How to Plan a Small, Intimate Beach Wedding

As a popular wedding trend that's making waves in these post-pandemic times, hosting an intimate beach ceremony in an exotic destination is also one of the best ways to say "I Do" in style. Avoiding all of the complications of organising a big event, those who are opting for a small beach wedding can truly make their special day a unique experience for all. From finding the venue to deciding on attire, here are some tips on how to plan the ultimate beach wedding for a limited number of guests.

How Small is Intimate?

The first step in planning an intimate beach wedding is deciding on the scale of the event as an intimate gathering can mean different things to different couples. But as a rule of thumb, an intimate wedding should not have more than 50 guests although it is also acceptable to invite just a handful of your close friends and family for your special day. Having 50 as the benchmark for the number of guests can help couples cut back on the guest list so that the wedding does not resemble a typical ceremony with the attendance of a large group of people. Keep in mind that one can invite just five or ten of their nearest and dearest and it will qualify as an intimate affair.

Location, Location, Location

The next step in the process is securing the perfect venue for the wedding as the location can also determine how intimate the event will be. Those who host a beach wedding on a public beach may find that even if the guest list is limited, the presence of tourists and other holidaymakers will make the nuptials seem less "intimate" so finding a quiet space that's both cosy and contained in terms of atmosphere is equally crucial. This is why resorts such as Adaaran Select Meedhupparu and other secluded resort islands are top choices for private celebrations. Couples can alternatively choose a small wine bar, restaurant or the backyard of a friend's house for their wedding location as long as there is enough space to accommodate a dining area, entertainment acts and a dance floor.

Timing the Event

Depending on the location selected, it is then time to time the wedding and to send out "Save the Date" emails to the handful of guests you are planning to invite. Clear weather and sunny conditions are a must for those who are tying the knot in the Caribbean or Sri Lanka. Those who have selected an indoor venue can be more flexible about timing their wedding; for instance, views of the Indian Ocean can be admired even during the rainy season if you choose one of the Maldives resorts. Honeymoon getaways should be planned by avoiding the peak tourist season as the large number of guests occupying the hotel during this period is not ideal for your intimate wedding.

Wedding Check-List

Unlike a traditional wedding, couples who have opted for a smaller ceremony need not waste their time on printing monogrammed napkins or picking china patterns for their reception but there are certain elements that must be seen to. Securing vendors such as photographers and caterers is essential, even if it is as simple as asking a friend to snap Polaroid's or your favourite restaurant to cater the event. Decorations, while minimal, are also a part of the ceremony whereas music and other forms of entertainment should also be decided on.

Attire

Couples can go minimalistic when it comes to wedding attire in a small affair such as this; however, that does not mean that they can skimp on looking their best. Choose wedding clothing that's not only comfortable to wear but will also appear elegant in the photographs afterwards as the photos will be what's left of the event after all this preparation. Couples can get creative with their dress code and even use a theme for their clothing choices while also asking the guests to dress in particular colours.