The wedding industry has long been synonymous with grand celebrations and large guest lists, but there’s a noticeable shift taking place. More and more couples are opting for smaller, more intimate weddings that focus on the experience rather than the spectacle. This trend isn’t just about downsizing. it’s about creating memorable moments and prioritizing the quality of the wedding experience over the quantity of guests or extravagant details.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why smaller, experience-driven weddings are becoming so popular, particularly in St. Louis, and how this shift might affect the way you plan your own special day—whether you’re envisioning a grand celebration or a more intimate affair.
Why Are Some Couples Opting for Smaller, “Experience” Weddings?
Couples today are more interested in creating personalized, intimate experiences that reflect their unique relationship, and the trend of downsizing wedding size is more than just a cost-saving move. Here are a few reasons behind this change:
1. Personalization Over Tradition
The traditional wedding, with its large guest lists and standardized events, for many couples, no longer feels like the best representation of a modern relationship. Many are now seeking venues that speak to their personal style and values, rather than opting for a generic ballroom that requires additional expenses like décor to make it really stand out. In St. Louis, we have everything from venues like Sunset Bluffs that offers guest lodging, a beach, plus indoor and outdoor spaces, to options like Sognare which provides an cozy upscale oasis with its ivy ceiling, designer spaces, and 200 year old beams (& probably the nicest venue bathroom in St. Louis).
2. Fewer Guests, More Meaningful Connections
Instead of hosting a wedding that includes everyone the couple has ever met, many couples are opting to invite only their closest family and friends. This trend allows couples to connect deeply with their guests and create a more meaningful, intimate celebration. Options like Foxglove are perfect for fostering those close, personal connections without the overwhelming guest count.
3. More Budget Flexibility
One of the key advantages of smaller weddings is the ability to allocate funds in a way that aligns with your priorities. While large weddings often require large budgets, smaller celebrations allow couples to spend more on experiences and details that matter to them—whether it's gourmet catering, a talented photographer (like These Forever Moments), or personalized entertainment. With fewer guests, you can elevate the overall experience without blowing the budget. Read my blog “How to Have a Chic St. Louis Wedding That Blows Everyone’s Socks Off” which discusses how to focus in on what matters most to you and make your wedding stand out.
4. Increased Focus on Guest Experience
Rather than investing in extravagant décor or oversized floral displays, some couples are focusing on how to make their guest experience unforgettable. From live music in the Taylor Hall at the St. Louis Art Museum, to interactive food and drink stations at chic venues like Eleven Eleven Mississippi or Olive + Oak, the guest experience is becoming the focal point of many smaller weddings.
5. Opting for a Destination Experience: Introducing the St. Louis Staycation Excursion Wedding… A Weekend of Adventure and Memories
Why not make your wedding a multi-day experience? A St. Louis Staycation Excursion Wedding is the perfect way to create a weekend filled with adventure, unforgettable moments, and bonding with your closest friends and family. Instead of focusing on a single event, why not turn your wedding into a full weekend of activities and excursions, giving your guests an experience they'll talk about for years to come?
Imagine renting a stylish airbnb space like RivieraSTL where everyone can stay together, explore your city, and share in exciting adventures. You can invite your guests to join in on fun, local activities where the memories will outlast the weekend together. From St. Louis' hidden gems the top tourist spots, the possibilities are endless! (Examples: Gateway Arch, riverboat dinner cruise along the Mississippi, Anheuser Busch tour, local food tour, the all ages playground called the City Museum, or even ziplining!)
By shifting the focus from a single day to a weekend of memories, your wedding can become an adventure. You’ll spend your budget on experiences that bring everyone together—whether it’s an epic brewery tour bus, a hike through beautiful local parks, or visiting Missouri Botanical Garden. These shared experiences will create lasting memories and stories that your guests will cherish forever.
And for those who want every moment captured, I offer multi-day coverage for adventurous wedding weekends, including “excursion paparazzi” coverage.
Whether you’re hiking, dining at local hot spots, or exploring St. Louis in a way you never have before, I’d love to be there to document all the fun and love as you enjoy each part of the adventure. Think of it as having a personal photographer who captures your journey with your guests, from the first day of the weekend to the final toast.
St. Louis Venues Perfect for Experience Weddings
If you’re leaning toward a smaller, more experience-driven wedding—or even if you’re planning a larger celebration with a focus on memorable moments—there are some incredible venues in St. Louis that cater to this trend. Here are a few favorites:
Third Degree Glass Factory: A working glass studio where guests can watch live glassblowing demonstrations, adding an interactive and artistic element to your wedding day.
City Museum: A whimsical, ever-evolving space filled with tunnels, slides, and eclectic art installations, perfect for couples who want a wedding that feels playful, adventurous, and completely unexpected.
The Moto Museum: A sleek and modern venue showcasing rare and vintage motorcycles, ideal for couples who love bold aesthetics and want an effortlessly cool backdrop for their celebration.
The Jewel Box: This stunning vintage greenhouse in Forest Park combines history with breathtaking floral displays. For couples who love nature but want a touch of glamour, The Jewel Box offers an intimate and luxurious experience.
Tangible Ideas for Your Experience Weddings
To make your wedding truly stand out—no matter the size—here you can find more ideas that can elevate the experience.
Embracing the Shift Toward Experience Weddings
Whether you’re envisioning a grand wedding or a smaller, experience-focused celebration, there’s a growing movement toward crafting a day that’s filled with meaning and personalization. In St. Louis, couples are embracing unique venues and creative ideas that make their weddings unforgettable, no matter the size.
If you’re planning your own wedding, consider what kind of experience you want to create for yourself and your guests. A wedding doesn’t have to be defined by the number of people you invite; it’s about the moments you create and the connections you foster.