Small: A passing trend or firmly here to stay?

The past couple of years have seen the wedding industry turned on its head, with ever-changing restrictions and border closures forcing people to change plans and rethink their special day.

While some couples have delayed their nuptials two, three or even more times, others are turning to smaller weddings, and finding that they’re not actually missing out on anything. Instead, they’re finding a more personal, intimate experience, without the stress and the hefty price tag.

Fiore and Keanna were married in June 2020 at Pialligo Estate, and COVID restrictions forced them to cut down to a small wedding. 

“It was at first emotionally tough as it meant one of us couldn't have family at the ceremony—they all live internationally—and navigating those conversations to see if they would support us in getting married was hard. But everyone that loves us was so supportive, so we decided to go ahead,” they said.

The wedding was live-streamed to family, who even participated virtually with readings and speeches, and the couples’ nieces even sang a song.

“We loved our intimate COVID wedding and wouldn't change anything but having all our immediate family together in one room. Otherwise, it was perfect!”

For Michael and Shailja, they reduced their July 2020 wedding from 40 people down to two, but were very happy with their special day: “We wanted to get married and no global pandemic was going to stop us.”

While some said they initially planned to have a larger celebration down the track once restrictions ease, many couples found their small ceremony was everything they needed.

“Originally we had planned for a one year celebration, but now, we are so happy with how the day went. It was a true celebration and a true wedding for us. We have no need,” said Michaela and William, who got married in October 2020.

“It was the best excuse ever to downsize the wedding. I wouldn’t change a thing. It was the perfect size and the perfect people were there.”

Chris and Emily, who also married in a small ceremony in October 2020, feel the same.

“Our wedding was originally meant to be larger, but we are happy with what we ended up doing. The day turned out to be exactly what we wanted: intimate and full of love,” they said.

Celebrant Michael Bower, principal celebrant at Canberra Celebrants, said that while small and intimate wedding ceremonies initially rose in popularity due to necessity, more people are embracing the idea whether there are restrictions or not.

“I’m noticing a lot of people reconsidering their options when it comes to weddings. Couples are realising you can get married and have a lovely little ceremony with family and friends, and it can be simple and beautiful and very cost effective”, says Michael.

A small and intimate wedding is a simplified version of a traditional wedding, but just because it doesn’t include all the bells and whistles, doesn’t make it any less special.

“Just because it’s a small wedding doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be how the couple wants it to be. I still personalise the ceremony and make it a pleasant experience. It’s a significant milestone in one’s life after all,” said Michael.

“I’ve done very small weddings where their parents were there, and mum and dad wanted to say a few words on the day, which was lovely.”

While Michael knows there are some people who are holding out for when they can hold the big wedding they’ve always dreamed of with more than 100 guests, more are looking at smaller options as their first choice.

“Some people feel pressured into the big wedding but it isn’t what they personally want. With a small and more intimate wedding, they can include the parts they want, without all the bits they don’t,” he says.

“I’ve had four or five couples say to me this year they’ve bought a house which was initially going to be the money for their wedding. When the pandemic came along and forced people to make changes, it definitely made people think differently and realise, as long as you tick the legal boxes, a wedding can be whatever you want.”

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