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If you’re dreaming of a small, intentional wedding that feels true to you—but without the price tag of a traditional venue or full-service vendor team—you’re in the right place.
👋 Hi, I’m Kelsey Calaci, creator of The Savvy Swarey—a blog dedicated to helping couples and party hosts plan stylish, meaningful events without blowing their budget. I planned my own DIY backyard wedding from start to finish (with a manageable guest list and a LOT of borrowed stuff), so I know firsthand how powerful—and doable—it is to create a day that’s personal, affordable, and joyful.
Whether you’re considering hosting your wedding in your backyard, at a rented Airbnb, or even a blank-slate barn, this step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to plan a DIY small wedding—without the stress spiral.
The appeal of a small wedding is clear: fewer guests = lower costs, more time with the people you care about most, and more flexibility to create a day that’s truly your own. Pair that with some clever DIYing and you’ve got the perfect mix of budget-friendliness, personalization, and control.
I always say this to couples I work with: A wedding doesn’t have to be expensive to be incredible. You just need a little creativity and a solid plan (don’t worry, I’ve got you covered on that front).
Whether you’re planning a true micro wedding, or just looking to keep your celebration more intimate, intentional, and personalized, here’s how to approach your planning process to keep it manageable and stress free.
Before you dive into projects or book anything, get aligned on what "small" means to you. Is it 20 guests? 50? Is it boho and backyard or vintage and minimalist?
Once you’ve defined your size and vibe, it’ll guide every decision you make—from the venue to the music.
Some of the best small weddings I’ve seen have been hosted in:
There’s so many small wedding venues you probably haven’t even thought to consider yet!
Choosing the space for your DIY goals is all about matching your vision, style, and guest list. Are you…
Whatever space you choose, make sure it aligns with your priorities and then map it out early. Where will the ceremony happen? Is there shade? Is there enough space for tables, chairs, and dancing? For more on this topic, check out this in-depth guide on transforming a blank slate wedding venue.
Here’s the truth: You don’t have to do everything yourself. In fact, I strongly recommend that you don’t. In planning a low-stress DIY small wedding, ask yourself:
It’s super important to be realistic with yourself when considering DIYing an aspect of your wedding. For most skill sets and average wedding planning timelines, here’s what’s typically realistic to DIY vs. what I recommend hiring.
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What’s usually worth DIYing:
What’s often better to hire:
Need help finding affordable vendors who support small weddings? Check out the microWED collective Wedding Pros Directory—an amazing resource for budget-conscious couples planning intimate celebrations.
One of my favorite tricks? Let your decor work overtime. Some ideas:
Want to keep your catering budget light? Here’s a few easy items to DIY:
Skip the DJ and use a curated Spotify playlist! Just be sure to:
Get the full guide on DIYing your wedding music here!
Consider DIYing your florals if you’re keeping it small. I’ve got a full breakdown of how to decide whether to DIY or hire a florist here.
Even if you’re doing most things yourself, don’t try to do everything alone on the wedding day. Set up a crew of family or friends (or hire a day-of coordinator) to manage logistics, so you can actually enjoy your wedding.
Also—start early, test things in advance, and don’t be afraid to let go of anything that’s not truly necessary. The beauty of a small wedding is that you don’t have to do it all.
You’ve got the vision. Now let’s make it happen! Grab your free micro wedding checklist below and find tons more DIY wedding resources at The Savvy Swaréy.
You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
xo, Kelsey
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