February 25, 2012

If you wish to have a small, intimate ceremony why don't you consider using a chapel rather than the larger sanctuary.  Chapels can be found in hospitals, colleges, senior nursing homes, and adjacent to larger churches.

You could also . .

Suggest that the guests sit in the choir area so they can be closer to the Bride and Groom.

Have the guests surround the Bride and Groom in a semi-circle.

Use a small church choir or a guitarist or a harpist rather than the church organist.

Honor the Bride or Groom's family or heritage by incorporating music from their homeland.

Include personal vows.

Ask someone from each family to present a poem or a story or a reading.

If both the Bride and Groom live in the same town, ask the clergymen or women from those houses of worship to participate in the ceremony or conduct it jointly.

Have the Bride and Groom include personal touches, such as their favorite song or flower or decorative item.

Have the Bride and Groom and/or the witnesses sign the marriage paperwork in view of all the guests.

If possible, try to incorporate a memorable ending by playing a CD of pealing church bells or a trumpet fanfare or a gospel choir singing.

Have the receiving line outside, weather permitting.

Pass out bubbles so the Bride and Groom can exit with a lovely pictorial background.

Create a reception atmosphere by renting a small banquet room in a restaurant or hotel or event center for the meal so the atmosphere still remains "intimate."

Order cupcakes that match the wedding cake.