I’ve seen many weddings over the years. I’ve been involved in some pretty big productions that would look over the top in Hollywood. But my favourite weddings have always been the small, intimate affairs.
In fact, the very first wedding I ever officiated at had seven people in attendance, and one of those was my four-year-old daughter! It was on a tiny, secluded beach in the far south-west of Victoria. It was one of the most romantic things I’ve ever been involved in. It was simply… beautiful. (The bride and groom had their engagement barbecue straight after, and the announcement of their marriage was a surprise for the whole family!)
For people considering marriage in 2020, small events are suddenly attractive. As of this article’s writing, the advent of COVID-19 means that indoor gatherings of over 100 people, and outdoor gatherings of over 500 people have been banned until further notice. This has had a massive effect on the community, with nearly all sports and cultural fixtures being postponed or cancelled.
Weddings aren’t immune to the Coronavirus. I’ve heard dozens of reports from Celebrants and other acquaintances about weddings having to be put off. Couples are having to make the choice of either culling the guest list down to an acceptable number, moving everything outside (to take advantage of the higher attendee limit) or rescheduling the wedding until after the restrictions have been lifted… whenever that is. Travel restrictions mean that overseas visitors are held up in quarantine or refused entry to Australia altogether.
For many, months and years of planning have evaporated into a haze of ‘I don’t know.’
I’ve had one or two conversations about the possibility of small weddings. Now, I don’t know if further restrictions are going to make all such gatherings illegal, but if you’re considering getting married soon, here are some things to think about.
- Weddings can go ahead with a minimum of five people. All you need are the couple, two witnesses and a Celebrant.
- Weddings can happen just about anywhere. Think about the locations that become available if you don’t have dozens or hundreds of people to fit in. A tinny on a lake, your table at your favourite coffee shop, the front porch at Nan’s house, your car… just think about your favourite place. Could you have a wedding there with a hundred people?
- Weddings don’t have to take very long. In fact, it’s quite possible to have a complete ceremony, including paperwork, in five minutes. Of course, a small wedding doesn’t have to be a quick wedding, but if you just want to get the legalities done, it’s an option!
- The reception doesn’t have to be on the same day as the wedding. Of course, that’s the usual way to do it, but some couples opt to separate the two. Even though they want the big party with all the friends and relatives, they want something much more intimate for the wedding itself. And not having the worry of the details of the reception can make the wedding so much more meaningful. It also means a couple can still get married and have the big celebration once the health crisis is over.
Small weddings aren’t for everyone, and I suspect the second half of 2020 is going to be filled with the sounds of wedding bells. But, perhaps, consider it. If you have some ideas, or you want to pick my brain about a wedding (big or small) I’d love to have a chat!
Cameron the Celebrant 