The wedding guest list not getting any smaller? We feel you. It's tough to cut it down, especially when everyone (and your mother) says so-and-so just can't be left off the list. Just because you're throwing a 800-person wedding doesn't mean you're celebration shouldn't feel intimate. Here are some fun and creative ways to make your big day intimate — no matter the theme, style or guest count.
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Pick the right type of venue - A big wedding doesn't mean you're banished to a huge banquet. Pick a venue that has several smaller areas instead of one large room. Host the ceremony, dinner, and dancing all in different areas. This allows guests to explore the venue while also creating a small, cozy feeling.
Centre Stage – If you are building a mandap, do it in the centre of your banquet or outdoor space. That way everyone comes together and feels as if the space had shrunk to give it a more intimate feel.
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Proper Lighting - Incorporating a variety of soft and romantic light can help create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Up lighting, lanterns, ceiling and market lighting will enhance the mood. Beware of harsh or bright lights, such as spotlights, and when in doubt, add an array of candles for a touch of romance!
Feast Style Dining – Have long tables where people can interact and mingle with guests. Long noisy tables also create a feeling of being at an intimate dinner party with friends and family
Create Cozy Corners - Yes, you'll need a big space for dining and dancing, but creating nooks and lounges throughout the space so that people can socialize in a smaller setting. Try to select a venue with little side rooms and cozy corners. Create cozy lounge spaces with couches, ottomans and fun pillows that tie into your design theme to help encourage conversation. If a huge banquet is your only option, you can opt for false walls, ceiling treatments to lower a high ceiling, and other specialty décor.
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Centrepieces – While big, tall centrepieces may feel appropriate for a large wedding, consider a low and lush option instead. With low centrepieces, guests are able to see one another and carry on conversation
Use Colour To Your Advantage - White will make a space seem airy and larger, while darker colours (think rich hues) will make the space seem smaller. Also, forget the solid coloured tablecloths and opt for large patterned linens in bold contrasting colours. Large florals and multi-colored stripes will flourish in large spaces and unify the different areas.
Food stations – You can have personalized messages from the bride and groom at every food counter trying to make the wedding more personalized and intimate. Bride loves soufflé? Put that on the dessert station!
Games and Trivia - Lighten the mood and kick off the festivities with games and personalized trivia. For example: you can have the bride & groom pen their love story or how they met and make a place card/standee out of it. This can be set on all the tables. It feels personal and brings the guests closer to the couple.
Be Visible – Make sure you and your partner are visible and accessible to people at all times. Go and dance with everyone on the dance floor even if it’s even for 2 mins each. Guests remember that effort!
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