Small destination weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are several reasons why. A small destination wedding offers many advantages over a traditional wedding.
Small destination weddings are more intimate and personal, they can be less expensive than a traditional wedding, and they offer the opportunity to celebrate your marriage in a beautiful setting with your closest friends and family.
Unique Small Destination Wedding Ideas
If you’re thinking about getting married in a small destination location, here are some tips to help you get started. Here are great ideas and tips for small destination weddings.
1. A quaint bed and breakfast in:
Bed and breakfast inns offer a charming and intimate setting for a small destination wedding. Most inns have beautifully landscaped grounds that provide a perfect backdrop for your ceremony and photos. And, many inns offer on-site catering, so you can have your reception right there at the inn.
2. A historic mansion or estate:
For a truly unique setting for your small destination wedding, consider a historic mansion or estate. These locations often have beautiful gardens and grounds that provide a perfect setting for your ceremony and reception. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of being able to say you got married in a historic home.
3. A private beach:
Is there anything more romantic than getting married on a private beach? If you’re planning a small destination wedding, consider renting a private beach home for the week of your wedding. This will give you exclusive access to the beach for your ceremony and reception.
4. A vineyard:
Vineyards make gorgeous settings for small destination weddings. Most vineyards have beautifully landscaped grounds with lush gardens, making them perfect for an outdoor ceremony. Many vineyards offer on-site catering and event planning, so you can have your reception right there at the vineyard.
5. A mountain lodge:
For a rustic and romantic small destination wedding, consider renting a mountain lodge for the week of your wedding. Mountain lodges typically have beautiful grounds with hiking trails and streams, making them perfect for an outdoor ceremony. And, most mountain lodges have on-site catering, so you can have your reception right there at the lodge.
6. A lake house:
A lake house rental is a great option for a small destination wedding. Lake houses typically have large yards with plenty of space for an outdoor ceremony and reception. Lake houses have docks where you can exchange your vows with a gorgeous lake backdrop.
7. An art gallery:
For a truly unique small destination wedding, consider renting an art gallery for the day of your wedding. Art galleries typically have high ceilings and plenty of open space, making them perfect for an indoor ceremony. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of being surrounded by beautiful artwork on your big day.
8. A castle:
If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind small destination wedding location, consider renting a castle for the day of your wedding. Castles typically have gorgeous grounds with plenty of space for an outdoor ceremony and reception. You will be able to say you got married in a castle.
9. A botanical garden:
For a beautiful and romantic small destination wedding, consider renting a botanical garden for the day of your wedding. Botanical gardens typically have lush gardens with plenty of space for an outdoor ceremony and reception. Your wedding would be beautiful being surrounded by beautiful flowers on your big day.
10. An outdoor pavilion:
An outdoor pavilion is a great option for a small destination wedding. Pavilions typically have plenty of open space for an outdoor ceremony and reception. Many also have a kitchen area, making it easy to cater your own food.
Tips for small destination wedding ideas to make your event special:
1. Strategically Plan Your Guest List
The first step to planning a small destination wedding is to guest list. You’ll want to be strategic about who you invite. In addition to close family and friends, consider inviting people who are easy to travel with and who you know will be excited about the trip.
2. Choose an Intimate Venue
Small weddings are all about intimacy. When choosing your venue, focus on places that will foster a sense of closeness among guests. A good rule of thumb is to pick a place that can comfortably accommodate all of your guests in one space.
3. Focus on the Details
Since there will be fewer people at your wedding, you’ll have more opportunities to focus on the little details that make your day unique. From the menu to the music, pay close attention to what will make your wedding memorable.
4. Keep It Casual
One of the best things about a small destination wedding is that it can be very relaxed. Embrace the laid-back atmosphere by keeping your décor and attire casual.
5. Make Transportation Easy
Transportation can be one of the biggest challenges of planning a small destination wedding. You’ll want to make sure that all of your guests can easily get to and from the ceremony and reception. One way to do this is to provide transportation for guests who are staying at nearby hotels or rental properties.
6. Plan Activities for Guests
If you’re worried about guests getting bored during your wedding, plan some activities for them to do during their free time. This could include a day trip to a nearby attraction or an evening at a local bar or restaurant.
7. Have a Backup Plan
Even if you’ve planned everything perfectly, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong on your wedding day. To avoid any stressful surprises, it’s important to have a backup plan for things like bad weather or transportation problems.
8. Choose the Right Vendors
When you’re planning a small destination wedding, it’s important to choose vendors who are familiar with the area and who understand your vision for the day.
9. Stay Within Your Budget
It’s easy to get carried away when planning a destination wedding. But no matter how tempting it is to splurge, it’s important to stay within your budget. Keep track of all of your expenses and make sure you have a realistic idea of what you can afford before you start booking vendors or making other plans.
10. Make It an Adults Only Affair
One way to keep your guest list small is to make your wedding an adults-only affair. This can be a great option if you’re planning a destination wedding, as it will help to keep travel costs down for guests.
11. Have a Weekday Wedding
If you’re flexible with your date, consider having a weekday wedding. This can be a great way to cut down on the number of people who are able to attend, as many guests will already have commitments on weekends.
12. Get Married in the Off-Season
Another way to save money on your destination wedding is to get married in the off-season. This could mean getting married in the winter instead of the summer or getting married on a weekday instead of a weekend.
13. Have a Destination Elopement
If you’re really looking to keep things intimate, consider having a destination elopement. This means that you’ll just be getting married with your spouse and a few close family members or friends.
14. Get Married in Your Hometown
If you’re not set on having a destination wedding, consider getting married in your hometown. This can be a great way to save money and still have the wedding of your dreams.
15. Get Creative With Your Food and Drink Menu
One of the best ways to save money on your wedding is to get creative with your food and drink menu. Instead of having a sit-down meal, consider having a buffet or appetizers only. And instead of an open bar, consider having a cash bar or wine and beer only.
16. DIY Your Wedding Decor
If you’re crafty, consider DIYing your wedding decor. This can be a great way to save money and personalize your wedding day.
17. Have a Smaller Wedding Party
Another way to save money on your wedding is to have a smaller wedding party. This means fewer bridesmaids and groomsmen, which will also help to keep your guest list small.
18. Choose Inexpensive Wedding Favors
Wedding favors can be a great way to thank your guests for attending your wedding. But they don’t have to be expensive. Consider giving out personalized keychains, magnets, or even candy bars as wedding favors.
19. Create a Seating Chart in Advance
When you’re planning a small wedding, it’s important to create a seating chart in advance. This will help to avoid any awkwardness on the day of your wedding.
20. Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate
When you’re planning a small wedding, it’s important to delegate tasks to your family and friends. This will help to take some of the pressure off of you and ensure that things get done.
21. Take Advantage of Technology
There are a number of ways that you can use technology to your advantage when you’re planning a small wedding. You can use social media to help with the promotion of your wedding and you can use online RSVPs to keep track of your guests. You can even create a wedding website to share information about your big day with your guests.
22. Enjoy the Day
Above all, don’t forget to enjoy your wedding day! even though there will be some stress that comes with planning a destination wedding, it’s important to take a step back and savor the moment. After all, this is one of the most important days of your life.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to planning the perfect small destination wedding. Just remember to stay within your budget, delegate tasks, and take advantage of technology and you’ll be sure to have a stress-free wedding day.