How to set up the ultimate small wedding

Who says weddings have to be over-the-top in every way, featuring a guest list that includes everyone you (and your entire family) have ever come into contact with, costing you an arm and a leg to pull off?

The days of large weddings came to an abrupt halt due to the pandemic and saw the rise of small gatherings – now a trending movement that celebrates intimacy and makes you truly take stock of your closest and dearest friends and family.

If you are planning a small wedding, take note of these tips to make yours extra special:

Say yes to your dream location

Seeing as you don’t have a massive guest list that would have forced you to choose a less expensive venue, you can now splurge on your dream destination. We love Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge – the most exciting hotel to open in South Africa in recent months. Suspended over the Sabie River in the heart of the Kruger National Park, Kruger Shalati Train on the Bridge is truly a unique location. Accommodation is housed inside a restored and reimagined train permanently located on top of the historical Selati Bridge. Those wanting to get married here would need to book all 24 rooms – and what an experience this would be for guests! There are also various incredible honeymoon packages on offer that include accommodation, all meals, soft drinks and house wines, two game drives and so much more.

Keep things private and elope

Not interested in having any guests at all? If you and your fiance only have eyes for one another, why not elope? You don’t even need to go far – simply plan a secret wedding at a location of your choice and do it all your way. And the best part – spend the money you had saved for the wedding on a luxury honeymoon instead! Look out for local deals such as the   Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront which offers great honeymoon deals and the perfect location. There are stunning ocean views from the rooms, a private balcony for romantic sundowners and an on-site spa where couples are able to enjoy some relaxing couple’s treatments.

Live stream the ceremony

If your overseas family and friends can’t make it to your wedding,  they can just tune in and join the celebrations via live streaming. Simply create a live event on your online platform of choice and stream the ceremony for those who you weren’t able to have at the wedding or are unable to attend. You could even take it one step further and send them a little treat box to enjoy on the day of the wedding.