THE INS AND OUTS OF
INTIMATE WEDDINGS
Many couples want an emotional wedding. Some like bonding, others like to be different, but they all have one thing in common, quality time for family and friends. Be it the desire to have a smaller, more personal celebration, such weddings are called “Intimate weddings.” So, what is an intimate wedding, and how is it usually held? Let’s find out.
01.
WHAT IS AN INTIMATE WEDDING?
To us, every wedding is designed to appreciate the engagement between the couple and guests are intimate weddings. It emphasizes the freedom spirit that reflects the couple’s personality. All of this is to create an unforgettable wedding experience. Intimate weddings usually have:
small in size
The number of guests should be as small as possible. Any celebration from an elopement of two to 75 people is widely considered an intimate wedding.
Full of activities
There are many activities, from playing games, taking photos, signing guest books, giving speeches. singing, and dancing together. These activities are highly engaging to help connect everyone all together.
No bells and whistles
The focus is on keeping the reception simple yet enjoyable for your guests. This is probably the best and most challenging thing when planning as it clearly shows the personality and interests of the couple as well as the good values that you two pursue.
Encourage sharing and interaction
Encourage sharing and interaction
Wedding parties are rare opportunities for the couple to express their thanks and feelings to parents and friends. That is why intimate weddings are often filled with emotions and feelings.
02.
TIMELINE OF A TYPICAL INTIMATE WEDDING
Below is a common intimate wedding program. Depending on the wishes and your actual circumstance, you can add or subtract activities as you like.
The Welcome
Starting from the afternoon (around 4 PM), guests will be welcomed with cool drinks and light foods. This is the “warm-up” time for people to get to know each other and learn about the activities that will take place at the party. Usually, the bride will stay inside, and the groom (with his best man) will be greeting guests.
Common activities:
– Groom and groomsmen welcome guests
– Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
– The host will introduce everyone to each other
– People mingle around
Wedding ceremony
Held during the golden hour, the ceremony is the most important moment when the couple exchanges their appreciation and commitments before embarking on the long journey ahead.
Common activities:
– The wedding party and bride’s entrance
– The couple exchange vows and rings
– First kiss
– Recessional
– Thank you from the couple
Wedding ceremony
Held during the golden hour, the ceremony is the most important moment when the couple exchanges their appreciation and commitments before embarking on the long journey ahead.
Common activities:
– The wedding party and bride’s entrance
– The couple exchange vows and rings
– First kiss
– Recessional
– Thank you from the couple
COCKTAIL HOUR
A meaningful break between ceremony and reception. This session is usually 30-45 minutes long, allowing the couple to take private photos and group photos with everyone. Guests are encouraged to mingle, chat and enjoy snacks during this time. It is also a great time to “show off” the couple’s taste in music & interests.
Common activities:
– Bride & groom’s private photoshoot
– Group photo with family and guests
– Signing the guest book
– Wedding lighthearted games
Dinner party
The feast is the most extended session. An intimate dinner party usually has no or very few performances. This is the time when the couple is blessed by family and friends.
Between courses, guests can give speeches, express their feelings, and tell memorable stories. Delicious food, beautiful table decoration, and great music are keys to delivering this session’s best experience.
Main activities:
– Sit-down dinner
– Speeches and toasts
– Mingling and chatting
– First dance & cake cutting
The feast is the most extended session. An intimate dinner party usually has no or very few performances. This is the time when the couple is blessed by family and friends. Between courses, guests can give speeches, express their feelings, and tell memorable stories. Delicious food, beautiful table decoration, and great music are keys to delivering this session’s best experience.
Main activities:
– Sit-down dinner
– Speeches and toasts
– Mingling and chatting
– First dance & cake cutting
AFTER - PARTY
AFTER - PARTY
This is the last and the most exciting session of the wedding. It takes place immediately after the wedding reception. The evening will become more boisterous and quickly filled with loud music & laughter. To us, as wedding planners, a successful after-party is the happy ending for the whole process of wedding planning. Still, have no idea of how to plan a successful after-party? Click here to check out our guidelines.
Main activities:
– Open bar
– Dancing
– Games
Main activities:
– Open bar
– Dancing
– Games
