Aug 23, 20233 min read

Small and Sweet: 8 Intimate Wedding Ideas That Save Big On Expenses

At The Little Wedding Planner, we're all about celebrating love in a way that's not only meaningful but also wallet-friendly. If you're dreaming of an intimate wedding that shines with quality without the hefty price tag, keep reading as this content is for you.

In this blog post, we're excited to share some helpful tips on how to create an unforgettable, budget-savvy celebration that focuses on what truly matters: your love story.

Let's dive into a world of intimate wedding ideas that save big on expenses.

Candid photo of an outdoor wedding ceremony. The guests are standing and facing towards the front of the aisle.

1. Guest List Magic

Start by crafting a guest list that's all about quality over quantity. Keeping the guest list small is one of the best ways to save your wedding budget. Automatically you're reducing your costs in all other areas, while also surrounding yourselves with the people who truly matter to you. This will create an atmosphere of genuine connections and heartfelt conversations. Fewer guests mean more meaningful moments without the strain on your budget.

2. Explore Unique Venues

Think beyond traditional venues and explore unique settings that exude character. Consider charming gardens, local art galleries, local parks, your favourite restaurant or even a rooftop bar. These distinctive locations not only add a touch of magic but often come with a friendlier price tag than conventional spaces.

An outdoor wedding ceremony in a forest at night-time. There are festoon lights, lots of wood, and a square arch draped with white fabric and flowers.

3. Creative DIY Decor

Embrace your inner DIY stylist and get creative with your decor. Craft personalized centerpieces, design your own signage, write handwritten notes as wedding favors and create a cozy ambiance with string lights and candles from Kmart. The secret? Simple touches with a big impact that reflect your style.

On the other hand, if DIY is not your thing, don't be afraid to go minimalist and simply forget about the small styling items. Keep the aesthetic clean, modern and simple, and we bet the guests won't even notice.

4. All-In-One Spaces

Opt for venues that offer both ceremony and reception spaces in one location. This not only streamlines logistics but also saves on transportation costs. Guests will appreciate the convenience, you'll enjoy the budget-friendly benefits, while also saving on petrol and carbon emissions.

Close-up photos of the exterior of a yellow food truck which has a sign that says 'crafted burger on wheels'.

5. Dine Differently

Instead of a three-course plated dinner, consider a family-style buffet meal, get in a food truck, organise a BBQ with salads, or chat to your favourite local eatery about their catering options.

If you go down the alternative catering track, it can be a double-whammy and save you the task of coming up with a seating plan (yus!). No seating plan also allows your guests to mix and mingle as they please. But more importantly, choosing a less traditional caterer is likely to ultimately save you money - it just might take a bit of extra time to research.

6. Sweet & Simple Desserts

If your wedding is in summer, get Mr Whippy in for dessert! Or find a local hire company that offers a DIY ice cream cart - they are fairly inexpensive and really fun for your guests.

In terms of wedding cake, you could serve this for dessert topped with berries and cream. If you don't have a sweet tooth but still want that classic cake-cutting photo, then opt for a small, elegant mini-cake to keep the tradition alive without overspending on a large cake.

Close-up photo of a bride cutting a piece of cake from a small wedding cake. The cake is decorated with white buttercream with smudges of coral, and a small posy of flowers.

7. Meaningful Favours

You don't have to spend a lot of money on wedding favours to show appreciation for your guests. Consider thoughtful yet budget-friendly options instead, like personalized handwritten notes, small succulents, small native plants or seeds, or small treats from a local supplier. That way, you're still showing appreciation of your guests, but you're not breaking your budget and in some instances you're promoting sustainability too.

8. Time-Saving Photography

Choose a photographer experienced in capturing the essence of intimate celebrations. Yes, photographers are still keen to shoot smaller weddings, you've just got to find the right supplier. Focus on capturing candid, emotion-filled moments instead of opting for extensive hours of coverage. Quality over quantity applies here too! You can get a large number of photos in a short amount of time.

Crafting an intimate wedding that's both budget-friendly and rich in quality is an art that we're passionate about. By focusing on what truly matters and making mindful choices, you can create a day that's as magical as your love story without the financial stress.

Here's to cherished moments and unforgettable celebrations that leave both hearts and wallets happy! 💍🌟

- Brie, The Little Wedding Planner