Small Outdoor Wedding

Intimate weddings are having a moment. Across the UK, more couples are choosing smaller, more meaningful gatherings over large parties, not just because of cost pressures, but because there’s something deeply special about sharing your day with only those who matter most. Micro-weddings, as they are sometimes known (around 50 guests) allow for a pace that’s relaxed, a focus on what really counts, and room to invest in details that make the day uniquely yours.

Recent wedding trend reports show this shift clearly: in 2024, 29% of couples cited a “smaller, more intimate ceremony” as one of their priorities. Rising venue-costs and inflation are pushing more people toward smaller guest lists, but many couples prefer the closer connections and calmer atmosphere of an intimate celebration regardless of budget.

Photo: Imogen Eve Photography • Structures: 10x10m Stretch Tent  • Venue: Private Garden •

Venues Perfect for Small Weddings.

Here in Bedfordshire, small outdoor ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular. Venues such as The Lakeside at Wild Berry Farm and The Gardens at Polehanger are have increasing enquiries for weddings with under 100 guests, with couples embracing gardens and natural settings as a way to combine their most important elements.

We’ve also noticed a real rise in couples here in Bedford choosing to host their weddings in gardens at family homes. You can’t get much more personal than celebrating your day in a space filled with memories. While we’ve always provided marquees and yurts for private properties, often on farms or larger estates with fields and paddocks, we’re now seeing more and more celebrations taking place in modest back gardens across Bedfordshire and the surrounding area. It’s a beautiful reminder that an unforgettable wedding doesn’t require acres of land, just thoughtful planning and a meaningful setting. Always ask us if you are looking for a venue, we have worked with many over the years so are always happy to help you find the perfect spot. We also don't take kickbacks so you know that any recommendation will be because we trust them, not because we are getting paid.

Photos: Imogen Eve Photography • Structures: 10x10m Stretch Tent  • Venue: Private Garden •

Reception Inspiration for Small Weddings.

One of the joys of hosting a smaller wedding is the freedom it gives you to design a reception that feels truly personal. With fewer guests, you can play with layouts, menus, and styling ideas that would be tricky, or too expensive at a larger scale. Here are a few inspiring directions couples are embracing:

Garden dining setups: 

There’s nothing quite like dining al fresco beneath the trees, with one long banquet table bringing everyone together. This setup feels warm, communal, and effortlessly elegant, every guest has a place in the conversation, and the entire meal feels like a shared celebration. Seasonal wildflowers, rustic wooden chairs, and simple table décor add to the natural charm, while strings of festoon lights can transform the space as the evening draws in.

Photos: Max Ciscotti • Structures: Pole Marquee  • Venue: Gaddesden Estate Weddings •

The photo above is from a wedding we were involved with at Gaddesden Estate Wedding Venue in Hertfordshire, beautifully managed by Big Green Space. It’s a perfect example of how a garden dining setup can feel both relaxed and refined, making the most of the natural surroundings to create a memorable experience for every guest. Even though this was a larger event, the concept can be scaled down to suit a small outdoor wedding. Imagine the same idea in your own or a family member's property. A lawn with flowerbeds either side or a small orchard could accommodate a laid back picnic style dining experience for your guests.

Micro banquets.

When you’re hosting a small outdoor wedding, catering becomes an opportunity to truly indulge your guests. With fewer plates to serve, you can focus on quality over quantity. There are so many talented caterers out there that can prepare a beautifully curated menu with locally sourced seasonal dishes. The result is a dining experience that feels luxurious, memorable, and completely tailored to your closest friends and family. In Bedford, Pete from The Sun Inn, Felmersham is a great choice. We have worked together on many weddings at The Lakeside at Wild Berry Farm and at his Pub itself. Hopping over the border into Hertfordshire and Roger from The Chef's Table, is another fantastic choice. He is superb at creating menus to reflect your personalities.

Styling & Décor for Small Outdoor Weddings.

In the same way, decor for a small outdoor wedding can look and feel more indulgent too. So much of the wedding content we see depicted on social media are out of reach for the average couple. You can still create an insta-worthy wedding on a small scale. If you aren't creative yourself we know some talented individuals who can help you bring your ideas to life. Hiring in decor and styling pieces is also much better for the environment than buying everything in, which is only going to be used for a day. We work closely with some great industry professionals who can help you with any styling needs.

Small outdoor weddings don't mean less special.

A small outdoor wedding doesn't mean that it will be less special, in fact in many ways it is the opposite. There are lots of points that can make a small outdoor wedding a great choice for many couples.

Some of the advantages of planning a small outdoor wedding:

• More intimate, only having the most important guests there to share it with.

• Often more budget friendly - saving on things such as venue costs, food & drink as well as furnishings and decor.

• Often easier to organise in a shorter timeframe. Plus you may get late deals from suppliers who have spare dates and availability

• To coin the phrase "your day, your way", really run with this idea to make it personal.

Small is beautiful! If you want to organise your own small outdoor wedding and would like to find out more about what tents or marquees might be suitable for your space, just get in touch with us. We have the best job in the world, being part of such personal and special occasions. Drop us a message to info@funkymonkeytents.co.uk, we would love to hear from you.