Your wedding doesn’t have to be huge to be beautiful. In fact, frequently you can have an even more beautiful and spectacular wedding by keeping things small and intimate than you ever could by making it big and extravagant. And you’re going to have the ability to really enjoy each of the people you invite as well.

Now, keeping it small doesn’t mean that you have to skimp on everything. In fact, you don’t have to skimp on anything if you don’t want to. It just means that you’re going to have less people attending the wedding. You can still do just as much as you ever wanted with the décor, the venue, the food and any sort of entertainment or extras that you want.

The great thing about less people coming to your wedding is that you have a little more money available for all of that. If you choose to invite fewer people it means you may be able to afford a little fancier meal because there are less ‘plates’ to fill. Or maybe you want to cut the catering costs and use that extra money to hire a band you love. Or you could use the extra money to pay for the specialty décor you really want.

There is no end to the different things you can do when you decide to get a little more intimate with your guest list. But there are a few things that you’re definitely going to want to look at (because they create a truly magical atmosphere).

The Best Ways to Improve the Atmosphere

Your wedding should be beautiful and it should be representative of everything that you want most. You’re only going to have this day one time in your life. Make sure that you really do think carefully about every aspect. If you decide that an intimate ceremony isn’t for you and you want to invite everyone you possibly can that’s great. If you’re looking for a way to cut costs on the guests so you can increase costs other places, these are some of the best ways to do just that.

Just Add Candles

Who doesn’t love candles? Whether you get some in your favorite scents to really create an atmosphere or you get unscented ones to create a beautiful glow throughout the space, there are plenty of ways to enhance your wedding with candles. Whether you put them out at the ceremony to give a romantic glow, at the reception to create the feeling of your favorite place or everywhere you possibly can, they’re a great addition.

Bring In the Furniture

Who says you need to have folding chairs scattered about for your guests to sit in? Why not bring out the best of everything and enjoy some plush furniture instead? You can actually rent furniture that’s reminiscent of the most luxurious hotels and spas so that your guests feel like they’re being pampered. Whether you opt for plush couches or gauze curtains or a little mix of everything, they create a truly opulent feel for your special day.

Take it Outside

Outdoors is a great place to be when the weather is beautiful so find a location where you can get married and have everyone enjoy not just you (vision in those wedding clothes that you are) but also the scenery. You may even want to look for a reception venue that has indoor and outdoor space so you can enjoy the beautiful views and the fresh air all night long while you and your guests are celebrating.

Don’t Be Afraid to Keep it Grand

Really want the Grand Ballroom that’s large enough for 100 even though you’re only having 20? Why not? You can enjoy those big, beautiful spaces even with a small crowd. In fact, you may be able to make even better use of it with a small crowd because you’re dressing up the space with décor and furniture rather than so many people. For example, you could create a beautiful lounge for your guests instead of only having tables and a dance floor.

Make it About You

Your wedding is supposed to be all about you and your special someone. So why would you create an atmosphere that’s anything but all about you? If you love vintage then create a look that’s completely vintage. If you love a specific type of food and you want your guests to share it with you then spend that little extra on dressing up the food table. Whatever it is that really represents you and your partner is what you should be celebrating on this day especially.

Be Critical of the Guest List

When you’re starting to pare things down a bit it’s time to think about who you really want to share your special day with. Remember, this is your special day and if you’re cutting down the guest list you’re the ones who should have final say. If you want your second cousin three times removed there more than you want Aunt Becky that’s your choice (though you may want to come up with something to tell her about it when the holidays come around). The same is true if you want to invite more friends than family members. This day is all about you, not the people you feel obligated to invite.

Creating a beautiful atmosphere for an intimate gathering is crucial when it comes to your wedding day. This is a day that you’re never going to have again, so make sure you’re making the most of it. You don’ want to look back and think about all the things you wanted to do that you didn’t. Trust us, there are going to be plenty of ideas that you’ve never even heard of that you wish had been around for your wedding day. It’s definitely not worth it to come up with great ideas and then back out on them for no good reason. Explore the options and make your day as spectacular as you want.