Start your own trend

Karen Blair, Features Writer

Weddings have certainly evolved over time. Brides and grooms have created and broken many wedding traditions that were once held sacred. No longer is there a 'must-do' attitude when it comes on to celebrations of the 'I do's'.

Weddings in 2010 will join the ranks of change based on a number of factors.

The economy will have a great impact on the size of weddings for this year.

Weddings will become more intimate, with just close family and friends because of cost.

It is definitely a trend to consider due to the financial constraints of many couples. But small does not mean sacrificing the details that will make your day special.

Intimate weddings call for individuality and a lot of creativity. Much more of you can be poured into the minute details that will have guests remembering your nuptials, long after they are done.

Ten reasons for having a small wedding

1. You get to celebrate one of the biggest days of your life surrounded by people who love you.

2. You can feel more relaxed on your wedding day and, because you'll be surrounded by friends and family, you'll feel more at home with your guests.

3. You can save money. You can save thousands of dollars by having an intimate wedding, which means you won't have to go over your wedding budget.

4. You can splurge. Some couples choose a small guest list not necessarily because their budgets are small, but because they can pull out all the stops and have a truly lavish wedding.

5. You have more options when choosing a venue. Since you won't need a large space to accommodate your guests, many small wedding venues will be open to you.

6. You have more freedom to customise your wedding to your own tastes. A small wedding gives you the opportunity to get your creative juices flowing and make your unique wedding a reflection of the two of you.

7. You get to spend time with your guests. How many weddings have made you feel like a stranger fulfilling a social obligation? Small weddings aren't like that. When the guest list is small, the bride and groom can spend time with each of their guests, making them feel welcome.

8. You can make your guests feel at home. Because you will be able to spend at least some time with your guests, they will feel more at home at your wedding. Also, when the guest list is small, guests will have a better opportunity to mingle with most of the others. Chances are that many of your guests will know one another.

9. You can get your guests involved. A small wedding will give you the opportunity to get your loved ones involved in your special day.

10. You can have a wedding that people will remember. Because your wedding won't be typical - the kind your guests have been to over and over again - your wedding is more likely to be remembered.

Source: intimateweddings.com