Inspiration, Ideas, and Encouragement For Your Downsized Wedding
So you’ve decided to downsize your wedding instead of moving your date… Now what?
If you’ve been affected by the current pandemic, my heart entirely goes out to you and the choices you’ve had to make! If you are one of the couples who have chosen to keep your original wedding date and make some changes, you’re not alone!
SO many people are opting to go this route if they’re able, due to other future plans or simply the desire to honour their original date! Downsizing your wedding may at first seem disappointing, however I’m here today to tell you all the many reasons why it will actually be SUCH a blessing, and amazing experience!
Below are some listed ideas, tips, and inspiration for your wedding day!
A downsized wedding isn’t something to dread.
Just because your plans have changed or you have a smaller crowd, it doesn’t mean your wedding day will be disappointing or sad! Weddings with smaller guest counts are ALWAYS so intimate, special, and laid back because your very closest loved ones are there to celebrate with you. It gives you the time and opportunity to craft a wedding day that speaks to you & your personalities. There will be so much more time to relax with your partner, enjoy the company of your guests, and have conversations and genuine interactions with everyone!
2. There is time for more things you love
With a downsized wedding, there is more time to incorporate things that you and your partner enjoy! Taking time on your wedding day to DO something together is something not a lot of people consider, but it can be a wonderful opportunity to ground yourselves and take in alll the love. Here are some ideas!
Go to a coffee shop or brewery/bar for lunch and a drink
Take a hike or a walk somewhere beautiful (the East Coast Trail is amazing!)
Incorporate your pets into your day or go for a visit at home!
Sit by the fire with your guests and play some music!
3. You can get creative with your wedding
With a smaller guest count comes new opportunities! You can get married at your cabin, in a backyard, in a smaller heritage venue, spend more time on personalized favours, hire a food truck to cater, the options are endless! It’s easier said than done, but try to see all the AMAZING things you CAN have instead of what you have lost. It’s a chance to reconsider what really matters, and get excited about your new plans!
4. Elope Now, Party Later
There's also the option of eloping on your original date with just a select few, and having ALL your original intended guests together for a big party next year! A lot of couples have went this route as well. There’s no right or wrong answer, and you need to do what works for you! If you plan to elope, you can get married by the water, in your yard, on a cliff, literally ANYWHERE you could dream of, because there’s just a few folks involved. Vows by the sea with dinner after at your favourite spot? Yes please! Your loved ones will totally understand, and if you wanted, you could do a vow renewal at your future party so everyone can share in the love!
5. Have patience & love for yourself and others.
It’s been a trying time for everyone, trying to figure out what to do! If you are overwhelmed, take a break for the evening and revisit wedding thoughts tomorrow. Make a list of the things that are the most important to you and allow that to guide you through your planning! Reach out to your vendors and seek their thoughts and support. We are experienced with smaller, intimate weddings throughout our careers and would LOVE to give tips and help guide you. We are itching to get back to doing what we love: helping you have the best wedding day EVER.
Once the initial feelings of disappointment pass, you can look beyond the changed plans and allow yourself to have optimism for what’s to come! You will still get married and celebrate with your loved ones, and there is opportunity for it to be even more unique, special, and loving than your initially imagined!
"I don't know what you want me to tell you, man. All I know is that every time I've been faced with a tough decision, there's only one thing that outweighs every other concern. One thing that will make you give up on everything you thought you knew, every instinct, every rational calculation—love." -Jim Halpert, THE OFFICE