How To Make A Wedding For 15 People A Day To Remember

A reduction in wedding guests doesn't mean there should be any less of a celebration. You can still wear your wedding outfits, still cut your wedding cake and most importantly still have an amazing time. Plus, you'll be married, which ultimately is what it's all about.

Timings

Start by popping the champagne early! Whether you choose to get ready together as a couple, or separately with your families, a wedding day requires a champagne breakfast and lots of pre-wedding excitement. This doesn't mean you have to get married at 12 pm and be home by 6 pm. In fact, quite the opposite. If you've always dreamed of saying I do under the stars, now is the time to go for it!

Make It Personal

Take time to really think about your wedding ceremony and make it personal to you as a couple. Write your own vows, read a poem or ask a family member to do a reading. If you've chosen to get married during this time it's because you really want to, so enjoy every minute. You may also want to consider a wedding celebrant. They can give you the wedding ceremony you have always dreamed of, but never knew you could have. Read our article What Is A Wedding Celebrant? with advice from expert Jennifer Patrice on what she can offer planning couples. Give your guests personalised wedding favours, anything from handwritten notes, to bespoke face masks. They'll really appreciate the personal touch and you'll enjoy making them for your closest family and friends.

Wedding Photography

Have fun with your wedding photographer, decide how long you're going to book them for and make the most of the time you have together. Discuss locations for wedding portraits, and even the possibility of changing locations mid-way through your couples session. Whilst handheld confetti should be avoided to reduce the risk of transmission from person to person, we believe the use of a confetti cannon is ok. It's a staple wedding day moment where guests all line up to shower the couple with prosperity. Plus, the captures are always full of so much joy and surprise.

Wedding Transport

It is still legal to travel on public transport (whilst wearing a mask of course). So why not hire a vintage bus and ride with your guests to your wedding reception. Purchase miniature bottles of champagne and make individual picnic bags full of savoury snacks to enjoy on the way. Alternatively, you could hire a statement car and take a spin together. A vintage E-type jaguar like Harry and Meghan or an orange fiat punto like our real wedding couple Siobhan & Will.

Wedding Reception

Your wedding reception will be the time when you can really celebrate with your loved ones. Take time to think about how your reception tables are set out to ensure everyone is able to interact easily whilst being seated. Discuss the wedding menu with your caterers. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to change your original choice for something more extravagant or add an additional course to prolong the celebrations. You could even incorporate a cocktail hour, or gin/wine tasting session into your reception.

Entertainment

Plan games to entertain guests during your wedding reception, anything from Mr & Mrs to the memory game ("When I went to the shops I bought..."). These fun ideas will fill the room with laughter and create the joyful happy atmosphere you were hoping for. Also, there's nothing more heartwarming and entertaining than listening to wedding speeches. Invite as many of your guests as possible to say a few words. I'm sure they'll be lots of laughter as stories are shared and reminisced.

Budget

There's no doubt a reduction in your guest list will impact your wedding budget and provide a few cost savings. So, if you've been holding off buying those designer shoes you've been lusting after, now is the time to purchase them! Or if you want to increase your flower budget to have the floral installation you pinned but couldn't afford, do it!

Wedding For 15 People

If there are certain guests that can't attend due to health reasons or would like to wish you the very best on the day, ask a family member to set up a live Zoom session so they won't miss out. The world is awash with interactive ways for us all to stay in touch. Whilst we're unsure when weddings with unlimited guest lists will be able to resume, there's no reason you can't marry now and party later with your original guest list. I can just see Rock My Wedding pages full of vow renewals, blessings and more. It'll be wonderful, and we can't wait. It's also worth remembering your furry friends are not included in the headcount, so if your venue is pet-friendly, bring them along, they'll make a great ring bearer.

Fewer guests often mean less stress and a more relaxed atmosphere. Plus, it's a wonderful chance to spend some quality time with those closest to you and celebrate your love. We've been sharing lots of post-COVID weddings and advice from couples who've just gone for it! Below are some helpful articles and inspiration to help you plan your 15 person wedding:

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