About London
London is a city steeped in history, which has been shaped by thousands of years of events, from the coming of the Romans to the present day. Throughout its long history, London has been transformed many times over as it adapted to changing circumstances and grew in size and significance. One iconic example of this transformation is the Great Fire of 1666, which destroyed much of the old city but paved the way for new developments such as Christopher Wren’s rebuilding program.
Today, London is considered one of the most iconic cities on Earth—renowned for its culture, heritage, and diversity. Whether you're looking for a historic venue or perhaps prefer an outdoor setting, the beautiful parks and iconic backdrops in London provide something special for small weddings. And with so much to explore in this captivating city connected with excellent transport links to other parts of the UK and Europe, it's easy to find something unique that will make your wedding day extraordinary.
London is the perfect place for couples seeking all styles of weddings—from romantic to whimsical ceremonies with family and friends. With enchanting locations that will wow both the couple and their guests, there is no better spot than here!
Small Wedding Options in London
- Catering
There are selections of suitable catering options available for small weddings in London. From culinary experts who specialise in traditional English fare to food businesses that offer more exotic cuisines, you can easily find a caterer that will suit your taste and budget.
- Florists
London is home to some of the best florists in the world, and you can rest assured that you’ll have the blooms you need for your wedding day. Whether you want something simple and elegant or perhaps an elaborate display, there's a florist who can deliver.
- Photography
Lists of photography packages exist for small weddings in London. Whether you prefer traditional wedding photographers or your occasion would be better off with photo booth rentals, you can easily find a photographer that will suit your taste and budget.
- Music
The age-old question still applies to small weddings—will you go with a band or DJ? If you want something unique, there are also entertainment companies in London that specialise in performing covers while others create custom soundtracks for the day.
Small Wedding Vendors in London
- Bumble Events
Bumble Events is a luxury event-planning company based in London. The business offers bespoke services and specialises in organising weddings and special occasions. Their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to making your event perfect. From booking the best vendors to managing logistics on the day of, the planners will take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your event.
- Pastiche Events
Pastiche Events has been producing truly memorable events for more than two decades, both in the UK and internationally. The team at Pastiche strives to exceed expectations, by working with clients and their budgets to accommodate events of all sizes. Aside from managing events, they also offer a wide array of first-rate entertainment acts, from illusion spectacles to Vegas-themed shows.
- Helen Abraham Photography
Helen Abraham Photography specialises in international and destination wedding photography. A photographer based in London, she works with a team of other shutterbugs to provide two or more photographers for your event. Her style is vivid and naturalistic and a mixture of mostly documentary and a few portraits—perfect for the camera-shy!
Pros and Cons of Small Weddings in London
While it's a dream for many couples to have a big, lavish wedding in London, small weddings are becoming increasingly mainstream. Small weddings offer plenty of advantages for couples looking for an intimate celebration. However, some drawbacks come with having a smaller wedding that couples should consider before making a final decision.
Advantages
- Smaller weddings are generally much cheaper than larger ones, making them more accessible to people on a budget.
- Couples planning small weddings have much more freedom when personalising their ceremony and reception because there is less pressure from family or friends about the event style or size.
- Since there will be fewer people attending, couples can take advantage of this opportunity by spending quality time with each guest during their special day, which is something they may not get at more significant celebrations where they may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of guests they need to greet and thank throughout the day.
Disadvantages
- Although it’s excellent for couples wanting an intimate celebration with close family and friends only, one downside is that you won't be able to invite everyone you want if your guest list is limited due to budget constraints or venue size restrictions.
- With fewer people attending your event, it could mean you lack some essential entertainment options like band performances or designated dance floor activities which could make things quite boring.
- Planning smaller weddings can sometimes pose logistical challenges, such as finding adequate parking spaces nearby or contacting all necessary vendors quickly enough when needing supplies last minute.
Tips on How to Organise Small Weddings in London
Small weddings are becoming more popular, and there are many reasons why. They can be more intimate and personal and often cost less than large weddings. If you're planning a small wedding in London, here are a few tips to help you get started.
- Take advantage of the city's many resources: Many businesses cater to small weddings, so do your research and find the ones that best fit your needs.
- Consider getting creative with your guest list: If you're having difficulty narrowing it down, try using a plus-one system or inviting close family and friends only.
- Don't be afraid to think outside the box regarding your venue: A small wedding can be just as special in a unique setting like a park or an art gallery.
- Remember to enjoy the planning process: Small weddings may take less time to plan, but they're still essential milestones in your life. Organising a small wedding can be a challenge, but with careful planning and a little creativity, it can also be an unforgettable experience.
Famous Locations in London
- The Fitzrovia Chapel
The Fitzrovia Chapel is a small but bright chapel located in central London. The Grade II-listed chapel was never consecrated and is now a beautiful hidden gem. The chapel is an ideal place to sit and reflect on its stunning history and architecture. It is well-maintained despite its age, making it an overall lovely place to visit.
- Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most popular attractions, particularly because of the 11:00 a.m. Changing of the Guard. Lasting 45 minutes, the colourful and precise marching is a spectacle that draws crowds of tourists. The Changing is usually accompanied by music provided by a Regimental Band or Corps of Drums with the occasional pipers. Onlookers are urged not to stand in the way of the Guards as they will not stop marching or make their way around people who are blocking their way.
- The Shard
Since opening its doors in 2012, The Shard quickly became one of London’s most recognisable landmarks. Rising 310 metres tall, the remarkable 95-floor building gets its name from the fact that it resembles a shard of glass. The topmost floor offers stunning views of the city’s skyline, and the building is right next door to the Tower Bridge.
