Is anyone else planning a small, nontraditional wedding?

Yes and no lol. Our ceremony will be on a beach and more traditional than not. Our reception however will be a pool party for about 100 guests.

If we weren't doing the beach we would definitely be doing a garden ceremony! How small is your expected guest list?

Junia, so not everyone is invited to the ceremony?

Oh that sounds like a lot of fun, I love the pool party idea, Junia! We still need to figure out the reception part after once we find a garden we both like. We haven't revised our guest list yet, but it's more than likely not going to be more than 20people, maybe 30 tops. So less than half actually lol

I had the same problem. I'm in south and there are usually large venues here for large weddings. We are doing a destination wedding instead now with just immediate family. There are some botanical gardens and such in my state(NC) but I don't know where you are.

One of the best weddings I ever attended was a brunch wedding in a garden. There's just something about eating an omelette, drinking a mimosa and enjoying the garden.

Swin, no everyone is invited to the reception, guess that sounded weird.. We were able to rent a great house that can hold everyone. There's also a playground in the backyard for the kids and we plan to have additional games and activities.

We are!

This is a second wedding for both of us, and our church wouldn't let us get married there because we've both been divorced. (We're also looking for a new church lol).

We're getting married at an historical park - small 1800's chapel, a general store, and a great outdoor area for a mini-reception. We're having about 40 people. Ceremony will be on a Sunday at 11am, then a catered lunch after. His aunt is an ordained minister and will perform our ceremony.

Hillary, are you having the reception in the garden as well? Something like what Going to the chapel described would be charming!

We are if 55 is considered small. It's at a bed and breakfast with all the festivities at different parts of the b&b. The ceremony is non religious and we're skipping most traditions like readings, speeches, dances with the parents, bouquet and garter toss.

I actually wasn't thinking of having the reception in the same spot until I saw Going to the chapel comment! Now I'm definitely considering it! Hopefully we find a spot we could that. I'm not sure what to do about food though if we do. I'm so new to all of this lol.

I am!!! As of Wednesday. Haha. We were planning a big, fancy wedding for 05/29/17. Had already hired a wedding planner. 225 guests. But then life happened and we realized we couldn't go through with it. So we decided to elope. I'm currently on a plane to Vegas with my David's Bridal off the rack dress (purchased on Wednesday and altered and picked up yesterday) in my carryon. Three incredible friends dropped everything and are flying in too and we are tying the knot tomorrow. One year earlier than the wedding we've been planning for a year. I know this isn't like your idea. But it is certainly a small, no traditional intimate wedding!!!

That's awesome there will be a playground for kids, Junia! I have two kids myself, and by the time our wedding date comes, my son will be 2 1/2. I definitely want them apart of the wedding ceremony.

Oh a B&B sounds sweet, Bee!

Hillary: caterers can set up in the garden or check out food trucks. They can drop by and feed your guests.

Beutivant, aw I'm sorry things didn't go as planned, but congratulations!! Regardless, it will be a special day for both you! And that's so awesome to have friends like that, I hope you enjoy your special day!

Congrats Beautivant! Can't wait for your BAM!!! ??

Yes. I am having a DW with 30 ppl. Nothing traditional and a garden setting.

We got married in a 1930s mini mansion that is now a venue. Ceremony outside, indoor/outdoor cocktail hour, dinner in the garden room, ballroom for bouquet toss. About 50 guests. Intimate weddings are great!

We're chartering a small private yacht! Max guest limit is 70, and we cruise for 4 hours.

We are have 30ish people (guest list not finalised). We are getting married at a chapel then having dinner at a local restaurant. My non-traditional elements are: non wedding dress in green, no suits for the guys, and restaurant reception. I have also asked for no traditional pre-wedding parties, but we might do a girls night.