Considerations for Planning a Small, Casual Wedding

Every wedding, no matter how small, has hundreds of planning details that the bride and groom should consider. From invitations and location to bridal party attire and the cake, these details can add up quickly and require a decision to get the ball rolling. Take your wedding planning one step at a time, and you'll soon be well on your way to enjoying an intimate ceremony as you've always pictured it. Stick to Your Guest List Many couples set out with the dream of throwing a small wedding, yet their plans spiral out of control when the guest list isn't adhered to. Before making any serious plans, sit down and decide who you really want to be there the most. Do you have a second cousin you've only met once or twice, but feel obligated to invite? Don't. Stick to your guns, and think of whose support will mean the most to you on your big day. You don't have to invite every acquaintance you know, so choose your guests wisely and you'll end up with the cozy, close-knit group you want to be surrounded by on your wedding day. Choosing the Right Menu Are you planning a small country wedding and reception? Then perhaps you should consider a potluck style menu. Close friends and family can prepare casseroles, chicken parmesan, and other dishes that you approve of and bring them to the reception. For the indoor reception, a buffet is a great option. Guests can serve themselves whenever they are ready, and people tend to get their food sooner than they do when served by a staff. The wedding cake doesn't need to have intricate filigree details for it to be a big hit. You could set cupcakes on a tiered platform to provide quick and easy access at your laid back reception. Whatever the menu, be sure it matches the tone and atmosphere of your small, easy going event. Down to Earth Decorations Set the tone of your wedding with decorations that express the personal taste of you and your groom. Nothing says outdoor wedding like bouquets of wildflowers, tied with strips of rich organic fabric. A church wedding will be complete with ivory candles lighting up the background and gracefully draped tulle adorning the pews. White string lights will bring sparkle and a touch of romance to the reception while a short clear vase full of calla lilies or your favorite flower will make a simple and elegant centerpiece. For table linens, you can't go wrong with classic white accented by rich red or chocolate brown napkins. Artistically strewn flower petals will bring natural beauty to the bridal party's table or the table displaying the cake. With so many options for do it yourself wedding decorations, it's easy to create the look you want for your intimate wedding. Don’t forget to include your bridal party, including your mother and soon to be mother in law, in these theme-based details. While you may not necessarily be looking for many suggestions and ideas from your closest attendants, asking for their help will make them feel even more special and, more importantly, invested in your special day. Dressing to the Nines Outfitting the wedding party can be a relatively simple task for a casual wedding. Instead of scrutinizing dresses, you may want to select a color for your bridesmaid gowns and let each bridesmaid choose her own style accordingly. That way, each bridesmaid can wear the right cut of dress that best flatters her body type while still presenting a cohesive look to the audience. Decide whether a coat and tie is necessary for each groomsman, or if a collared shirt and khakis is acceptable. When it comes to the wedding dress, there are plenty of relaxed styles that will fit in with a casual event. A knee-length summer dress will be a light and airy option, while a gown with an asymmetrical hemline combines modern appeal with understated elegance. Pair your dress with attractive and comfortable flats that can go from down the aisle to on the dance floor with ease. Keep your wedding party's attire simple, yet stunning, and you'll have a finely dressed group to escort you down that aisle in style. Planning a wedding encompasses an incredible amount of details and requires hundreds, if not thousands, of decisions from the happy couple. From the level of formality, to dining options, to DJs and venues, you’ll discover in short order how helpful your friends and family can be. rnIt’s important to approach the planning of your wedding, even a small, casual one, with a certain amount of organization and preparedness. Remember always to keep your eye on the prize—a charming and fun wedding—and you’re bound to pull together a ceremony no one will ever forget.