How to Plan a Relaxed Wedding (and Actually Enjoy It!)
Let’s be honest—weddings have a reputation for being stressful.
Guest lists, timelines, budgets, seating charts… it’s enough to make your head burst wide open. Why is it that a day that is meant to be filled with so much joy comes with such a large side of stress? Does it have to be the case?
In 2025, its clear to see that couples are choosing intimate, personal celebrations that honour tradition without being bound by it. Here’s your easy, breezy guide to planning a relaxed, elegant wedding that’s as delightful as it is stress-free.
Tip #1 - Curate an Intimate Guest List
A smaller, more minimal guest list isn’t just a logistical win—it sets the stage for the whole feeling of the day. Forget people's feelings. Rather than focusing on numbers or the sense of obligation, consider the quality of the company. When each guest is there because they truly matter to you, the day automatically transforms into a genuine celebration of your love. The intimacy of a smaller gathering lends itself to those small magical moments, the ones that you'll never forget. The late-night conversations, the impromptu photoshoots and a natural, relaxed undercurrent that will melt your inhibitions away.
Tip #2 - Select a Venue That Exudes Effortless Charm
Your venue is the canvas upon which your day is painted. Choose a space that embodies your chosen aesthetic so you can forget the need for excessive embellishment. With its timeless architecture, clean cream walls and dreamy countryside backdrop, a venue like Long Barn offers a naturally loved-up setting that requires little extra décor. Choosing a venue that works with you can make all the difference in crafting a day that flows beautifully.
Tip #3 - Embrace the beautiful chaos of a fluid schedule
Traditional weddings often come with a rigid, minute-by-minute itinerary. However, the real magic lies in spontaneity and the art of well-timed pauses. Instead of cramming something into every moment, allow your schedule to breathe. Begin with a relaxed welcome as guests arrive, segue into a brief, heartfelt ceremony, and then move on to a leisurely cocktail hour with gourmet canapés. By designing a timeline with ample breathing space, you invite unexpected moments of joy and (most importantly) ensure time to take it all in!
Here's an example of what a relaxed timeline might look like…
1:00 PM: Guests arrive, grab a welcome drink, mingle
2:00 PM: Ceremony (short and sweet—20 minutes max!)
2:30 PM: Drinks, canapés, relaxed couple photos
4:00 PM: Casual, shared-style meal (grazing tables are a secret weapon)
6:00 PM: Speeches (keep them brief—trust us)
7:00 PM: Dance floor opens, firepits, cocktails, good vibes all night
Tip #4 - Choose Interactive, informal Dining
The food is, of course, a highlight of any celebration, and in 2025, interactive dining experiences are the in-thing. Think of elegant grazing tables or family-style platters that encourage sharing. This reduces the formality of a sit-down meal and creates a warm, one-big-family feeling. When you take away the pressure of timing, the focus shifts to simply enjoying the food you are sharing with your loved ones.
Tip #5 - Trust the Team you've chosen
The professionals you choose to work with are instrumental in turning your vision into reality. You chose them because you loved what they do; trust them! Allow yourself the gift of stepping back from the reins, confident that every detail is being handled with care and expertise.
Tip #6 - Write your own traditions.
Ultimately, a wedding should be a genuine reflection of who you are. If certain traditions feel cumbersome or out of sync with your vision, know that it's entirely within your power to adapt or even forgo them altogether. Whether it’s a first dance that’s more a spontaneous moment of joy or brief and heartfelt speeches, make choices that resonate with you. Make space for what matters most to you, and create an environment where fun can thrive!
A relaxed wedding is not about adhering to a strict formula—it’s about stripping back the expectations to reveal a day that is uniquely your own. With the proper planning, a flexible mindset, and a dedicated team, your celebration CAN be both relaxed and exquisitely elegant. Let us help you create a day that’s not only beautiful but also authentically you.
Contact Longbarn@humblebynature.com to see how we can bring your dream relaxed wedding to life!