Planning a Small Wedding? 3 Tips For an Intimate Affair

No matter big or small, I believe your wedding should be a day in which you can look back with gratitude and peace of mind knowing that it was exactly how you wanted. I don’t mean that there won’t be hiccups or last minute changes- that’s impossible!

• I’m talking about truly cherishing the intention of why you two are taking that step in the first place.

• I’m talking about choosing to focus on the details that matter most to you as a couple.

• I’m talking about remembering the essence of the day: setting apart a moment in time in which you shout from the rooftops (or maybe just whisper on a mountaintop) the promises you made to each other, and what this day truly means for the two of you.

When it comes to smaller weddings, I find that there are many opportunities to be able to step back and focus on those details, and not only the hustle and bustle of coordination. Not to say that those moments can’t happen within a larger wedding setting, but I always admire couples to choose to go in a more intimate route, much like my amazing couple, Laura & Sean.

These two tied the knot this summer on a beautiful Sunday in Long Beach, NY, accompanied by about 35 friends and family. Not only was I mesmerized by all the love and thoughtfulness incorporated throughout the ceremony and reception, but Laura was gracious enough to share her advice on what had helped her throughout the process of planning her wedding! #bridegoals

Follow along to see what aspects she absolutely loved, and what tips and tools she offers to help you in your planning process, whether big or small, accompanied by some of my favorite memories from the day!

#1. "One of the things we learned as we embarked on the planning process is that a small wedding doesn't necessarily mean less work or planning involved!

Despite the number of guests, in many cases, you'll still need to coordinate the same amount of vendors - venue, photographer, florist, cake, favors, dress, stationary, etc.."

#2. "But it does mean that you can spoil your guests! We LOVED that we were able to offer our guests quality over quantity.

We were able to upgrade our champagne and add caviar service, as well as hire a world-class baker for our cake!"

"Usually at these celebrations (at least for our families), it is the food that is most memorable. For some of our guests, our wedding was the first time they ever tasted the kind of food we served, so it was amazing to have been able to treat them to that experience."

#3. "Prioritize local vendors, and select those that are familiar with your venue and their staff, etc..

It was helpful, for example, that our florist knew both venue spaces and was able to coach me on what set-up and arrangements worked and didn't work based on their experience with previous weddings at those same locations."

If you're thinking of planning a more intimate wedding or elopement, keep these awesome tips in mind, and no matter what:

this day is for you two, and who and what mean the most to you.

It can be easy to get caught up in the stress of it all, but whether your wedding is 350 people or 35, I encourage you to not be afraid to zoom out a little bit and evaluate what matters most, and preserve that as much as possible! ♥

Now! Time to enjoy more photos from Laura & Sean's day of love by the sea!

(Side note - isn't she just the cutest!?)

Laura wasn't kidding about treating her guests to the interesting food - I tried some myself and was blown away! I can't wait to go back to Long Beach's charming

Lost & Found

restaurant; everything was DELICIOUS!