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A Scaled-Back Wedding

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A Scaled-Back Wedding

Happy New Year! For 2023, we’ve noticed one trend going very strong: a scaled-back wedding. For some couples bigger is better, but it’s becoming increasingly popular to take some of the hubbub out of the wedding day. Having a scaled-back wedding means different things to different couples, so we’ve taken note to give you an overview of scaled-back wedding ideas. Here are some of the best scaled-back wedding ideas for couples ready to start planning a simpler wedding!

No Bridal Party

This trend definitely can be controversial. Oftentimes friends have been waiting to be part of your bridal party for years. Imagine their dismay when they find out you are not having a bridal party. But here’s the thing: it is your wedding. Not having a bridal party means allowing your friends to be at your wedding with less of a financial commitment: no shoes or dress involved. Not having a bridal party can also benefit you as there will be fewer details and events to coordinate. Speaking of fewer details, if you do not have a bridal party you don’t have to choose bridesmaids’ dresses, or even wedding colors for that matter. If you are someone who feels overwhelmed by having to make numerous decisions, not having a bridal party might be the perfect way to have a scaled-back wedding.

Fewer Guests

Another commonly controversial way to scale back your wedding is by inviting fewer guests. It can be controversial, especially because so many people have been excitedly awaiting your wedding day. Yes, that may mean not inviting your mom’s college friends, sorry mom, but the added benefit is you have more quality time with your closest people. If large social gatherings are not your thing, this trend will add more enjoyment to your wedding day. Likely it will also benefit your overall budget.

A Shorter Wedding Planning Process

While planning a wedding usually takes a year to a year and a half, some couples are opting for a quick, six months-or-less planning window. This can be very stressful especially because many venues book out a year in advance and many bridal gowns can take eight months to arrive, but if you’re ready to get married this option may suit you (pun intended). In contrast, it may make decision-making easier because you will have fewer options. Couples are usually choosing from a sea of dozens of wedding vendors. If you are booking a last-minute wedding fewer vendors will be available, therefore your vendors will likely choose themselves for you. This takes your job of sorting through vendors away. For couples who are indecisive, having a shorter wedding planning process may be the way to go.

Simple Flowers and Décor

While many couples enjoy choosing large centerpieces and bouquets, others are opting for simplicity. If you are looking for a simpler bouquet option, what is more timeless than white roses for a wedding? Clean and simple can be so beautiful, so there is no need to sacrifice beauty if you prefer a simpler wedding. This makes choosing your décor much more simple because white goes with everything. You could just use your engagement photos or other photos throughout the years as décor and call it a day, no need to search for color-coordinating candles and beads.



Choosing a scaled-back wedding may not be for everyone, but there are many benefits. Did you choose to have a scaled-back wedding? What were your reasons? We’d love to know, comment below! If you have engaged friends, send this blog post their way to inspire their scaled-back 2023 wedding planning. For more wedding planning tips and inspiration check out more Chicago Wedding Blog posts below. Happy Planning!

Micro Wedding Decor

Micro Weddings

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Micro Weddings

For the couple who are introverts at heart and want a small wedding we are loving the micro wedding trend! It’s as the name implies – only your nearest and dearest are invited to your big day and that makes it a great intimate gathering without all the decision fatigue. Planning a huge wedding is an event in itself and some couples just don’t have the time or will power to get through that. The answer is a micro wedding!

A micro wedding is not only less stress for you, but also nice if you’re on a tight budget.

The average cost of a wedding since 2017 is around $34,000. That’s money you could definitely be spending on your future together not just one day! The micro wedding is not an elopement. It has all the traditions of cake, dancing, wedding ceremony, flowers and speeches. The time allotted isn’t micro, just the budget and size of your wedding party.

The size of your micro wedding can range from 5 guests to 50.

Any more than that and the cost and constraints go up. Of course, having a small wedding means you get to lavish your closest friends and family like royalty. Typically the cost per plate goes up as much as $150 per person, but that’s still within a smaller budget since you’re only inviting a few people. Think Champagne and cocktails that you can customize, party favors that are more personal to the wedding guests, and getting to talk to everyone that comes. You don’t have to have wedding planning stress about making rounds in a huge venue, but instead will get to speak with your loved ones on a personal level for more than five minutes.

Since the size of your guest list is smaller you can consider smaller venues as well!

For micro weddings your venue selection isn’t as limited. You can find unique spaces like libraries or museums that only accommodate a tiny group of people. The venue for your micro wedding can enhance the vibe you’re going for immensely. Even if it’s a destination micro wedding, you can use the setting to decorate for you like a gorgeous sunset, mountain top or aquarium. A lot of venues will have special “mirco wedding” packages available as well!

small weddings

How to NOT Have a Big Wedding

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When did weddings become one size fits all?  For as many websites, blogs, and magazines dedicated to solely dissecting every single detail of all things wedding, it seems pretty rare to hear anything about alternative routes to the big wedding bash. Even destination weddings, once notorious for small, intimate gatherings have become over the top events chalk-full of logistical planning and weekend-long events. And as much as we literally spend hours swooning over these luxe “I do’s” we can’t help but be completely enchanted with the simplest of weddings where the Bride and Groom opt for no guests at all.

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smallwed

A few years ago, a hauntingly beautiful indie film called “Like Crazy” had one of the most romantic moments with a super modern couple who share an enduring love story going to the court house and spending the rest of their night drinking champagne, dancing, and celebrating their nuptuals…alone. And while some brides might feel like they are missing out on a huge party with all of their closest friends and family, I think many couples would agree, that they are longing for that intimate moment lacking in a day overwhelmed by details and personalities.

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like crazy

And how about the world’s most adorable celeb couple Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell? After a super long courtship, the couple finally made it official at the Beverly Hills Courthouse last month with just a minister present. They were later presented with a cake that said “ World’s Worst Wedding” as an homage to the understated event and were able to celebrate in private. The couple said they felt like they have enough attention on them, attend plenty of parties and are dressed up way too much in real life that they reserved their wedding day as a time for them to be together- just them.  And the best part of this approach for those brides and grooms worried about breaking the bank? The total for this Hollywood duo’s big day? Including gas, $125 out the door! Even celebs are mindful about overspending on weddings!

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The most important factor is that your wedding be a reflection of who you both are. If you aren’t really into the big hoopla and flashing lights, maybe a sweet and intimate wedding is right for you!  And there are varying degrees of downsizing as well. Just because you don’t want a big wedding doesn’t mean you have to call a Justice of the Peace. Having a handful of close friends and family to your home for a wedding cocktail party can be super chic and also ultra romantic. Whatever you choose, just remember that it’s your day and whatever you decide, it should be whatever makes you feel special!