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How to make your small wedding the perfect intimate day

Is that the sound of wedding bells in the air? Wedding ceremonies with up to 15 people can still go ahead in most parts of the UK. Here, Jack Jahan, from Ramsdens Jewellery, shares some tips for making a small, intimate celebration as magical as possible.

Under the current coronavirus restrictions, couples in England can marry in a ceremony with up to 15 attendees, as long as it's held in a COVID-19 secure venue that accommodates social distancing. So, while big wedding receptions are off the cards for at least a while longer, you can still have a magical ceremony with all your nearest and dearest, assuming there's no local lockdown in force in your area.

When done right, a smaller wedding can be just as special as a big bash. Fewer guests makes planning much easier, and also means you can spend more per head, allowing you to increase your budget when it comes to dining, décor, and venue hire. So, while you may not be able to invite every casual colleague or third cousin anymore, there are plenty of other advantages to having a smaller ceremony. Here, I'll share some tips for making sure your intimate wedding is perfect in every way.

How to make your small wedding the perfect intimate day www.redeventweddingfayres.com

Choose a quirky, meaningful venue

Having a smaller wedding means you can afford to be more creative in your choice of venue — you won't be limited to the usual large hotels and stately houses. With a guest list of 15 people or less, you can consider saying your vows in all sorts of quaint venues, including cute boutique hotels, manor houses, private rooms in restaurants and pubs, and even galleries, libraries and cinemas. So, you can make your day more unique by hosting the ceremony in an unusual venue that speaks to your individual taste and personalities as a couple.

Just remember that your chosen venue will need to be large enough to allow your guests to social distance during the ceremony, so everyone stays safe. Your venue should be able to advise on how they'll accommodate you when you visit for a tour.

Go all out with your wedding outfits

While you might be limited in terms of how many guests you can invite, that doesn’t mean you can't still go all-out when it comes to your wedding outfit. What you wear on your wedding day is all about feeling your best — it doesn't matter whether 100 guests will see your outfit, or only 10. So, don't be afraid to splash out on the look of your dreams. If you've always wanted to wear a full-length veil, a dress with a long train, or a glittering tiara, then go for it!

Give your bridal party some meaningful gifts

Your bridal party has been there for you through thick and thin — and it’s safe to say that there have been more than a few tough moments this year, especially if you've already had to postpone your ceremony because of COVID-19. So, why not express your gratitude and appreciation with a symbolic gift? Jewellery is always a wonderful gift for your bridal party, because they can wear it on your wedding day. Plus, it’s something they can treasure for years to come. Just be sure to pick metals and gemstones that will complement their dresses and hairstyles.

For your maid of honour, you might want to pick something a little more special, like a matching earrings, bracelet and necklace set. If your budget allows, you could also give some symbolic jewellery to your family members — pearls make a lovely present for the mother (or mother-in-law) of the bride.

Don't assume these presents are just for the ladies, either — you could also show your appreciation to your best man by presenting him with a watch. To make the moment extra special, you could even have it engraved.

Splash your budget on some creative transport for your guests

With a bigger wedding, the guests are usually expected to arrange their own transport to and from the venue. But, with a smaller wedding, you can afford to make the guest experience even more fun by providing some cool transport. Not only does this get your day off the great start, but it can also bring another quirky, individual touch to your wedding.

Classic and vintage cars are a popular choice for many couples, but you can also think outside the box with tuk-tuks, canal boats, or even vintage London buses. Your guests are sure to love it, and it will look great in your photos, too.

With some creative touches and careful planning, a smaller wedding can be every bit as magical as a big one. Please note that the information in this article is intended as a guide and the information is subject to change, so you should always check the government COVID-19 hub for the latest updates before making any decisions.