your list for years. It is a consideration for those who might not be a party, dancing crowd and more of a dinner and cocktail crowd with some dancing.
3. MORE TIME FOR PHOTOS
Getting to slow down and truly be in the moment on your wedding day allows your photography team to capture authentic and intentional moments in abundance. (Hint: you can do this with a larger wedding too, it takes intention and collaboration in any setting).
With less of the hustle and bustle at a smaller wedding, there is more time to allocate to the days events and ultimately available for you to get more couple photos, more photos with guests, more candid moments, and you can go to cocktail hour and talk to each person while enjoying your signature drink. This brings a very special touch to every photo. Each capture will more than likely have your favorite people in them. These are just a few of the reasons why Intimate weddings are wonderful.
vendor details
Photography: Natalie Bray | Hair and Make-up: Lisa Pietrzak Hair & Makeup | Flowers: Golden Fields Floristry | Venue: Private Home | Film: The Find Lab
