How to Celebrate your Small Wedding in Meaningful Ways

314 Exchange • May 19, 2023

Over the last several years, we've seen a huge change in wedding trends. A shift from traditional ballrooms and 200+ guests towards more intimate affairs. Think destination weddings, smaller gatherings in picturesque locations, or even courthouse nuptials! (1)


Weddings are a time for joy, happiness, and celebration. Some couples prefer large, lavish ceremonies, while others prefer to keep things under control with a few close friends and family members. The couple can concentrate on what truly matters by having a small wedding: their love for one another and their determination to spend the rest of their lives together. 


A small wedding can still be meaningful and special, despite that fact. Planning a wedding that truly reflects the couple's personalities and values can be simpler when there are fewer guests and details to manage. This blog will review some suggestions for meaningfully celebrating a small wedding. 

small wedding venues Louisville KY

Pick A Significant Location

One advantage of a small wedding is more freedom in selecting the venue. You don't have to limit yourself to big, expensive venues; you can choose a place that has special meaning for you two as a couple. You may want to exchange vows on the beach where you spent your first vacation together or in the park where you went on your first date. 


Perhaps you want to get married in the backyard of the house you grew up in or at a favorite eatery where you have shared many memorable meals. Making a personal connection with the venue you select for your small wedding venues Louisville KY will enhance its significance.   

Make Your Vows Unique

You can truly personalize and individualize your ceremony when you have a small wedding. Writing your vows is one way to accomplish this. It gives you a chance to convey your love and devotion to one another in your own words while also including special stories and memories that have meaning for you both. Additionally, you can include traditional vows or important aspects of your culture or religion. 

Interact With Your Visitors

There's no reason why you can't involve your guests in the celebrations, even though the wedding itself will be on the intimate side. Consider asking each guest to contribute to the wedding ceremony or reception.



You could ask each guest to share a unique memory of the two of you during the ceremony, or you could ask them to bring a dish to share at the reception. Both options are available to you. You could also invite guests to participate in a game or sing-along involving the entire group by saying they are welcome to join in. 

Focus On Details

You can concentrate on the specifics important to you during a small wedding. When it comes to the things that are most important to you, such as food, flowers, or music, you can invest more time and money in them. 

Additionally, you can alter the specifics to showcase your personality and passions. For instance, you could design unique wedding favors that showcase your shared pastimes or interests or include decorations that feature your preferred color schemes or fashion trends. 

Create Memorable Reception

The reception to your outdoor wedding venues in Louisville KY is frequently the high point of the festivities, and a small wedding allows you to plan a truly special and memorable reception. Consider including components that showcase your personalities and interests, like a themed menu or a signature drink. Including interactive activities like a trivia contest or a photo scavenger hunt will help your guests get to know one another better. 

Make A Wedding Photo Album

Making a more private and intimate wedding album is one of the advantages of a small wedding. Include personal messages from your guests and pictures from the ceremony, reception, and other memorable day parts. The wedding program, the menu, and other mementos from the event could be included in a scrapbook or photo book that you make. 

Giving Back

Giving back to others is another way to add meaning to your intimate wedding. Think about contributing to a cause that is significant to you both or including a service project on your wedding day. 



You could request that visitors bring nonperishable food items to donate to a nearby food bank or that they bring gently used clothing to donate to a local shelter. It is a wonderful way to show love and kindness to others on your special day and to begin your marriage by giving.

Consider Cultural or Religious Custom

If you and your future spouse come from different cultural or religious backgrounds, or if you and your partner already have traditions significant to you both as a couple, consider including them in your wedding ceremony. 



It might include elements from a traditional tea ceremony, a henna ceremony, or a handfasting ceremony. It is a wonderful way to celebrate your two's unique love story and pay homage to your heritage.

Choose Music That Has Meaning to You

Choose songs with a deeper significance for you as a couple because music is a powerful medium for bringing up feelings and recalling experiences. This list may include songs that hold significant personal significance, such as the song to which you did your first dance or the music playing when you got engaged. 



Additional options include a song about a specific vacation spot or a musical genre you and your friend enjoy. You could also choose music that reflects the activities or interests you enjoy together

Prioritize Quality Time

The day you get married is ultimately a celebration of your love and commitment to one another. Therefore, ensure that you set aside time during the day for your family to communicate with one another. It could be a private moment to exchange private vows before the ceremony, a romantic dinner for two following the reception, or a leisurely brunch the day after the wedding. All these options are possible. On this very special day, you should prioritize spending time with one another to ensure that it will be remembered for a very long time.


About the author

Cory Adkinson

Cory Adkinson is the owner and operator of 314 Exchange, a premier wedding and event venue. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Cory has dedicated his career to providing exceptional service and a beautiful setting for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. As an expert in the event industry, he has a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence. Cory believes in building strong relationships with his clients and goes above and beyond to ensure their vision is brought to life. With his expertise and dedication, Cory has become a trusted name in the event industry and continues to exceed expectations.

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