An Intimate Wedding Checklist

When planning a small wedding, although there is less stress, less head-count and more spontaneity and romantics involved , a little bit of planning needs to happen prior. As I stand true to testament, it all can be planned within two weeks. With all this being said, I have curated the ultimate checklist for you, whether you are eloping just with your partner or simply having an intimate affair with a small wedding party, everything I have laid out is important for you to tick off as you plan.

1. Logistics

First things first, you need to get the boring (but most important) things out of the way. When we speak of logistics we are talking about the basics:

• Set-up Budget

• Decide on the date you want to be married

• Decide on your wedding officiant + organise your legal documentation and wedding contract.

• Decide on your venue + make sure to check if you can do the legal marriage at that venue, if not, decide on a church or marriage officiant office where you can do the signing of your certificate beforehand. Then you can just have your wedding ceremony at your beautiful location after!

• Decide on your guest count

• Decide what wedding vendors you'll need/want. ie florist, cake, catering, photographer, videographer, decor etc.

Notes on Marriage License + Legalities:

*Speak to your officiant regarding their requirements. Officiants differ with regards to their process, and it is always a good idea to first get to understand your officiant beforehand. Setting up at least two meetings will help you to be best prepared before the day. Also, ask your officiant if they will ordain your actual ceremony as some officiants only handle the legal side of things.

*Make sure to get your marriage contracts (whether it is community of property or antenuptial) sorted before your big day.

*Make sure you get witnesses to your actual marriage certificate signing. It is generally a rule that you need at least two witnesses to sign your certificate along with you, your partner and your marriage officer/officiant.

2. Attire, hair and Makeup

Once you have all the logistics out of the way, it is time for the fun things! Whether you are going all out with your wedding dress or are keeping it low-key with a simple store bought look, it is important not to leave this organisation too late!

• If you are wanting a custom made dress/suit - Be warned that it can take up to 6 months for a boutique to make custom garments, plus don't forget time for alterations after your final fitting! There are many ways to get beautiful looks for cheap and on short notice - You can simply buy something from a local store and then either DIY it and make it unique, or take it to a designer to alter it to make it more special. You can also go thrifting for very cheap options, and most of the time you will find gorgeous wedding gowns for next-to-nothing!

• After the wedding attire is organised, the next thing you must do is sort out hair and makeup. If you decide to do your own, I always advise to make sure you have practised the look on yourself a couple times before and wear it for a full day to make sure you are comfortable and confident that you look good and it will stay together for a full day. I always advise brides to also do their makeup and wear white, this way you can envision the makeup with your white dress and make sure you don't become whitewashed!

• If you are wanting to hire a makeup and hair artist, make sure to do it as soon as possible, and have a trial run with them beforehand.

3. Photography and Vendors

If anything, do not skimp out on the photography! Photos of your special day are very important, and is definitely something you will want for memories. If you can't afford a photographer, consider at least setting up an iphone or smartphone. Buy yourself a cheap tripod and get a self-timer going! It will definitely be worth it.

Must haves for an intimate wedding (in my opinion and experience):

• Photography, like I said - even a smartphone! Another must have is a disposable camera or polaroid. This is something fun as the pictures are instant and is a great thing for you and your guests to enjoy.

• Good food - Even if it is just a table of snacks you set out yourself. Make sure you buy all of you and your partners favourite things and get creative with the set-up! You can have so much fun setting out a table of finger-foods even from your local grocer!

• Music - I personally don't think it's necessary to have a DJ or musician for an intimate wedding. A simple speaker and playlist of your favourite songs will do the trick.

• Decor - This is something that can really set the atmosphere and mood for the day. Even if it is just you and your partner with a marriage officer, having a personal touch of pretty things can really make a difference! You can find cheap items at a thrift store and get creative with your DIY!

If you are going the vendor route, make sure to concentrate on these four main ones, as they are the most important to make your wedding day as special as can be!

4. Rings

Besides your engagement ring, you will need at least a band or another ring to have your partner slide onto your finger when you say I do. Make sure to get these in advance and have them ready for your ceremony.

5. Enjoy it!

Once you have organised all that needs to be considered, it is time to actually enjoy yourself and your big day. Although it is a special day for great memories, it must be something for you and your partner to love. The most important thing to keep sight of is the main reason you are getting married - and that is for love. So take this time to be true to yourselves, spend time with your loved ones, and make great memories as a married couple!

Lots of love, B xx