Mountain Colorado Home Wedding

Having a small and intimate wedding was truly fitting to Emily and Dan. I could feel that they had their closest family and friends that mean so much to them in attendance. It was all done with the same love, appreciation, and intention of a big wedding - just without all the extra stress, sillyness, and unecessary costs. It certainly helps when you have a perfect spot such as this family mountain home.

Downsizing a wedding can be a practical and intimate choice, whether it's due to budget constraints, personal preferences, or external circumstances. Here are five tips to help you successfully downsize your wedding:

Here are my top 5 tips to downsize your wedding

• Create a Smaller Guest List

One of the most effective ways to downsize your wedding is to trim the guest list. Start by creating a list of essential guests. Those who are closest to you and must be present on your wedding day. Consider immediate family, close friends, and those with whom you have strong connections. Keep in mind, you can always share your amazing photos and story of the day with those who "didn't make the cut," to have them feel included afterwards.

• Choose a More Intimate Venue

Go for a smaller venue that suits the reduced guest count. Intimate settings like vrbo's, smaller event spaces, or even a backyard can provide a cozy atmosphere. Don't forget about city and state park facilities you can rent. Smaller venues may also be more budget-friendly, allowing you to allocate resources to other aspects of your wedding that mean more to you.

• Simplify Decor and Details

Downsizing doesn't mean sacrificing style or elegance. Instead, focus on quality over quantity when it comes to decor. A smaller venue requires less decoration. Choose a few impactful elements, such as flowers, lighting, or personalized touches, rather than spreading your budget thin across numerous details to fill a space. This not only simplifies the overall look but also reduces costs.

• Streamline the Ceremony and Reception

Consider combining the ceremony and reception in one location to minimize logistical challenges. Streamlining the schedule and events can create a more relaxed atmosphere. You will have more time to spend actual personal time with your guests and be present on the day vs running around so much. Having somone you know officiate your wedding adds another personal touch. Emily and Dan's fathers both played a part in their ceremony.

• Embrace Digital Elements

Use technology to include those who may not physically attend. Consider live-streaming your ceremony for remote guests. This is also great if you had family that couldn't travel to be there. This allows you to share your special day with a broader circle while maintaining an intimate in-person celebration.

Remember that downsizing your wedding doesn't mean compromising on the significance of the day. It can create a more personal and meaningful experience, allowing you to focus on the relationships that matter most. In turn, you will actually have some amazing memories with your guests vs feeling like the entire day was a blue and hopefully they had fun. Communication is key throughout the process, so be open and transparent with your loved ones about the reasons behind your decision.

I am available for all of Colorado and destination weddings, elopements, and engagements. I love to wander.

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