Intimate weddings are on the rise and you might be wondering if you should jump on the bandwagon and have an intimate wedding instead of a big hall wedding. Some people think that a small intimate wedding means less fun, but I am here to tell you that is absolutely not the case. A wedding is about the crowd you invite, not the amount of people you invite. Think quality over quantity. My husband and I opted for a 45 person wedding at my aunt’s cottage and it was a blast (I may be biased but I’m willing to bet others would say the same). 

So if you’re still on the fence, I’m here to bust some myths about intimate weddings and share some advantages that might come with smaller weddings. 

1. More quality time with your guests

This one was honestly a big one for me. I was able to speak to every single one of my guests, MULTIPLE times. We did not have to “make rounds” and limit our time talking to people for 5 minutes just so that we could make sure to say hi to every guest. We were able to get into real conversations with people and spend time with the people that were most special to us.

2. Save some money

Truthfully, this one can totally depend. Depending on the route you choose to go for your intimate wedding (backyard vs venue) there are different costs associated with each so this one depends. The big thing I will say that saves you money on is food, where truthfully a lot of wedding budgets go. The less food you need the lower your cost will be, simple as that.

3. More variety of venues

With smaller groups comes a lot more variety of options for venues. It opens up the possibility of smaller venues, restaurants, cottages, backyards, instead of larger halls that need to accommodate seating for 150+ people. You might be able to get a little choosier on where you’d like to host your wedding.

4. Option to reallocate funds to where you want them most

Smaller weddings might mean less people, but it doesn’t have to mean less detail if that’s what you want. With the money you save, go all out for something that you really want. Make that beautiful backdrop you’ve always wanted, spend a little more on your dream photographer, or maybe even opt for a live band that you really love. Whatever it is, just because you choose to have a small wedding, it doesn’t mean that you have to go small with every detail. Go big if that’s what you want and pack a little extra punch in an aspect you really want. 

5. Guest list flexibility

Okay this one is a big one. You know how many times people have told me about the politics of who they are “supposed” to invite to their wedding because their parents asked, even if they don’t really want to. Well, with a smaller guest list you can have more flexibility in saying no to those people. You are choosing just the people closest to you to celebrate in your day and keeping the circle small. 

An intimate wedding & elopement photographer who captures genuine, authentic moments and photos that evoke emotion and comfort.

I’m always ready to hop on a plane and adventure with you!

Wedding photographer based in Toronto & GTA.