Intimate weddings: Young couples opt for meaningful celebrations
These events typically host between 80 to 300 guests-mainly close family and friends-and are often held at venues like villas, cafés, or gardens, which are becoming increasingly favoured over large-scale ceremonies.
KUALA LUMPUR - Foregoing grand halls and large guest lists, many young couples today are opting for a more relaxed, personal and meaningful celebration - the intimate wedding.
"Beyond being cost-effective, this concept allows couples to celebrate their love with close friends and family in a serene, thoughtfully curated, and emotionally rich atmosphere.
According to wedding planner Amirah Abdul Halim, these events typically host between 80 to 300 guests-mainly close family and friends-and are often held at venues like villas, cafés, or gardens, which are becoming increasingly favoured over large-scale ceremonies.
The owner of The Avenue event venue noted that even financially capable couples are embracing this concept, choosing to avoid unnecessary spending on less meaningful elements and instead investing in experiences that create lasting memories.
"Many assume that small weddings are more affordable, but costs can still add up depending on the couple’s preferences. Some choose to invest in cinematic videography, designer attire or premium catering, as they prioritise quality over quantity,” she told Bernama.
Amirah explained that the overall cost of an intimate wedding depends on several key factors including the venue, food packages, decorations, photography, attire, and entertainment. Opting for more premium choices usually increases the total cost of the event.
However, there are still ways to keep the event attractive without exceeding the budget, such as choosing a naturally beautiful venue, limiting the guest list, and hiring creative but lesser-known service providers, she said.
Amirah also advised couples to set a budget early and avoid changing the concept frequently, which can add to costs. She emphasised the importance of discussing plans with family early on to prevent last-minute guest additions.
Event hall operator Norsyafalina Yahaya noted that this concept gained popularity after the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, when large-scale events were prohibited. The influence of social media personalities sharing their beautiful intimate wedding moments also played a role.
The co-founder of Chendana Puri Weddings & Events, based in Negeri Sembilan, said financial considerations are a key reason why young couples choose this concept, prompting more businesses to offer more budget-friendly packages.
"We offer packages from RM5,900 for 100 guests. This includes a beautiful hall, a decorated dais, and other setups. As for outfits and makeup, couples usually prefer to arrange those themselves based on their budget and personal taste.
"This way, the couple can still enjoy a traditional wedding atmosphere with elements like a bridal procession, cake-cutting and a formal meal, but on a smaller scale.
"This differs from small gatherings like thanksgiving feasts, which lack real wedding elements that many dream of and that become ‘a memory to cherish forever,’” she added, noting the concept is also ideal for couples entering second marriages or rebuilding their relationship.
Acknowledging that parental expectations for grand celebrations can be a major challenge for young couples, Ayu Fitri Saidatulnisa Raman, who celebrated her big day with just 100 guests, said communication is key to overcoming this hurdle.
The 24-year-old shared that she and her partner first agreed on a shared vision-including the guest list, budget capacity, and a focus on life after the wedding-which they then discussed openly with both sets of parents.
"To make sure our families didn’t feel excluded, we included them in decisions like food selection and the event schedule. This helped ease their initial concerns about having a small-scale wedding,” she said, adding that the event cost around RM13,000.
Puteri Nurfarhah Mohd Zain, 26, shared a similar perspective, believing that a small wedding is not a downgrade. She and her partner were thoroughly satisfied, describing their ceremony as perfect, filled with beautiful moments and lasting memories.
"My advice is not to feel ashamed about choosing a small wedding. Beautiful memories are built on the support of family, the presence of close friends, and the flow of unconditional love-all of which make your special day truly meaningful.
"If your family or partner isn’t on board with the idea of an intimate wedding, don’t be discouraged. Everyone sees things differently, and open, honest conversations are the best way to avoid misunderstandings,” she added. - BERNAMA
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