
Todays blog post, I am going to be chatting all things intimate weddings, and beautiful Micro Wedding Styling – how you can still make your wedding day the most beautiful event, even if you are having a small guest list. Styling your wedding is something that brings your wedding day together, is a reflection of your personality, to compliment the wedding venue and set the tone of your day for your guests. Styling your Micro Wedding shouldn’t be forgotten just because you are planning a smaller event.
2020 changed the game for wedding plans on small guest numbers, and the creation of the ‘Micro Wedding’. I had the pleasure of photographing a handful of weddings that were still able to go ahead within the restrictions of last year. Micro Wedding Styling really came in to it’s own, with couples and suppliers getting really creative on how to make the event feel and look incredibly special, despite all the crazy chaos going on.
But this wedding I am sharing today, was actually a small, intimate wedding of just over 20 guests…..before COVID was even a word! Rachel and Chris, a lovely couple who got married at the gorgeous New Forest wedding venue, Burley Manor. You can see the blog post over here of their wedding itself – they had an incredible team on board and one of my absolute FAV wedding suppliers, Kirsty from The House of Styling, who kindly provide some words about the styling and though behind this beautiful wedding and how it came together.
“For this intimate ceremony, we spaced out the chairs whilst creating a beautiful aisle for Rachel to walk down using faux foliage and lots candles. We added fairy lights to the beams and dressed the chairs in ivory chiffon drapes to complete the look. The florist, Jules added real trees and a beautiful floral arrangement for the ceremony table.“



This wedding really was the perfect definition of Rustic Elegance and worked perfectly in the barns despite having smaller numbers, I’m sure you will agree! You can have a small but special wedding with beautiful styling. Followed by a small drinks reception, Rachel, Chris and their family headed into the main area of the barn, which has been setup so amazingly. When I have photographed weddings at this venue before the guest list has been upward of 80 guests, so having a smaller event, you might wonder if the room feels a little empty in comparison.
This is where having an amazing team comes in so perfectly. Kirsty brought the room together in the most incredible way, to fill the space so well yet still feel intimate and close. I absolutely LOVED the cosy, rustic vibes that this look provided. Filled with foliage, candles everywhere, it felt so romantic and just perfect for Rachel and Chris’ vision.

U-shape (or banqueting style tables) work really well when it comes to intimate weddings as this layout helps to fill the space. We added a linen table runner with a lace edging, more foliage and then lots of mismatched clear and crystal glassware as well as vintage bottles which were filled by the florist. The collection of items included floating candles, tealights and candlesticks created a beautiful tablescape with lots of different heights.
We tied the napkins with beautiful tartan ribbon which was supplied by the couple. It really is all about the personal touches! We also added a light canopy to the main barn and foliage was added to the chandeliers which again helped to make the barn feel more intimate and cosy.






I am sure you will agree, this space looks so so incredible and just shows that if you are planning a smaller event for your wedding celebrations, it doesn’t have to look any less beautiful!
If you are planning a micro wedding – I would LOVE to hear from you. Here are some other examples of small Micro, intimate weddings I have photographed if you are looking for inspiration.
An Intimate Lulworth Castle Wedding
Intimate 23 Guest Wedding in Derby

All photographs taken by Dorset Wedding Photographer, Charlotte Bryer-Ash Photography