If you are planning to have a small intimate wedding for close family and friends, there are lots of things you can do to make it a fun and memorable event. Having a smaller number of guests allows you to really focus on those small personal touches to make the day special for you and your loved ones.
In this blog post, we are going to take a closer look at some small wedding party ideas to help get your creative juices flowing as you plan your special day. We consider everything from the choice of venue to music, while showing you how Elite Bars wedding bar hire can provide the ultimate liquid refreshment experience for you and your guests.
Choice of Venue? Let’s Think Outside the Box
When looking at venues for your wedding, having a smaller number of guests means you are not bound by the constraints that sometimes come with more traditional settings. This allows you to think outside the box and really get creative. How about hosting your wedding in a beautiful garden, at the beach, or even at home? Or, if you want a cosier venue, consider the charm of a traditional country café or a rustic barn.
Opting for a smaller venue gives your day a lovely, intimate, and relaxed feel. Space can be cleverly utilised to create quiet zones for conversation, with a separate area for food and drink, which can later be transformed into a party zone for those who want to dance the night away! Small doesn’t have to mean bland, let your imagination roam free when considering décor – use fairy lights to create a magical feel, beautiful chair covers for your seating, and charming table decorations to add elegance and chic.
Food & Drink for a Small Wedding
For a small wedding, you have more flexibility when it comes to catering. This is where you can offer your guests a more customised experience. Consider offering a gourmet grazing table, where guests can sample artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruits, and local delicacies. Or go for food trucks if you want a quirky, fun vibe. You can even plan a themed menu that reflects your tastes as a couple, be it a Mexican fiesta or a high tea style brunch.
But let’s talk about the drinks! A small wedding doesn’t have to mean small drink choices, and that’s where Elite Bars Wedding Bar Hire comes into play. Whether you want a classy champagne reception or a cocktail bar that shakes up personalised drinks for each guest, hiring a mobile wedding bar is the perfect way to elevate your event. And here’s something worth thinking about… do you have the option to choose your own drinks menu? Elite Bars offers customisable packages, so you can pick everything from craft beers and wines to signature cocktails that reflect your theme or personality. A small gathering means you can afford to get really specific with your drink choices, making each guest feel extra special.
Should You Choose a Free Bar or Cash Bar For A Wedding?
Decisions, decisions! Who foots the bill for the booze? This is a conundrum faced by many when considering wedding day catering. With Elite Bars, we can help you find the perfect solution. If you opt for a cash bar where guests pay for their own drinks, we can provide a bespoke bar service with our highly trained bar staff ensuring your guests receive first class service without breaking the bank.
Should you opt to give your guests the full VIP treatment by providing a free bar, then we can work to provide the best experience within your given budget, and guests will be happy as the drinks are on you! Or, maybe your preference would be a combination of the two, many people select to have the first drink of the day as complimentary with guests then paying for any subsequent drinks. Whichever you prefer, the team at Elite bars can create a drinks package that suits both your budget, and the occasion.
Live Music or a DJ?
For a smaller wedding, the entertainment doesn’t need to be OTT. Consider more intimate options, maybe a solo musician to serenade you and your guests, or maybe a DJ to play your favourite tunes. At Elite Bars, our professional bartenders don’t just serve drinks, they can put on a show when mixing your cocktails by using the sort of fancy moves seen on the big screen in Cocktail. They will also get your guests involved making it a night they will never forget.
DIY Elements and Personal Touches
Think about going DIY on some aspects of your occasion by getting crafty and creative. Think about designing your own place cards or wedding favours, maybe put some disposable cameras on tables for your guest to use to catch that perfect party moment.
Create your own wedding day tipple! Here at Elite Bars, you can work closely with our mixologists to create a wedding cocktail especially for you. You choose the tastes and the flavours that tell your story, this could be the wedding gift that keeps on giving for years to come, and serves as the perfect reminder of your special day.
Maximise the Social Vibe
With fewer guests, it means everyone gets the chance to mingle and feel that they are an important part of your special day. This is where our bartenders can really come into their own. Elite Bars’ professional bartenders will chat with your guests, making drink recommendations ensuring the atmosphere is friendly and fun.
Follow this fun friendly theme through to your seating arrangements, have long banquet style tables where guests can all sit together, or use cosy sofas and chairs for guests to relax and chat. Arrangements such as these allow Elite Bars Bartenders to “work the room” ensuring your guests feel attended to and looked after. Mobile bars allow the room to be set up in any way you choose to help create that special intimate party feel.
End the Night in Style
As the night draws to a close we want everyone to be on a high from the experience of your intimate personal wedding day, and no wedding celebration would be complete without a final toast to the happy couple. Whether you opt for your signature cocktail, champagne or maybe some shots, having a mobile bar makes it easy for everyone to raise a glass. Additionally, our Elite Bartenders will ensure that every drink is expertly made ensuring the evening ends with a bang!
To Summarise
In summary, it’s all in the detail when you are planning a small wedding, and this is where Elite Bars really can give that bespoke personal service with an intimate feel. If you are looking for a tailored drinks menu, Bartenders who are full of fun, and drinks packages to suit all budgets the team here at Elite Bars can deliver it all. Wedding bar hire in Manchester or anywhere else for that matter can offer everything you need to host the perfect party. So get in touch today on 01704 227811, and put the Elite in your intimate wedding by letting Elite Mobile Bars help make your day one to remember!