5 Tips for Planning your Tiny Wedding Weekend Retreat from Tyler Speier Events

Tiny weddings are the ultimate trend of 2020 (and in early 2021). Rather than waiting to say “I Do,” couples are choosing to move forward with their weddings in a revised fashion, with far less people and safety precautions in place. Just because you are shrinking the guest count, you don’t need to compromise style, fashion, flowers, or details! Love isn’t cancelled. It will never be. With all the craziness of 2020, we are seeing more and more couples wanting to plan a "retreat" experience for their loved ones. Since people have been far less social this year, couples are craving quality time with the people they love - not just a tiny celebration on one day, but rather a curated weekend experience. 

Keep scrolling to see all of these sunny Southern California photos and video by Chris Evans. Tyler Speier Events planned every detail and created all of the amazing florals for this tiny wedding inspiration at Kimpton Canary Santa Barbara. You can see all the images in the full gallery, but first read on to hear more from Tyler.

Here are some ideas and tips for creating the perfect weekend celebration for your nuptials:

Choose a destination

1) Choose a destination (that is open!) where you and your closest family members can stay. Think a beautiful hotel with amazing service, outdoor common spaces, and in an area with lots of beautiful outdoor activities. We're based here in Santa Barbara, and love that couples can have access to the beach, a Mediterranean climate, and lots of local outdoor activities! 

Plan activities for your guests to enjoy

2) Plan activities for your guests to enjoy - think sunset sailing, a fishing trip, local hikes, outdoor yoga...curate experiences that will make your wedding weekend feel like a refreshing get-away. After all, we all need some R&R with all the craziness happening this year! 

Open your wedding weekend with dinner and drinks

3) Open your wedding weekend with a beautiful rehearsal dinner and drinks. Host this at a local restaurant that will give your guests a feel for the location where you are celebrating. Keep it casual to open things up - give everyone the opportunity to chat, laugh, mingle, and enjoy. 

Get married at sunset

4) Get married at sunset, followed by a beautiful, intimate dinner. With a smaller guest count, use lots of candles and abundant florals to give your guests a "wow" moment. Make your tiny wedding super special with lots of beautiful details. Have your guests dress-up and make the evening super memorable! Also, consider an outfit change during the evening! After dinner, change into another outfit as you mingle into the night with your guests. I love the idea of having wedding cake by a roaring fire (with cozy seating) as you enjoy your company late into the night.

Close your weekend with an intimate brunch

5) Close your weekend with a memorable, intimate brunch. Enjoy mimosas, laugh over the memories created, and send each other off feeling relaxed and refreshed.

• Bridal Boutiques: JLM Couture
• Cakes & Catering: Lilac Patisserie
• Calligraphy: Jessica Yee Calligraphy
• Groom & His Men: Friar Tux
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: 805 Makeup
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Andrea Villa
• Linen Rentals: La Tavola
• Model: Taylor
• Model: Q Thomas
• Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Minted Wedding Invitations
• Photographers: Chris Evans
• Rentals: BBJ
• Venues: Kimpton Canary Santa Barbara
• Wedding Dresses: Lazaro - Dress 2
• Wedding Dresses: Hailey Paige Bridal - Dress 1