Creating a Cozy Wedding: A Comprehensive Guide to Intimate Ceremonies and Family Celebrations with Unique Reception Ideas*

2024.02.15 published

I Want to Have a Homely Wedding Inviting Family and Relatives ♡

For weddings, there are large-scale weddings that invite workplace acquaintances and friends of the bride and groom, and small-scale weddings focused on family and relatives.

Recently, there has been an increase in brides-to-be who choose a [small-scale wedding] that invites only important people for a careful hospitality, as well as [family weddings] that allow them to spend irreplaceable moments with family and relatives.

What to Do at a Small-Scale [Reception] with Few Guests?

One common question from brides who choose [small-scale weddings] or [family weddings] is about the 【entertainment for the reception】 after the ceremony. Since the ceremony, which is a sacred moment, does not significantly change based on the number of guests, there isn’t much to worry about there, but the reception is a bit different.

In large weddings, entertainment like friends' performances and candle services is common, but brides may wonder what to do in smaller weddings...

This time, to resolve such doubts, we have summarized recommended entertainment for [small-scale weddings] and [family weddings]＊ By performing heartfelt entertainment, all participants can enjoy a happy time together ♡

Entertainment Idea ① Include a Family Tree in the Profile Book for [Small-Scale Weddings] [Family Weddings] ♡

A classic paper item for weddings is the profile book. While it generally includes the profiles of the bride and groom and the menu, it is recommended to include a photo-based [family tree] for receptions centered on family.

While the bride and groom's parents may have met during the face-to-face meeting, it is often the case that grandparents and other relatives are meeting for the “first time” on the wedding day. Having names, their relationship to the bride and groom, and a simple profile can make it easier for guests to get to know each other and spark conversations ♡

Entertainment Idea ② Handwritten Seat Card Messages with Heartfelt Notes for [Small-Scale Weddings] [Family Weddings] ♡

Writing a handwritten message on the guest's seat card is a meaningful gesture. It can be very challenging when there are many guests, but at a small wedding with 10-30 people, you can take your time to think and write messages for each person. Let's express your gratitude to family members whom you may not often have the chance to tell ♡

If you feel, “I can’t convey all my feelings just on the back of the seat card!” you can write letters using stationery or attach photos as well ♡

Entertainment Idea ③ A Toast by Kids for [Small-Scale Weddings] [Family Weddings] ♡

In large weddings, a toast is often given by a guest of honor. But in the more relaxed atmosphere of a family wedding focusing on close family members, it might be charming to ask the children of the bride and groom's relatives to give the toast ♡ A cute toast will surely bring smiles to all the guests＊

Entertainment Idea ④ Breaking the Kagami with Parents Together for [Small-Scale Weddings] [Family Weddings] ♡

In traditional Japanese weddings, it is common to break the kagami (sake barrel) before the toast. Since it’s a joyous moment for both families, why not have the parents of the bride and groom join in for the “Yoi-sho!” when breaking the kagami? ♩ It will surely become a wonderful memory＊

Entertainment Idea ⑤ Last Bite and Example Bite for [Small-Scale Weddings] [Family Weddings] ♡

The tradition of the bride and groom feeding each other the wedding cake, known as [First Bite], is a staple in weddings. For a small-scale wedding, how about a “Last Bite” where the mother feeds the cake to the bride or groom? ♡ Even if the groom feels embarrassed to be “aaah-ed” in front of coworkers or many friends, it’s okay in a family wedding ♩

Another recommended entertainment is the parents of the bride and groom feeding each other the wedding cake, known as [Example Bite]. It will also be a memorable moment for the parents. Let’s all celebrate together ♩

Entertainment Idea ⑥ Message Movie for [Small-Scale Weddings] [Family Weddings] ♡

In most cases, brides at small weddings do not perform flashy entertainment. Instead, let’s enhance the content of the [profile movie] ♩ At large receptions, it might feel inappropriate to take too much time reminiscing over childhood photos, but it is welcomed in family-centered small weddings ♡

Let’s look back at many memories, such as photos from birthdays and Christmas, family trips, and everyday casual moments that will surely evoke fond feelings among the family ♩

Entertainment Idea ⑦ Fun Group Photos for [Small-Scale Weddings] [Family Weddings] ♡

Lastly, let’s take fun group photos with all the guests ♡ In small-scale weddings or family weddings where guests can converse comfortably with each other, by the end, everyone will likely have become good friends＊

In large weddings, it can be challenging to specify or unify poses, but with fewer guests, you can capture such wonderful photos together with ease ♡

It might be nice to prepare photo props for group photos ♡ What a wonderful photo that will become a treasure for both families for a lifetime.

We Introduced the Entertainment Ideas for [Small-Scale Weddings] [Family Weddings] ♡

How was it?＊ There were lots of wonderful entertainment ideas that are just as impressive as those at large receptions ♩ For brides-to-be considering small-scale weddings or family weddings, please use this as a reference ♡