7 Ideas For Small Wedding Reception At Home

11th June 2025

Budgeting

Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when considering the financial aspects. We know that love doesn’t have a price tag, so we’re here to help you celebrate your special day without the added stress of needing additional wedding funds.

 

Whether you’re looking to save money or just want to create an intimate celebration, these seven ideas for small wedding reception at home will help you tie the knot beautifully and affordably.

1. The Micro Wedding: Intimate Elegance

A micro wedding is an excellent option for couples who want to keep things small and personal. By keeping your guest list small – typically under 20 people – you can significantly reduce wedding costs while creating an incredibly meaningful experience. Here’s how to make it work:

  • Personalised Touches: With fewer guests, you can invest in unique details that reflect your personality as a couple. Consider custom place cards, personalised party favours, or even a signature cocktail named after you and your partner
  • Gourmet Dining Experience: A smaller guest list means you can splurge a bit on the menu. Consider hiring a private chef to create a multi-course meal that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
  • Meaningful Location: Choose a spot in your home that holds special significance, such as the place where you first said “I love you” or where the proposal happened.

 

2. Backyard Wedding: Rustic Charm

A table of people cheering glasses

Transforming your backyard into a wedding venue can be both cost-effective and charming. Here’s how to create a magical backyard wedding:

  • Lighting Magic: Fairy lights, lanterns, and candles can turn your backyard into a fairytale setting as the sun sets.
  • DIY Decor: Get creative with homemade decorations. Mason jars filled with flowers from your garden, hand-painted signs, and repurposed household items can add a personal touch.
  • Comfortable Seating: Mix and match chairs, add cushions to benches, or even set up picnic blankets for a relaxed atmosphere.

 

3. Brunch Wedding: A Morning Celebration

A wedding brunch feast with pastries, fruits, and glasses for mimosas

Who says weddings have to be evening affairs? A brunch wedding can be a delightful and budget-friendly option:

  • Breakfast Favourites: Serve up a mix of sweet and savoury breakfast dishes. Think pancake stations, quiches, and a mimosa bar.
  • Daytime Activities: Take advantage of the daylight with lawn games or a group walk in a nearby park after the wedding ceremony.
  • Floral Centerpieces: Use in-season flowers or potted herbs as centrepieces, which guests can take home as favours.

 

4. Backyard Barbeque Wedding: Casual and Fun

For a laid-back celebration, consider a backyard barbeque wedding:

  • Grill Master: Hire a local barbeque expert or enlist a talented friend to man the grill.
  • Buffet Style: Set up food stations with various barbeque favourites, sides, and desserts.
  • Outdoor Games: Set up games like cornhole, horseshoes, or even a giant outdoor Jenga tower to keep guests entertained.

 

5. Minimony: Focus on What Matters Most

An out of focus bride and groom holding their hands out, pinkies wrapped around each other displaying their wedding rings

A minimony (mini ceremony) is perfect for couples who want a very intimate wedding. Picture exchanging vows under a tree with just your partner and perhaps one or two family members and/or best friends:

  • Ceremony Spotlight: With just a handful of guests, focus on creating a meaningful wedding ceremony that truly reflects your relationship.
  • Virtual Guests: Use technology to include loved ones who can’t be there in person. Set up a live stream or have a virtual toast.
  • Celebratory Dinner: After the ceremony, enjoy a special dinner with your closest family and friends, either at home in your backyard or at your favourite restaurant.

 

6. Themed Home Reception: Showcase Your Personality

Create a wedding reception that truly reflects your relationship by developing a specific theme. This could be based on:

  • Your shared hobby
  • A meaningful location
  • A favourite movie or book
  • Cultural heritage
  • Colour scheme

 

7. Potluck Wedding Reception: Community Spirit

A close up of people grabbing food from a potluck

A potluck wedding reception is an excellent way to involve friends and family while keeping costs down:

  • Guest Contributions: Invite each guest or family unit to bring their favourite dish. This not only reduces catering costs but also adds variety to your menu.
  • Themed Dishes Table Setup: Organise dishes by category (appetisers, mains, desserts) for easy serving. Consider creating labels for each dish so guests know what they’re enjoying!

 

Making Your Dream Wedding Affordable

Planning your dream wedding shouldn’t mean starting your marriage in financial difficulty. There are ways to make it more affordable without sacrificing enjoyment. By saving money in other areas like events that surround the wedding (bachelor/hens night), you can free up some extra cash for your big day.

Remember, a beautiful wedding day isn’t about how much money you spend, but about celebrating your love surrounded by close friends and family members. By thinking creatively and keeping your guest list intimate, you can create an unforgettable wedding day without financial strain.

Let Red Tree Finance help you celebrate love affordably

While a small wedding reception and a cheap but fun honeymoon can help you save money, you might still need some extra funds to bring your vision to life, and that’s where we can help. Our wedding loans can provide you with the financial boost you need to cover unexpected wedding expenses or add those special touches to your celebration.

Whether you need to rent equipment, hire a caterer, or purchase decorations, our same day loans can get you the funds quickly – so you don’t miss out on booking your dream photographer!

 

Frequently asked questions

How do you tell people you’re having a small wedding?

To tell people you’re having a small wedding, be open and honest about your decision. You can start by sharing your excitement about the intimate gathering and explain that you want to focus on meaningful connections rather than a large event. Consider sending out personalised invitations or messages to close friends and family, clearly stating the size of the celebration to ensure everyone understands and supports your plans.

What is a micro wedding?

A micro wedding is an intimate wedding ceremony typically involving a small guest list, often fewer than 20 people. This type of wedding focuses on personal connections and meaningful experiences rather than large-scale celebrations. Couples often choose micro weddings to create a more personalised atmosphere, allowing for unique details and interactions with each guest.

How to arrange a simple wedding?

To arrange a simple wedding, start by setting a budget and creating a guest list that reflects your priorities. Choose a meaningful venue, such as your home or a local park, and opt for an intimate ceremony with personal touches like DIY decorations and a simple menu. Focus on the essentials—like a celebrant and attire—while considering affordable options for catering and entertainment to keep costs down.

The information provided in this blog is of a general nature and is provided without considering your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or other professional advice.

Before making any financial decisions or taking action based on the information presented, you are strongly encouraged to assess its appropriateness in light of your individual circumstances. Red Tree Finance does not intend to provide personalised financial advice, and you should seek independent financial, legal, tax, and other relevant advice tailored to your unique situation.

How much would you like to borrow?

Loan amount

$2,100
$2,100
$5,000

Repayment frequency

Your monthly repayment

$0
Loan term
12 months
Interest & Fees
$0
Total to pay
$0

WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. The above uses a comparison rate of 47% and upfront establishment fees of $420.

Categories

Tags