So, you're planning the big day, and it hits you: Maybe I don’t want to have a huge wedding with 200 guests. Good news. There have never been more resources for brides who just want to keep it simple. From micro-weddings and intimate elopements, small weddings have totally stolen the show since 2020, and let me tell you, they're one of the more refreshing trends to hit the wedding scene. Buckle up because we're about to dive into the world of small weddings, where the guest list is short but the love is oh-so-big. The best part? Your wallet will thank you too.

While plenty of brides (and, oftentimes, their families) are still into the big, lavish weddings, it’s not the only way to get married. You can totally get married and forgo the guest lists that rivals a music festival crowd. Say hello to the era of micro-weddings and intimate elopements! 

Since 2020 and the whole quarantine episode, more couples have realized that smaller is not just simple, it can actually be more intimate than an enormous wedding. These small gatherings are all about quality over quantity. Think about it – you get to spend your special day with your absolute ride-or-dies, the people who've been there through thick and thin. Everyone will feel like a bridesmaid.

Smaller guest lists also mean fewer heads to count and more budget for things other than place settings. Cha-ching! You can splurge on the things that really matter (like that destination venue or live music) and make your day truly unforgettable.

Let's talk money, honey. With fewer folks to feed, seat, and entertain, your wedding budget suddenly feels like it's been hit with a magic wand. Here are some other places you can put your budget with a smaller guest list.

Scout out cozy venues that feel like they were made for your love story. Whether it's a charming garden, a funky art gallery, or even a decked-out backyard, the world is your oyster. Want to elope? Here’s a tip: It’s much easier to get a smaller crowd to a remote location than it is to fly your entire hometown to the French countryside.

With a smaller guest list, you can treat your nearest and dearest to a gastronomic extravaganza. Think food trucks, live cooking stations, or a dessert spread that'll have everyone drooling.

Hire local artists and florists to seriously turn up the ambience. You've got fewer tables to deck out, so go all out with the cute details. Want to set up an outdoor living room with vintage couches, a rug, and occasional chairs for people to sit and chat? If you don’t need to rent out a massive banquet hall for your reception, you can reroute that money to elevate the vibes.

This is YOUR day, and you deserve to shine. Use the money you're saving on the guest list to snag that dream dress, have yourself a wardrobe-change moment, or rock a suit that makes you feel like a million bucks.

Hire a rad band, a local DJ, or even set up a karaoke corner. With fewer people, the dance floor will be your canvas to boogie the night away.

Capture every moment with a top-notch photographer and videographer. Your intimate celebration deserves to be immortalized in style.

Having a smaller wedding can also save you time. You won’t need a seating chart or a boatload of signage directing people here and there. Instead, spend your time investing in some of these lovely, intimate touches.

Though we love personal vows no matter what your wedding size, this moment is particularly magical when you’re surrounded by your inner circle. Imagine looking into your partner's eyes and sharing vows straight from the heart. With your inner circle close by, you can get seriously sentimental and make everyone reach for the tissues.

Embrace the cozy vibes and get everyone involved. Set up a DIY cocktail station, a fun photo booth, or even a mini trivia game about you and your partner.

Instead of the usual formal sit-down dinner, go for a family-style feast. Pass those plates around, share stories, and let the good times roll.

If Mother Nature is on your side, why not take the party outside? Whether it's a beach, a park, or even your backyard, the open air adds a touch of magic.

For those who can't make it in person, bring them in virtually. Livestream your vows, dances, and speeches so your far-flung friends and family can join the celebration. Just make sure you sound-check your audio so that your aunt in Michigan isn’t waving to let you know you’re on mute.

As you embark on this epic wedding journey, remember that size doesn't matter – it's all about the love. Your micro-wedding is an opportunity to connect on a deeper level with the people who've been your biggest cheerleaders. It's a chance to create memories that are as unique and incredible as your love story itself.

So, beautiful bride-to-be, get ready to make your small wedding a colossal experience. Pour your heart, soul, and a dash of quirky charm into every detail. Let the love flow, the laughter ring, and the happiness overflow. Because when it's all said and done, your micro-wedding will be the stuff of legends – a tale of big love told in the most intimate way.

Here's to you, your partner in crime, and the adventure of a lifetime. Cheers to love that's small in numbers but grand in every other way!