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The Ultimate Idea Guide for Small, Intimate Weddings

From Birthday Bash to Tea Time

There I sat at the round, pink-draped banquet table surrounded by 80 other people at similar round tables.  Peppa pig cut-outs were tucked amidst delicate floral centerpieces and balloons danced overhead.  All I could think was what in hot hell is happening? 

It was my first time as a guest at a birthday party for a 5-year-old in Mexico, and I was learning a valuable lesson in Mexican culture. 

I quickly adapted to the social rhythm of these all-out-bashes, although my family back home could never quite comprehend the idea of an 80-guest party for a little tot.  It’s just how things are done here, I awkwardly reasoned.

Therefore, I wasn’t a bit sad when my daughter turned seven, declared boys were yucky, and opted for a tea party event with just five friends.  In fact, it marked the moment I fell in love with an intimate, curated celebration. 

I immediately got to work, planning little heart-shaped tea sandwiches, a jewelry box painting activity, summer hats for the girls.  My heart swooned as I discovered that, when I didn’t need to feed 80 people, my investment went so much further. 

Cheers! Photo by Socorro Sandoval

After all was said and done, it was the Tea Party of the year, and everyone (including myself) went home with a smile. From that moment on, I embraced the concept of providing a high-quality experience for a small, intimate guest list. 

That concept is as true with a wedding as it is with a tea party.

From Tea Time to Intimate I Do’s

A smaller, intimate wedding presents a unique opportunity to really pamper the guests that attend.  Here are a few of my favorite ideas to make an intimate wedding oh-so-incredible:

  • First, create welcome bags that go beyond the typical trinkets and delight your loved ones with a thoughtful care package that shows you are truly grateful they are present.
  • Choose a cozy venue setting.  You won’t need a massive space, so select a venue that feels intimate and incredible.
A magical dinner space at an intimate wedding. Photo by Jillian Mitchell
  • Incorporate magical decor and curated details that enhance the experience.
  • Invest in live performances – musicians, dancers or a live cooking experience will keep the energy high and provide a unique opportunity for guests to participate in the destination’s culture.
  • Spend quality time with every guest.  You have the luxury of time. Show your gratitude for their presence; write a personal thank you note to each of them.  Create moments and memories. 

It sounds fantastic, right?  It will be, I promise.

But what should you do with all those “leftover” guests back home?

First, be creative. There aren’t strict rules. Give them an opportunity to celebrate and honor your love. (Don’t worry about perfecting the details or serving heart-shaped tea sandwiches to them all).  Host a backyard picnic!  Throw a pool party or hold a drop-by cocktail hour at your home. 

Finally, don’t forget the chips, salsa and margaritas!

Love Kristin

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They nailed it!

Kristin and her team are truly amazing. We were a bit concerned on how the planning process would go for...

Large wooden tables with greenery and pampas grass with among candles and glassware for a destination wedding reception in mexico

Amy Lynn Miles

The Dazzling Details
5
2020-04-24T14:59:02+00:00

Amy Lynn Miles

Large wooden tables with greenery and pampas grass with among candles and glassware for a destination wedding reception in mexico
Kristin and her team are truly amazing. We were a bit concerned on how the planning process would go for a destination wedding but the entire planning process was organized, easy, and stress free. It was the wedding of our dreams!

Kristin was our single most important choice.

Reflecting on the magnificence of all Kristin accomplished for our wedding, we settled on "she's a miracle."  Kristin was our...

Beautiful bride in white dress with sweetheart neckline stands on the beach with her bridesmaids and holds moody wedding bouquets at her destination wedding in Sayulita, Mexico

Yvonne + David

The Dazzling Details
5
2020-05-14T20:21:56+00:00

Yvonne + David

Beautiful bride in white dress with sweetheart neckline stands on the beach with her bridesmaids and holds moody wedding bouquets at her destination wedding in Sayulita, Mexico
Reflecting on the magnificence of all Kristin accomplished for our wedding, we settled on "she's a miracle."  Kristin was our single most important choice, and with her, we created a magical celebration that exceeded all of our expectations.

Kristin exceeded our wildest wedding dreams.

Kristin and her team pour their hearts and souls into everything they do and they exceeded our wildest wedding dreams.

Bride and groom stand hugging each other with palm trees behind them at their destination wedding in Punta Mita, Mexico

Natina + Eli

The Dazzling Details
5
2020-05-14T20:26:37+00:00

Natina + Eli

Bride and groom stand hugging each other with palm trees behind them at their destination wedding in Punta Mita, Mexico
Kristin and her team pour their hearts and souls into everything they do and they exceeded our wildest wedding dreams.

Kristin really has vision!

There are not enough words to describe how amazing Kristin and her team are. From the moment I inquired about...

Bride and groom pose with their wedding party holding moody bouquets at their destination wedding in Punta Mita, Mexico

Jenn + Michael

The Dazzling Details
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2020-05-14T20:35:47+00:00

Jenn + Michael

Bride and groom pose with their wedding party holding moody bouquets at their destination wedding in Punta Mita, Mexico
There are not enough words to describe how amazing Kristin and her team are. From the moment I inquired about working with the Dazzlign Details down to the very last second of our wedding, Kristin really went out of her way to make sure everything was perfect. I tend to be extremely picky and from the beginning of the planning process, it seemed like Kristin could read my mind and ask me about a detail of the wedding before I even had to worry about it. She’s extremely organized and maps out a full planning timeline so you know exactly what needs to get taken care of by when so you’re not pulling your hair out (I will admit we fell behind schedule due to busy work schedules but Kristin was very good about sending us gentle reminders to stick to the agenda and we’re so grateful for it as it saved us loads of stress as we inched closer to the day of the wedding) a week before the wedding trying to scramble to finish up last-minute details. Besides being extremely organized and always two steps ahead of you, Kristin really has a vision for how to put the perfect wedding together based on your tastes. I always felt like I couldn’t put a cohesive vision together based on the jumbled thoughts I had in my head of my “perfect wedding.” But with her help, she pieced all of my random ideas together into the most beautiful wedding that my husband and I could’ve possibly imagined. All of our guests raved that this was one of the best weddings they’ve been to and we have Kristin to thank for it. The food/drink was amazing, the service was great, and the decor/ambiance was exactly what I had imagined. We’re so...

Kristin and team are phenomenal!

Look no further! Kristin and team are phenomenal! If you are searching for the perfect wedding planner....stop right now! You've...

Bride and groom exit their ceremony after the kiss at their destination wedding in Punta Mita, Mexico

Kristin + Brad

The Dazzling Details
5
2020-05-14T20:40:59+00:00

Kristin + Brad

Bride and groom exit their ceremony after the kiss at their destination wedding in Punta Mita, Mexico
Look no further! Kristin and team are phenomenal! If you are searching for the perfect wedding planner....stop right now! You've found her! Kristin is the absolute best, and made all of our wedding dreams come true. From the food, to the decor, the ambiance, the flowers, etc. everything turned out exactly as we hoped and imagined. We had so many friends and family tell us that our wedding was one of the best they had ever been to! Kristin did not disappoint in the flawless execution of our big day. I am an extremely organized planner myself, and throughout the entire process she was amazing to work with. Kristin was amazing with communication, in providing recommendations,  ongoing guidance and advice.  I actually miss her already and wish we could redo the wedding! She is absolutely amazing at what she does. Long story short, we were beyond happy with our wedding, loved every single moment, and can not recommend Kristin more highly!! She is hands down the most wonderful wedding planner and truly dazzling!!!
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The Dazzling Details