Follow these 10 tips to have the most magical intimate small and micro wedding in Northern Illinois
Are you a Chicagoland couple who's looking to tie the knot? or Maybe you are a Northern Illinois Couple looking for the perfect small wedding experiences.
Do you want your wedding to be intimate and chic, with a hint of playful fun? If so, read on!
As anyone who's ever been through a planning process knows, there are hundreds of details to keep in mind. And while some things will be unique to your situation, the size and location of the space, who's invited to the ceremony and reception, what kind of entertainment you want; are some of the key elements that will carry over into any intimate wedding.
Here are 10 tips for creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
What is an Intimate Wedding?
An intimate wedding is your opportunity to throw a party without worrying about the size of the guest list. If you're planning a celebration with up to 70 guests, that falls under the category of intimate and small weddings. That's because the word "intimate" means "close and personal", which is exactly what you need on your special day – sharing the joy with your closest ones.
Best Possible Locations For A Cosy, Intimate Wedding
The best thing about intimate weddings is that you can choose a different kind of venue. Permitted park, Airbnb, private home, a barn, destination location, etc; are all great options for small gatherings.
A permitted park is great for more outdoor-focused celebrations. You do need to obtain a permit to have your wedding in such parks. These permits differ from county to county so if you're considering this option, be sure to research what the policies are in the chosen area and whether there are any restrictions on noise, alcohol consumption, or vendors.
Airbnb is another fantastic option for intimate weddings, especially if you're looking for something unique and with more privacy. You don't need any permits when having your wedding at an Airbnb so long as the property allows parties (be sure to double-check with the host!). There are a plethora of unique properties available that provide amazing backdrops for gorgeous photos.
Here are a few of my favorite spots to consider in the Greater Illinois/ Chicagoland Region:
Beach elopement in Chicago at Lake Michigan shore
Oak Hill Farm in Apple River, IL
Loft Lucia Chicago, IL
Vrooman Mansion Bloomington, IL
Nicolas Conservatory Rockford, IL
Blumen Gardens Rochelle, IL
Starved Rock State Park
Why You Should Have A Small Wedding
A small, intimate wedding has its advantages: it's more personal, it's budget-friendly, and it allows you to customize every aspect of your celebration. It can also help you avoid stress by keeping the guest list limited. You'll have less to worry about and more time to spend on the things that matter most.
If you're looking for a magical yet easy experience, a small micro wedding is definitely for you!
Small Wedding Budget Tips
Weddings are a beautiful and truly magical experience. But they can be expensive! If you think about it, the expenses for a wedding can quickly add up. In essence, the more guests you invite, the more the costs will rise.
To make the best of your budget, consider the time of year: Spring, Summer, and Fall are the most popular times to get married. Usually, a summer wedding costs more than having your wedding in winter or on a weekday.
Many venues offer discounts if you book your event during off-season months (November through March). Some venues also offer deals for weekday events. Additionally, many places offer all-inclusive packages for your ceremony and reception. This is an easy way to help keep costs under control by not having to hire multiple vendors to handle different aspects of your wedding day. However, this is also a chance to allocate your budget more effectively and spend more on the things you feel are important for your micro wedding. This intimate affair is all about being personalized and special, so focusing on magnificent details and elevating the guest experience will be of utmost importance.
How to Put Together the Perfect Guest List
It's not necessary to invite anyone you've ever met to your wedding. You don't even need to invite all your friends – just invite the people that mean the most to you and whose presence will make your day magical.
The Importance of Hiring a Photographer for Your Intimate Wedding
Hiring a photographer for an intimate or small wedding is a crucial step to make sure that your day is portrayed with all the moments you want it to be, so you can look back on these authentic moments whenever you want to.
A photographer will always be there for you and will be able to capture all of the special moments, like when you walked down the aisle or took your vows. Having those memories immortalized in photos is a great way to look back on them whenever you like.
How Flexible Can You Be?
This might sound like an easy question, but it’s a very important one. Can you change the date if the weather is bad? Can all of your guests travel on Wednesday instead of Friday? Can the venue offer a different room at the last minute? The more flexible you can be, the more seamless your planning will flow. Intimate weddings have one major benefit – small means it is easier to plan and change.
Plan Your Wedding Dinner
The best way to make your intimate, small and micro wedding in Northern Illinois magical is to serve a delicious dinner that is sure to please the whole crowd.
Plan your menu well in advance of your wedding day, so that you can ensure that all of the food will be fresh and tasty.
Why It’s All About You
When planning your intimate wedding, it’s easy to lose track of the most important thing: this is a day for the bride and groom. It is the two of you, celebrating your love for one another and the commitment to spend the rest of your life together.
No matter how many people are in attendance, it should feel personal – a reflection of what you two want, who you both are as a couple, and what your relationship means to you. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or that your guests won’t be having a great time. But at the heart of it, it should be all about you and your partner.
Create A Special Wedding Experience For Your Guests
You don't want your guests to feel like they're just going to a party – you want them to feel like they're part of something special. Your celebration is an incredible opportunity to create and share an intimate wedding experience with the people closest to you.
We know you're going to have a magical wedding, and we want to help you capture every last detail and emotion of this special day. We'll help you ensnare the essence of your big day by portraying every detail and emotion with our modern, sophisticated wedding photography.