Would like a short engagement

[hotcheesetoastie]

Hey everyone,

So me and my OH have just got engaged after 6 years together. We’re of the mindset that we would like to have a short engagement of around 6 months and a low key simple wedding. Have any of you lovely folk done this and if so, what were your experiences?

Part of me is thinking we could keep guests to around 40. Happy to Get married in a registry office. Would like some real but simple flowers. Was thinking maybe a nice group brunch late morning around 10. All go home/back to hotels to get ready. Get married in a registry office around 2. Some simple candid photos. Nice evening restaurant for around 5 with three course meal and drinks.
However it sounds too spread out when some guests will be coming from 3-5 hours away so they won’t be able to entertain themselves in between.

I’d basically just like to get married in a registry office and then have a nice meal with people after. I think asking people to travel 3-5 hours to watch us get married and have some food might be asking a bit much as a wedding is usually more of a ‘party’ event. Makes me wonder if I should consider inviting up to 20 instead and very close family/friends.

Any ideas appreciated :)

Sounds just like me! Plans on hold now due to Covid19, but the plan was: six month engagement, ten guests plus us. Half of guests travelling from around 6 hours away. We couldn't get our heads around the logistics of spending time with our respective families in the morning, meeting at the registry office, travelling to a park etc for photos, travelling to a restaurant for a meal, then everyone just going their separate ways. So we've opted for a very small wedding at a nice local venue that has hotel rooms. So those travelling can go back to their rooms whenever they want, or get involved in breakfast/lunch/preparations if they want to. We'll have a 3pm wedding, photos during a brief drinks reception (no canapés), then 5pm meal everyone around one big table, no night do, no speeches, no bridesmaids, no fuss!

Whilst it does sound absolutely lovely, I think you may be right on the gaps between the events. Having said that though, if people don’t want to come for the full day, you could always give them the option of coming for brunch and the wedding, the wedding and dinner or all three.

Congratulations too