When most people imagine their wedding day it certainly involves more than 15 guests! The government restrictions that are currently in place are making it tricky for couples (and suppliers) to know what to do for the best. We remain hopeful that the roadmap the government set out back in February will go to plan and some sort of normality will reappear for weddings by mid summer. This still leaves a huge chunk of couples that are faced with reducing guest numbers (if not postponing yet again!)
Back in 2020 we chatted to Sian Chaplin, a reputable wedding planner (and good friend of ours) with the aim of finding some pointers and positives for couples faced with planning a smaller than originally planned wedding...
Photo: Lily North Photography
Sian, the way things are going suggests smaller weddings could be around for a while yet. What positives would you offer couples faced with having a more intimate wedding and reception?
It can be difficult to think of the positives when you've had to cut your guest list considerably, but if you have chosen to go ahead with a smaller ceremony and reception then focus on the fact that you're still able to get married; that's the most important thing! Your day will still be super special. A smaller gathering immediately feels more personal and romantic, knowing that you only have your very close family and friends in attendance to celebrate with you.
Are there any ideas you could share for making even the smallest wedding super special and memorable?
Obviously there are certain aspects of your day that you can't include at the moment but try and implement everything you originally planned, just because you're having a smaller wedding it doesn't mean it has to look any different. Dress those tables with flowers and decorative items, enjoy a slice or two of your wedding cake and arrange for your wedding party to say a speech or two. It's important that we try and maintain some sort of normality in such strange times, your wedding is a day to celebrate in style! If you're having a more intimate wedding now and a big party later on, please still consider having both celebrations photographed if budget allows. It's important that you mark both occasions and have beautiful images to look back on.
Photo: Silver & Light Wedding Photography
Do you think planning a smaller wedding necessarily means a smaller 'to do' list and less suppliers?
Although your guest list is smaller, the planning and preparation for your special day remains the same; whether it be for 15 or 100 guests. I've supported couples who've had a more intimate wedding both throughout the planning and managing everything on the day, it's still crucial that you enjoy your day to the fullest. Planning a smaller wedding still takes time out of your busy day to day life, so having that professional support can really help ease any stress or worries - especially during such an uncertain time like we're having at the moment. Even with a smaller guest list you're still booking the same number of suppliers as it's them that bring your ideas to life! Just because you have less people, doesn't mean it has to be any less special.
There's bound to be a large percentage of couples holding out for a large wedding as originally hoped - what advice would you offer them?
If you have made the decision to postpone your wedding day until normality resumes then my advice would be to take a step back from the planning for a moment and enjoy time with your other half. This year really has been a tough one so make some time to have some quality time together, enjoy lots of date nights and above all else - remember why you chose to get married in the first place. It's a heart breaking time especially if you've planned your day for so long, but remember that this is a unique situation and we're all in this together. Your wedding day will be worth the wait and better than ever! Don't hesitate to get advice from your suppliers, they want to be there for you and ease any worries as much as possible.
Photo: Silver & Light Wedding Photography
We can't talk about the current wedding and events climate without asking how you're doing Sian. It's been an incredibly tough year for couples and suppliers alike. How has this year been for you and have you managed to keep yourself and your clients positive?
I'm doing ok thank you, much better than at the start of lockdown I have to admit! I'm honestly heartbroken for all of my couples who've had to postpone, cancel or plan a more intimate wedding with little notice. As always I've been supporting my couples throughout no matter what service they have booked with me, I want them to know that they can come to me at any time to ask for advice. No one could have ever predicted a year like this so it's important that we all stick together. I think all we can do is go with the flow and stay as positive as possible, weddings will return to how they should be and when they do they're going to be amazing!
Some amazing points there from Sian and hopefully some real glimmers of hope for anyone that is having to cut their guest numbers. For more information about the services Sian offers do visit her website - https://chaplinevents.co.uk/
Here's how restrictions for weddings currently look for 2021:
From 8th March 2021 - 6 Guests (ceremony only)
From 12th April - 15 guests
From 17th May - 30 guests
From 21st June - no restrictions
Stay positive everyone and do get in touch if you'd like to start planning your event with us - whatever the size!