Small Wedding Guide

A small wedding is your chance to celebrate the biggest day of your life with those who love you most! A small wedding allows you the freedom and creativity to plan a wedding that is uniquely you...a wedding that is simple and planned from the heart...a wedding that gives you time to be relaxed...one that removes all the stress and hassle of planning...one that leaves you wondering how planning it could be so easy!

After twenty years of providing romantic getaways and simply elegant weddings, I am about to tell you “my trade secrets” in planning an intimate, romantic wedding for just the 2 of you… to 22 of you! Your wedding day is about to be the biggest day of your lives, and it needs to be filled with lots of wonderful moments that you can reflect upon as you each grow older with the love of your life!

First of all, keep it simple AND relax! When you plan a small wedding, that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone! So, don’t get so stressed! Many small romantic inns and bed & breakfasts do have wedding planners who are happy to assist you with all the details…and the details may be driving you crazy! Don’t hesitate to call them and ask for assistance! Their expertise is what you may have been looking for! Allow them to know your thoughts, then listen to theirs!

Having a small wedding allows you to be creative, to really indulge in a few of the ideas you may have thought unaffordable with a large wedding! So, go ahead, indulge! The cost of your wedding has already been significantly reduced just by having fewer guests; so, for example, if flowers are your thing, give thought to presenting your favorite flower to each of your guests upon their arrival. That’s right, each one of them! Imagine their gracious surprise at having you offer them this beautiful memento of the day. You might even share with them what their presence here today means to you! Why not gather these flowers from your loved ones as you approach your groom and createa beautiful wedding bouquet from those you love the most! Everyone gets to contribute to your special moment!

Many individuals have never been to a small romantic wedding. When your guests arrive, they may have questions. Envision their astonishment when they arrive at a beautiful garden setting where there is no chapel! I like to call it the awakening! “Where do we sit during the wedding?” Or, “Do we stand?” “How long are we going to be in this setting.” “Are there any restrooms?” I’ll bet you can picture their faces and the questions that may arise! Well, …it’s simple, -- delegate someone to answer these questions for you. Have your designee greet the guests as they arrive, and have them show and tell your guests all that they may need to know! Where DO you want them to sit or stand?! Where are the restrooms? Can I get a glass of water or soda? Where should I put my gift? Let your designee know, and then relax! Let them take care of it for you!

Have you thought about the intimacy of your ceremony? In traditional weddings it is most common for the bridal couple to face the altar with the clergy facing the congregation. That means your backs are to your guests. Why not consider facing your guests during the ceremony and have the back of your clergy to them instead! Or, consider having your guests surround you at the “altar”. What a wonderful expression of love by having them as your “attendants!” Do you care to ask anyone to offer words of wisdom or faith, or just a meaningful story about you or your intended?! Maybe a funny story! Would you like anyone to do a reading? These are the things that your memories will be made of! Take advantage! Ask them!

Would you like to be an usher? That’s right! Would you like to usher at your own wedding! You can if you wish!! Do you want a processional? Who will walk you down the aisle? Would you like all of your guests to accompany you?! Absolutely you can do that!

Have you ever been to a wedding in which the guest book was overlooked? This is a time in which you can ask one of your honored guests to be in charge of assuring everyone has the opportunity to add a greeting, a well-wish, or a thought for your future!

A smaller wedding allows you more personal time with each of your guests. Cherish those moments! Let each guest know the importance they share with you. Make memories!

You’ll probably have many questions as you start to plan this happy day. You just may find your answers at "The Lazy Cloud Guide to a Small Wedding". Our wedding planners are happy to listen to your thoughts and delighted to share with you some of the answers that have evolved over almost 20 years of experience at our romantic getaway. And we would love to have you plan your small wedding at Lake Geneva's Lazy Cloud Bed and Breakfast.