Honey, I Shrunk The Wedding

We all hoped we’d crack it and the impact of Coronvirus would be long gone by now. I remember (stupidly) joking about a July wedding going ahead back in March and now so many dates have come and gone and nearly all have chosen to postpone. I think we need to hear some positive news stories now.

Hope & Love

So far, I know of 2 of my lovely couples that have decided to downsize and go for it. For these, I am SO happy and excited. Personally, I think the wait in postponing would be agony. I can see why some people are doing so, after spending over a year planning their perfect day, finding the best suppliers, organising the right space for so many people and creating an event that shows people who they are as a couple. They don’t want all that effort to go to waste, to miss out on everything they’ve ever dreamed of but the longer this goes on and with no way of knowing when it will end- maybe we could start to think a little differently, after all, love is what it’s all about.

Megan & Ben

This was my first couple that chose to go ahead with smaller numbers and it’s clear to see from the smiles on their faces that they made the right decision. Back in July, when they could have 30 people together it was far from their original 120+ guestlist. This couple had to think fast and shrink their wedding. They set up a live stream for the day and now have plans in place hold their original reception, as planned, for their first anniversary- such a special idea.

Here’s some heart-warming words Megan had to say about their very special day and to be honest it sounds just dreamy to me!

“turned out to be a beautiful day and so relaxed - we both absolutely loved it!  We ended up with 600 views on our YouTube livestream as well so in a way we accidentally upscaled the ceremony”

“we're so so glad we could go ahead anyway - we were just keen to be married and we can party next year anyway so we're glad we didn't hang around!  And we really loved the more relaxed day anyway so worked out well!  …the only slight shame was not being able to sing the worship songs we'd chosen, but we had our fave two songs … playing whilst we watched a slideshow that Ben's mum put together!”

“After the service, we went to a nature reserve down the road, which was beautiful, with the idea of having everyone very much socially distanced and in small groups to be legal - we stuck to the distancing and had a whole field to spread out so think we did OK by the rules just about!

Then we went back to my back garden for a BBQ with our two immediate families (with Ben's brother zoomed in from America for the meal and his best man's speech) as we'd been in those two households, and just hung out there all evening - it was so so lovely!

We went to the Cotswolds then to Norfolk for honeymoon - very different from the original Northern Italy plan but so relaxing and just what we wanted after all the wedding stress.”

 This wee wedding sounds just perfect and Megan & Ben are now already loving life as a married couple, massive congratulations to them and looking forward to seeing what their future holds.

Hannah & Luke

After the latest announcement on wedding numbers I was fully expecting to hear that Hannah & Luke wanted to postpone their October wedding. Having what we’d already consider an ‘intimate’ day of 80 guests planned and they had then had to make the heart breaking decision of reducing their guestlist to under 30. Then the news of 20 guests hit and Hannah got in touch to consider postponing, in the process of rearranging it all the allowance upped to 30 again, hoorah! Back to plan B or was it D or even G by this time?!  Then, this week, back down to 15 forced Hannah & Luke to think about what is truly important to them...

“We have just decided we want to get married as that what matters most. I still want the full cake size, why not, ordered some nice little cake boxes so going to deliver to our guests that couldn't join us. 

I was thinking about a live stream … but if not we don't mind as we don't know if we rearrange it if things will be the same”

I absolutely can’t wait to create their cake as I’m completely missing the buzz and flurry of activity on the day. They totally deserve to have a wonderful day after all this mayhem and happy that I can be a part of that!

Inspiration

It’s inspiring, we have to start looking at ceremonies differently – for a while at least.  Rather than a hindrance, it could be an opportunity for many to get more creative and think outside the box with wedding planning. We can think about those closest to us and what gorgeous small spaces we can create. Wedding cakes can be made smaller, a mini version of the original design even. We can get creative with dessert tables – a single tier cake can take centre stage on a tall luxurious stand with mouth-watering displays of your favourite bakes for puddings.

It can be an opportunity to save money for your future together or you can redirect that original budget for 100+ into the most spectacular intimate space for your nearest and dearest, a gorgeous vintage car to travel in, the beautiful outfit/s (yes why not have 2 dresses?!) that you never thought you’d have the budget for or a fancy new hat for the Mums. Supporting local independent businesses is a high priority for many right now. Totally unique and great quality services and handcrafted items that don’t cost the earth are on our doorstep and ready for your intimate plan B!

Have a small wedding and love every minute

I’ve heard that many weddings fly by so quickly and with so many guests the happy couple sometimes don’t spend much time together, this could be a great time to enjoy a slower paced, more relaxed vibe.

Chat to your suppliers to see what small wedding ideas they have, taking inspiration from your dream plans and realise how flexible everything can be. I always recommend taking a look at Leicester Wedding Network for any inspiration and to meet THE loveliest combination of local suppliers who I’ve been lucky enough to meet or work with most of them.

We’re here to make your planning smoother, to help create small weddings and ceremonies to be as spectacular and memorable as your original plans. To be here for your Plan A and your Plan B. To make your happy memories happen.