About Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a vibrant and historic city on the east coast of the United States; it is it the largest city in Pennsylvania and also the fifth most populous in the country. Philadelphia offers an abundance of cultural attractions such as museums, galleries, and restaurants, as well as entertainment and recreational activities including parks, outdoor markets, and sports venues. Moreover, the city is famous for its historical sites related to the American Revolution — including the Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Valley Forge National Historical Park — making it a popular destination for tourists.
The diversity of Philadelphia makes it an ideal place for couples looking to plan their nuptials; from romantic restaurants to traditional venues like churches or ballrooms, there are plenty of places to hold your special day in the city. For those seeking something more intimate and unique, there are a variety of locations to choose from throughout Pennsylvania’s largest city — from luxurious hotels, mansions with lush gardens, sailboats with spectacular views, rustic barns in farms surrounded by nature, and even industrial lofts and breweries that offer charm and character. The beauty of Philadelphia makes for the perfect backdrop for any wedding celebration and there are endless possibilities for couples looking to find the location that best suits their tastes.
Intimate Wedding Options in Philadelphia
- Music
Finding the perfect music for an intimate wedding in Philadelphia is key to creating a romantic and unique atmosphere. Couples should consider choosing live musicians, such as a string quartet, jazz trio, or solo instrumentalist, as these options provide a more personal touch and can evoke a range of emotions that can make the event even more special. DJs are also a popular option as they can provide a wide variety of musical styles to choose from.
- Decorations
When planning an intimate wedding in Philadelphia, couples should keep their decor simple yet elegant. Simple flower arrangements in vases or mason jars are an inexpensive way to create a romantic atmosphere without overdoing it; stringing lights around the venue also adds ambiance and will create soft illumination during the nighttime festivities. To make the room look larger, couples may want to hang white sheer drapes along the walls or ceiling for added texture and depth.
- Bakery
Baked goods are essential for any wedding celebration and couples can hire a professional bakery that specializes in custom-made treats such as cupcakes and cakes decorated with lace designs or detailed icing work like flowers, animals, or other figures that reflect their personalities as a couple. Professional bakers will also be able to offer delicious treats like macarons, chocolates, cookies, mini pies, and tarts that are sure to satisfy all guests at the event.
Intimate Wedding Vendors in Philadelphia
- Flowers Etcetera By Denise
If you're searching for floral arrangements that will match your preferences, Flowers Etcetera by Denise is one of your options in Philadelphia. With over thirty years of experience, Denise has become a master florist and is committed to providing customers with only the finest arrangements for events of all types. Any order placed will be freshly prepared with an eye for detail by either Denise or another highly experienced florist. They are also known for their friendly and prompt service, which is guaranteed to make your special occasion even more memorable.
- Miss Musique String Quartet Philadelphia
Miss Musique String Quartet Philadelphia specializes in custom and unique entertainment for any size and type of event, marrying a blend of high-tech and handmade acoustic instruments to create a superior experience. Founded by Andrea Levine in 2011, Miss Musique employs a selection of virtuosic string players such as violinists, viola players, and cellists. Each player is hand-picked to ensure that they bring their expertise to the proceedings while subtly amplifying their sound with high-end Bose sound equipment and pickups attached to the instrument's body, creating an exquisite musical atmosphere.
- The Sugary
Led by owner Lesly McDevitt, a Pastry Arts graduate from The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, The Sugary specializes in an array of desserts all made from scratch with the freshest and best ingredients. From classic American-style cakes, cupcakes, and cookies to more customized creations featuring, they can create sweet treats that are sure to tantalize the taste buds of even the choosiest connoisseur.
Pros and Cons of Intimate Weddings in Philadelphia
Intimate weddings are becoming increasingly popular and Philadelphia is one of the most sought-after cities for these events. While it can provide a unique and romantic experience, there are both pros and cons that should be considered before deciding on an intimate wedding in Philadelphia.
Advantages
- Intimate weddings require significantly fewer resources than larger weddings; since many vendors often charge more for large-scale events, having a smaller guest list can help you get more bang for your buck.
- A small group of family and friends allows you to spend quality time with each guest, ensuring that everyone feels special at the event.
- With a smaller number of guests, you can enjoy the day without worrying about feeling rushed or overwhelmed by a big event.
Disadvantages
- With fewer people attending the wedding, some guests may not make the cut due to tight budgets or limited space restrictions.
- Since intimate weddings often involve smaller budgets, there may be a limited budget that can be assigned to third-party professional services.
- An intimate wedding requires a smaller venue than most traditional weddings do; this limits where you can host the event if certain locations don't accommodate small groups.
Tips on How to Organize Intimate Weddings in Philadelphia
Intimate weddings are the perfect way to celebrate your special day without all of the normal pomp and circumstance. If you live in Philadelphia or plan to host your wedding there, here are a few tips on how to organize an intimate wedding that will be memorable for years to come.
- Choose a venue with a cozy feel: Look for spaces that can easily accommodate smaller groups and create an intimate atmosphere. From beautifully restored luxury apartments and mansions, to hidden gardens and secret courtyards, Philadelphia has plenty of unique spaces for you to consider for your special day.
- Limit the guest list to those closest to you: The beauty of an intimate wedding is that it allows you to share your special day with only those closest friends and family members who have been there with you through thick and thin. Take your time when crafting the guest list so that each person invited truly means something special.
- Opt for classic beauty over flashy décor: When planning an intimate wedding, opt for timeless and elegant décor over anything too flashy or extravagant. Keep things simple yet beautiful with classic colors such as white, ivory, or blush pink paired with lush greenery like ivy and blooming flowers like roses and peonies.
- Take advantage of local caterers: Philadelphia offers some of the best food in the country — especially when it comes to catering services. Take advantage of the city’s amazing culinary offerings by working with local caterers who specialize in small-scale events such as intimate weddings. Enjoy traditional Philly favorites like hoagies, cheesesteaks, and soft pretzels along with other delicious dishes prepared just for you.
- Consider a smaller cake or cupcakes instead of a large tiered cake: If this is within budget, consider having a selection of cupcakes or even individual desserts instead of a traditional tiered cake; not only will they look unique, they will add more variety to your celebration.
Famous Locations in Philadelphia
- Longwood Gardens
From its beginnings as a failed farm owned by Pierre S. du Pont to what is now one of the world's premier horticultural gardens, Longwood Gardens has become something of royalty. Boasting over 1,050 acres filled with gardens, woodlands, meadows, and more, Longwood also offers a plethora of activities for visitors to enjoy. From outdoor and indoor gardening options to mesmerizing fountain displays and live musical performances throughout the year, it's no wonder why Longwood attracts more than 1.53 million visitors annually. With something for everyone in your group, Longwood Gardens is an experience that should not be missed.
- Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
For an incredible art experience, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts can't be beaten. The museum features some of the best works of art from 19th and 20th century modern and contemporary painters, sculptors, and other creatives. Notable names like Maxfield Parish, David Lynch, Cecilia Beaux, and many others are fully represented at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; plus, you get to see student work firsthand too.
- Magic Gardens
Magic Gardens, an eye-catching mosaic masterpiece on South St, is as much a cultural exchange as it is decorative. Built over the course of two decades by artist Isaiah Zagar from a mélange of found objects like china plates, bicycle wheels, and mirrors, this 3,000-square-foot wonder is managed today as a community space. Get to know the piece better with a guided tour every Saturday and Sunday at 3 P.M. or check out events like outdoor performances in summer weather. Education is also at center stage in programs geared toward workshops and tours related to the gardens' historical significance.