The Intimate Wedding Trend

Defining an Intimate Wedding

An intimate wedding is an increasingly popular trend for 2024, offering couples a more personal and meaningful celebration. Unlike large-scale weddings, intimate ceremonies typically include a smaller guest list, creating a more relaxed and close-knit atmosphere. These weddings can be called “micro-weddings” and tend to include less than 100 guests, while keeping all of the traditional elements of a larger wedding, such as wedding parties, florals, photographic elements, and reception with entertainment.

Why Intimate Weddings are Trending

Intimate weddings are gaining popularity as couples seek a more authentic and focused celebration. The trend emphasizes quality over quantity, allowing couples to share their special day with those closest to them. Couples looking for authenticity are choosing this trend that focuses on the details, personalizing the ceremony and reception to incorporate special moments from their time together leading to the wedding. 

Steps to Achieve an Intimate Wedding

Create a Thoughtful Guest List

Begin by carefully curating your guest list, focusing on close family and friends. Keep the atmosphere intimate by inviting only those who share a meaningful connection with you and your partner.

Here are a few questions that can help narrow down the guest list:

• Have you talked to the person in the last 6 months?
• Would you want to spend at least 10 minutes talking to this person on your big day?
• How would you feel if you weren’t invited to their wedding?
• If they invited you over to their house, would you want to go?

(Extra Tip: Handwrite your wedding invitations, or include a handwritten, personalized note in each invite for the guests.)

Choose a Cozy Venue

Opt for an intimate venue that complements the size of your guest list. Focus on the grounds, ceremony space, and reception area to make sure that you feel comfortable. Meet with your planner in the space, if you have one, or ask if the venue has a planner that can assist you with mapping out your vision for the day in the space provided. Make sure that you and your partner agree on the look and feel of the space.

Personalize Your Ceremony

Make your ceremony unique and personal by incorporating meaningful details. Begin by writing your own vows to each other. Reflect on your memories together by having a table set up for guests with mementos of your time together, including notes, yearbooks, ticket stubs, and consider offering a story card with items that hold particular sentimental value. Another great table idea is one displaying the wedding photos of various members of the families, including parents and grandparents. Including cultural elements is also a great way to personalize the ceremony. Implementing personal details into the ceremony is paramount for an intimate feel. 

Craft a Distinctive Menu

Embrace the intimate vibe by selecting a menu that caters to a smaller group. Choose quality over quantity, and consider unique and personalized food and drink options. Perhaps you and your partner met for the first time over a specific dish. This would be a great addition to your intimate wedding meal, and consider sharing the story on a card to be delivered with the meal option. 

Capture the Moments

Invest in a talented photographer to capture the intimate moments of your special day. Focus on candid shots that showcase the emotions and connections shared with your closest loved ones. A trending tip is to plan both an engagement session, and an “extra” session with your photographer in advance. This builds intimacy and trust with the photographer and lets them know your style and preferences for your big day. If your wedding is in the fall, you could use this extra session for your Christmas cards!

In the midst of wedding trends, the intimacy trend for 2024 stands out as a meaningful and personal choice. By carefully curating your guest list, choosing a cozy venue, personalizing your ceremony, crafting a distinctive menu, and capturing the moments, you can create a wedding experience that reflects the depth and uniqueness of your love.