Smaller sometimes really is better!  I got started thinking of this idea of smaller things when I looked through my Facebook feed today and came across pictures of tiny homes.  You know…those homes that are anywhere from 200 – 500 square feet. Some people put them together on trailers and others pack a family of 4 in them.  I’ve always liked the idea of living with the essentials.  Do we really need that much stuff?  I always seem to be giving away or donating boxes of stuff because I just have too many things around.  As Americans I think we like stuff and define ourselves by how much stuff we have or how big our storage unit is or how much we pack in our garage (and don’t use it to park a car in).

(Tiny house by http://wheelhaus.com/)

After I looked at some really cool tiny houses I started thinking more about the wedding business.  I really enjoy planning small weddings!  I think this is mostly because I had a small wedding of 45 people.  Our initial list of invited guests was 150 people…not small!  Then we started talking about the cost of a wedding that size and thought that we didn’t want to start out our future in debt.  Another reason for shrinking the list including having a more intimate party/ reception.  I wanted to be able to talk with each guest and personally thank them for showing up.  Also, my life was full of stress back when we were getting married so I didn’t want to add more stress by having a large wedding and have more planning to do. As it was I planned the wedding details, decorations, flowers, guest gifts and other details that were involved for 45 people. I couldn’t imagine making 150 wine cork place cards.

So my vote is to have a smaller wedding! I have a lot of couples get married on the Central Coast since it is a destination wedding spot.  That means they don’t feel obligated to invite all their cousins, extended relatives, or friends they don’t talk  much to.  If you two feel like you would leave out friends and family here is a great idea – have a small, simple beach wedding on the coast in Pismo Beach or Shell Beach, then plan a party at your house or a family member’s and invite everyone you would have to your large wedding. The party can be a celebration of the marriage.  You can play a slideshow of wedding pictures and have fun with guests.

So brides and grooms…do you really need a big wedding?  Let Coastal California plan your small wedding.

By Natalie Jones February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
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