Any wedding, whether it is small or big, can be simple in it’s setup, but that does not mean that it has to be boring. The word ‘small’ in small weddings refers to the number of guests, not the complexity of the setup. In fact a small wedding can have every element that a big wedding has, only for less people. And that is where the key to a great small wedding lies: to plan each element as if it was a big wedding, just with smaller numbers. The opportunities for beauty and fun are endless!

​So what is a small wedding?

In the wedding industry we differentiate between three types of small weddings:

• A small wedding has between 30-60 guests.
• A micro weddings has less than 20 people.
• And then there are elopement weddings where the couple get married and celebrate by themselves or with just the witnesses. You can see an example for a stylish elopement wedding at Bailbrook House over here.

​What are the advantages of small weddings?

• Less costs – naturally smaller weddings cost less. You have less guests to cater for, you don’t need to hire as big a venue and you will most likely only have one meal.
• Less organization – smaller weddings are less organization, particularly if you choose to have the ceremony and reception in the same location.
• More quality time – you get to spend more quality time with each guests.
• Special discounts – with less guests it is easier to have a mid-week wedding. Many venues and suppliers offer special rates for mid-week weddings so go and ask them for their discounted rates!
• More availability – a mid-week date offers you much more availability and choice in venues and suppliers as the most popular venues will be booked for weekend weddings one or two years in advance.
• Budget for extras – by spending less money on the overall wedding you might have some spare funds for special extras like a magician who could come and stay for an hour during your drinks reception. Magicians are so much fun!
• Less pressure – did you always fear the thought of a hundred people watching you walk down the aisle? Small wedding are perfect for people who are a little shy and prefer a more intimate atmosphere.
• More meaningful photographs – from my own experience I manage to take more meaningful and intimate photographs at smaller weddings as the number of group shots is less, the reception room smaller and the order of the day is usually more relaxed. Also smaller weddings are often more personal and slower pace, all of this reflects in the photography!

Some good ideas for your small weddings:

• Create an intimate seating arrangement during the ceremony – having less guests at a ceremony means you can rearrange the seating. How about having your guests sitting in a circle around you while you exchange your vows?
• Fancy restaurant – for small weddings consider booking yourself into a fancy restaurant like the Ivy or The Pig. They can provide you with a room for up to 20 or 30 people so you have privacy while dining in style.
• Don’t ditch the dress – Just because you choose to have a small wedding you don’t have to ditch the dress! Go and have your dream dress, you can afford it with a smaller wedding! Companies like Needle & Thread offer the most luxurious and beautiful wedding dresses that costs significantly less than traditional wedding dresses.
• Have fun – Just because you cut the number of guests you don’t have to cut all joy – have beautiful flowers for yourself as well as the dinner table! Hire fun transport to get from one place to another.

And here are the best small wedding venues in and around Bath for you:

Some of these venue can only accommodate ceremonies, some can also provide space for the reception and celebrations:

• The Guildhall
• The Little Theatre
• The Roman Baths
• The Pump Rooms
• The Pig near Bath
• The Holburne Museum
• Lucknam Park
• Bailbrook House
• Coombe Grove Manor

The Roman Baths can cater for pretty much every wedding, whether it is large or very small. This ceremony here consisted of five people: two grooms, two witnesses and one registrar. The backdrop is spectacular, no matter the number of people. Below is David’s five start Google review he wrote me:

“Betty photographed our wedding in June 2019 which took place at the Roman Baths. We chose her having looked at a number of photographers on line and we’re glad we did. The photos were wonderful. It was a small wedding – just the two of us and our witnesses – and she captured perfectly the love and affection we have for each other. We can’t recommend her highly enough.”

The right photographer for your small wedding:

I have photographed many big and small, long and short, slow and fast weddings. Every wedding is unique, fun and most imortantly it is supposed to be one of the most important days in your lives.

I offer a totally personal wedding photography experience. I build a great working relationship with couples who book me, because I want to find out what makes them tick so nothing crucial is left to chance. So I’ll always take time to really understand your personalities and we’ll work together tailoring the photography package so it suits you and your unique plans.

For smaller, mid week and off-peak weddings I offer wedding photography packages by the hour. All packages include:

More weddings you’ll love:

For more information & to check availability:

(or so simply say hi)

To find out more, receive a totally non-binding quotation or book a (virtual) meeting, please get in touch.

I’m located in Bath, Somerset.

email    bettybhandariphotography@gmail.com

phone   +44 (0)7984 029 639

In the unlikely event you don’t hear from me within 24 hours, please check your spam or junk folder.