Evoke President and Senior Event Planner, Jeannette Tavares, was interviewed by Carats & Cake to share her insight on how to throw an intimate wedding. See the Q&A below!
1. Perks to throwing a small and intimate wedding?
A small and intimate wedding creates a special atmosphere of the people that mean the absolute most to you. Many brides and grooms worry about not being able to say hello to and thank each person for coming the day of. With an intimate wedding, you should be able to share a moment with each guest in attendance. Another perk is costs come down with less guests.
2. What are ways couples can rethink traditional day of options when transitioning to a smaller wedding?
Depending on the event’s scope, traditional elements for guests like providing transportation may not be necessary anymore. Various religious elements may need to shift. For example, family members standing under a chuppah may need to be acknowledged in a different way. A grandparent walking down the aisle and witnessing their grandchild get married is a moment everyone hopes for. If elder family members are not able to attend for safety reasons, considering a live stream for them to still be a part of the ceremony is a great option.
3. Ways couples can narrow down their to-do list on the necessities for throwing a smaller wedding?
With a significantly smaller guest count, putting together welcome bags could be eliminated if guests aren’t traveling in. Finalizing guest seating will take less time as well as guest meals and dietary restrictions. This will be much simpler and can be done further ahead of time only needing this information from a handful of people.
4. How should couples start thinking about save the dates when hosting an intimate wedding?
We recommend an electronic save-the-date as a smart option when sending out a minimal amount. This is also a great way to save money, especially if the couple needs to send out a redo with a new date.
5. What is the best serving style for a smaller intimate wedding? Any other catering tips?
We love family style because it gives a wedding the sense of family & warmth many of our couples strive for on their wedding day, so for a wedding that is already small and intimate, family style service seems more than fitting. Of course, if the couple does not feel comfortable with their guests handling the food in this way, a plated meal would be the best option for the least amount of human contact with the food.
6. Should couples stick to a “normal” wedding day schedule (For example, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, after-party)?
Even with a smaller group of guests, couples shouldn’t change what they have been looking forward to during the planning process. It may happen in a home rather than a restaurant, but a rehearsal dinner can still take place to set off the tone for the weekend. Cocktail hour with a smaller group is not incredibly necessary to last an entire hour. This portion can certainly be cut short and smoothly transition into dinner with your close-knit group.
7. Design ideas to still make your space feel grand with a smaller guest list?
Drape to elevate the space but make it proportioned for the smaller guest count, & being smart with lighting and overall layout of the space.
8. Pro-tips for incorporating personal details in a more intimate celebration?
Some of our pro-tips for incorporating personal details include photos, hosting the celebration at the family home, escort cards that can also serve as a thank you note/personal note to each guest, and food that has a special meaning to the couple.
9. Should couples still curate welcome bags and favors for their guests? We don’t see favors too often these days. If couples end up not having a ton of guests traveling from out of town, welcome bags are a nice token thanking your guests who are a part of your day.
10. Any other tips for couples looking to tie the knot right now and planning an intimate party later?
Stay positive! Do what makes you feel comfortable and stay excited to celebrate with those that can with. You have each other and that is most important. Get your vendors booked for the new date with your planner, and then enjoy being married!
Planning: Stephanie or Evoke Design & Creative
Photographer: Branco Prata
