How to plan a simple wedding

Girl I think that's great. I'm all for simple and meaningful. And then going out to a nice restaurant afterwards.

I think it will actually enhance the experience! I think an intimate ceremony and dinner sounds lovely. Don't feel limited on what you can do.

If that was the size of our wedding, we might make it a destination wedding. Do whatever you like!

Just wondering, does your SO have anyone he or she woukd like to attend?

Ugh I wish I had stuck to my guestlist that size! I would say find your favorite location in the city, hire an officiant, and then treat your guests to the best restaurant in town. My friend recently did something similar. Just her family, in her favorite central park location, followed by dinner at their favorite restaurant. She still had a beautiful gown, professional photographer, and flowers. Not sure where you're located but I believe @celiamilton (a regular officiant here) has packages for smaller weddings and might also be able to provide recommendations. Try paging her on your title.

I think this is awesome. I am having about 175 people so I don't qualify as small, but as PPs have mentioned, an intimate ceremony and a nice dinner. Weddings are all about being surrounded by the people who mean most to you, whether it's 500 or 5.

Ceremony, dress, photographer, host a restaurant meal afterwards...way less stress n you can enjoy your day more! Keep your $ for the rings n honeymoon

My fiance's family all live in England, we plan to have a "bigger" wedding there or at least bring all the family together for a celebration.

My concern with a restaurant is, I still want to wear my wedding dress but dont want to look silly walking in all dressed up lol

I live in Southern California. I've thought about having in Santa Barbara. Getting an AirBnb a couple nights before so my family could stay up there since its a long drive. I've also thought about Catalina Island.

Thank you for all the encouragement! You're all so kind <3

I have no good tips myself but I remember reading about this really cute 3 guest wedding and wanted to share

http://thebudgetsavvybride.com/super-intimate-rustic-diy-wedding/

Zaira, the last thing the restaurant will want you to feel is "silly" because you chose their venue to have your wedding dinner. Yes, you can wear your gown. My son and his future wife are having a 50 plus guest reception at a restaurant in September, and the manager pointed out that the venue has a private entrance to their upstairs reception room that makes it possible for the entire guest list to avoid walking past other restaurant patrons (ask about that when you shop for venues). Besides, even if you were in a public area (at a private table), everyone, everywhere is instantly caught by the image of the bride. You're biggest issue will be other patrons stopping by your table to tell you how stunning you are, and then they'll give their best wishes and move on.

You can have an amazing, memorable wedding with all the frills...finished off by a superb meal and cocktails at an elegant restaurant. You can wear a gown that makes you feel gorgeous, carry a bouquet of your favorite flowers, melt into the most meaningful and private of ceremonies, be photographed without guests' views being obscured, have a wonderful cake at your restaurant reception, and, since you've kept your guest list in the single digits, you may be able to afford having the entire ceremony, and the highlights of the dinner (toasts, etc.) videotaped (and when you have your larger celebration in the UK, that would be something lovely to play in the background).

You can do this...

I think it is wonderful! We had seven guests, so a bit bigger than yours, but we had everything we might have wanted! We did not go to a restaurant, but we had a gorgeous venue for everything and had a dinner party reception.

As Rachel stated, the restaurant would not want you to feel silly and will more than likely work with you to ensure something beautiful!

Sat. evening, I officiated a vow renewal in a private room of a very nice restaurant. The husband surprised his wife with me/vow renewal and with the 3 couples who he invited. Needless to say, there were plenty of tears all around!

Many of my ceremonies are elopements or tiny destination weddings -- very intimate and special.

I'm having a small wedding, and hosting a dinner at a restaurant after the wedding as well. I too thought about feeling silly in my dress at dinner, and bought an inexpensive, white dress to wear for the dinner, but now I am reconsidering, but at least I have the option! The restaurant we are going to is quite small, so we will definitely get attention whether I'm wearing my big, poufy wedding gown, or a simple white dress. The restaurant we are working with has been AMAZING with helping us make our dinner feel as special, and wedding-like as possible. We will be able to bring in some decor and we are also bringing in a wedding cake (well, two small cakes because we both wanted something completely different). Do your research, even reach out to any restaurants you are considering, and see who you feel most comfortable working with. I spoke to many event managers at several restaurants before making our choice.

I think that is wonderful. My one question is, if it's just the 3 guests here, why not have them fly out to England for your wedding? Unless your family does NOT want to travel.

As for what to do, wear etc. You wear what you want. It's your wedding. There is nothing wrong with going to city hall and having a ceremony with your family there and then if you want to make it more special, rent a small private room for the 5 of you to enjoy your meal and chat an celebrate.

Trust me, you will not look silly in your dress at a restaurant. I'm not familiar with your area but if you're worried, you can reserve a table in a private room or one that's secluded.

Actually, the less amount of guests you have, the more you can do :-) My husband and I had a small wedding with 35 guests. We had our ceremony at our dream venue and then had a private celebratory dinner with everyone after. Since there's only 3 guests, maybe your dream venue can let you guys use their space for a really good price? Give it a try :-)