Thank you to our Guest Contributor Sophia Smith for this wonderful article…
Ideally, the venue the couple selects for their special day will be suited for their guest list. But even if you do end up falling in love with a space that’s too big, a couple of tweaks here and there will be enough to make a large space feel intimate and cosy.
Given the current restrictions due to COVID-19 in Australia and the rest of the world, the trend of small weddings will likely continue well beyond 2021 and long after the coronavirus pandemic. For those who are planning their wedding for the next 6-12 months, here are a couple of tips for creating an intimate, cosy atmosphere so that the venue feels just right.
Create closeness by enclosing the space visually
This tip can come in handy for venues with high ceilings. With simple tools such as a drape and a pipe, you can drape the ceiling and manage to create an illusion of a smaller space which will foster a sense of closeness. Another great way to enclose the space visually is to suspend certain elements from the ceiling. Depending on your venue style, this can mean hanging everything from chandeliers and candles to floral pieces to paper lanterns and drum shades. You can also add false walls to create smaller settings for your guests to socialise.
Speaking of creating a sense of closeness and intimacy, doubling up on waiters and bartenders may sound like a good idea to make sure your guests feel special. However, that may not be possible at weddings taking place during the coronavirus pandemic. When talking to your wedding venue, ask about the safety measures they have in place for staff. Also, make sure to check whether there’s a mask requirement for both employees and guests.
Play with seating and table arrangements
How you plan your table arrangements will also play a key role in creating a more intimate feeling in a large venue. To fill up space, opt for banquet tables. They’ll create a feeling of cosiness and homeyness, and will serve as great conversation starters. And don’t introduce just one type of table. Instead, mix larger and smaller ones to create a dinner party vibe in a large space.
Of course, you will have to plan your seating arrangements with current COVID-19 restrictions in mind. Depending on whether your wedding is taking place in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, or other regions, you’ll need to check the restrictions that apply to your area and plan accordingly. For instance, in Greater Sydney, the maximum number of attendees in public spaces is 300, with one attendee allowed per two square meters. Keep in mind that advice and restrictions may change over time, so you may need to update your plans as your wedding day approaches.
Honor your style
Making a large space feel more intimate and cosy for your small wedding is also a matter of adding personal touches throughout the venue. Incorporate details that resonate with you and honor your style by selecting a venue that speaks to the two of you. For some Australian couples, that will mean choosing to hire a venue in Western Sydney decorated in the 1920s Old Hollywood style complete with gold chandeliers, high ceilings, and elegant garden terraces. For others, it’ll mean saying the fateful “yes” in a rooftop venue located in the harbourside setting and the famous Opera House in the background. Others, however, may choose to celebrate this iconic moment of their life in an enchanting venue adorned with dreamy wisteria and serene ponds.
Whichever venue style you choose, make sure that you go with what feels like you. Embrace what you love, create a personal brand, and you’ll be able to create that intimate feeling on your big day.
Do play with food and drinks
Aside from choosing from a range of gorgeous wedding venues Australia is known for, another way to personalise your wedding is to play with food and drinks. Interactive wedding add-ons such as food stations have been a complete hit at Sydney weddings. But given the current situation, your safest bet would be to have your guests sit at tables and serve plated meals. This is what present guidelines currently allow, but you should do your best to create an intimate atmosphere while maintaining social distancing.
Don’t forget to personalise your drinks as well. You can rely on popular Australian mixology experts to come up with a signature wedding cocktail complete with a fun, hashtable name and flavours you and your partner adore. Make sure to talk to your venue about meal planning and sanitisation as well.
Wrapping up
Sometimes, couples will fall in love with a venue that’s too big. But just because a venue can fit in more people doesn’t mean that they should give up on the idea. Rely on the tweaks above to make your big venue feel more intimate and follow the restrictions to make sure that your small wedding is as safe as it is fabulous.