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A passionate wedding and event planner with a knack for detail.

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Tips for planning a small celebration with big impact: lush florals, beautiful backdrops, and more.


When it comes to planning a wedding, sometimes the most memorable celebrations are those that focus on intimacy and detail. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or a small-scale celebration, creating an atmosphere that feels both personal and luxurious is key. Here are three tips to help you plan a small celebration with a big impact:

1. Embrace Lush Florals

Flowers have the power to transform any space into a romantic oasis. For a smaller wedding, consider going big with your floral arrangements. Think cascading bouquets, floral arches, and centerpieces bursting with seasonal blooms. By incorporating a variety of textures and colors, you can create an atmosphere that feels both lush and intimate. Even in a small setting, the right floral design can make a lasting impression with the right budget.

2. Create Stunning Backdrops

A beautiful backdrop can elevate the entire mood of your celebration, serving as the perfect setting for your ceremony, reception, or even photo opportunities. Whether you choose a natural setting like a garden or beach, or you opt for a more crafted look with draped fabrics, greenery, or twinkling lights, the backdrop should reflect your style. This is where you can let your creativity shine, turning a simple space into a picture-perfect scene.

3. Focus on the Details

In an intimate setting, every detail has the opportunity to stand out, making it even more essential to curate these elements with care. The beauty of a smaller celebration lies in the ability to personalize each aspect, creating a meaningful experience for you and your guests.

  • Personalized Touches: One of the most impactful ways to make your celebration memorable is through personalized details. This could include custom place cards with each guest’s name elegantly scripted, or even a small, meaningful note at each setting, expressing your appreciation for their presence. Another idea is to incorporate elements that tell your love story—perhaps using table names that represent significant milestones in your relationship or a seating chart that reflects your shared interests.
  • Thoughtful Décor: When planning for a smaller venue, each piece of décor contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere. Consider incorporating family heirlooms, such as vintage candlesticks or lace tablecloths, that carry sentimental value. You might also choose to have bespoke items made, like custom napkins embroidered with your initials or a unique guest book that reflects your wedding theme. By focusing on these details, you create an environment that feels uniquely yours.
  • Curated Menu: Food is often at the heart of any celebration, and an intimate wedding offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in a more curated dining experience. Consider working with your caterer to design a menu that reflects your favorite flavors and dishes, perhaps even including a signature cocktail that represents your personalities. You can also elevate the dining experience with thoughtful touches, such as pairing each course with a specific wine or offering locally sourced ingredients that tell a story of the region.
  • Lighting and Ambiance: Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood for your celebration. In a smaller space, you can be more creative with how you use light to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Think about using a combination of candles, fairy lights, and strategically placed uplighting to highlight key areas like the dining tables, dance floor, or entrance. The right lighting can transform a simple venue into an enchanting setting that feels both intimate and magical.

By focusing on the details, you’re able to craft a wedding that feels deeply personal and reflective of your unique story. Each carefully chosen element, from the décor to the menu, contributes to an overall experience that is both intimate and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.


My wife is very particular about details and no less than 10 different times did I hear her say the words, "Everything is perfect." So much of this came from the attention to detail that Vanessa provided for us. From the pre-planning to the placement of every single detail that we asked for, not a single thing was missed.

- Garrett and Monica

"Everything is perfect!

"Truly, every detail came together so beautifully."

- Kelsey, Bride

Working with Vanessa and the Finer team was truly a gift. Vanessa made our experience seamless. She walked us through everything and handled all the behind the scenes details