Why we skipped a big wedding 💍

Instead of spending thousands on one day, my husband and I chose to exchange vows after church service—for FREE! It was intimate, meaningful, and exactly what we wanted. The best part? We used the money we saved to explore the beautiful streets of Italy on our honeymoon! 🇮🇹

Reasons we skipped a big wedding:

1️⃣ Financial freedom: Why spend so much on one day when you can invest in memories or your future?

2️⃣ Less stress: No guest lists, seating charts, or last-minute planning drama.

3️⃣ More intimacy: It was just us, God, and our vows with close friends and family - pure and personal.

4️⃣ Dream honeymoon: Italy became our focus, not the pressure of a big event.

If you’re on the fence, this is your sign that small can be beautiful too. 🤍

What do you think? Would you skip the big wedding? Let’s chat in the comments! #weddingonabudget #weddingideas #weddingplanning #honeymoon #weddingtips

United States
2025/1/24 Edited to

... Read morePlanning a wedding can be both joyous and overwhelming, but choosing a smaller, more intimate ceremony can have significant benefits. Many couples are now opting for scaled-down weddings, focusing on what truly matters: love, commitment, and quality time with closest family and friends. Financial concerns often influence this decision, as a traditional big wedding can lead to substantial expenses that many would prefer to invest elsewhere, such as a memorable honeymoon or buying a home. Intimate weddings often bring a sense of calm and personalization that larger events can lack. With fewer guests, couples can create a more meaningful experience, allowing for genuine connections and heartfelt moments during the ceremony. Locations can also be more unique and symbolic, such as a family home or a picturesque outdoor setting. Additionally, couples can enjoy creative freedom with their plans, customizing every detail without external pressures. Having a dream honeymoon is another crucial aspect for many couples. Instead of reallocating funds to a lavish wedding, many choose to invest in unique travel experiences. Italy, known for its romantic backdrop and rich culture, is a popular destination. Couples exploring this beautiful country can create lasting memories to cherish long after their wedding day. Ultimately, whether opting for a small intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, the focus should remain on the love and commitment shared between partners.

11 comments

Curlybeauty's images
Curlybeauty

We’re doing a civil ceremony next week and we’re splurging more on the dinner and the celebration for just us…

Related posts

A close-up of two feet with white painted toenails and delicate gold-colored foot jewelry, resting on a light wooden floor. The image is titled 'girl hygiene tips i wish i knew sooner: hacks for baby soft feet'.
A white and red package for a repairing foot mask, highlighting advanced therapy for dry skin, intensive hydration with shea butter, avocado oil, and provitamin B5. It contains one pair of single-use socks.
Two bottles of skincare products: a white pump bottle of intensive repair lotion and a clear bottle of vitalizing body oil. The text indicates this combination with socks helps soften and moisturize dry, cracked feet.
Ik some of us skipped the pedicures this winter 🥰
Omgggg yesss !!! Ik some of us skipped the pedicures this winter 🥰
Jada Mccoy

Jada Mccoy

10.7K likes

A woman with light brown hair and a sad expression, wearing a red t-shirt, looks at the camera. Overlay text reads "We called off Our Wedding 💔", reflecting the article's theme of a broken engagement.
We called off our wedding 💔
I loved a man.. his name is Juan. He was kind, he was always kind.. I was his everything.. we would talk, and he would cry when he expressed his feelings. I would hold him when he needed me to.. I was the one who he wanted to comfort in good times and bad. We should laugh so hard and bask in th
Brooklyn Brooks

Brooklyn Brooks

1832 likes

Three glute exercise I never skipped
These are the 3 glute exercises I NEVER skip — and they’ve helped grow my girls massively 🍑✨ No fluff, just targeted moves that activate and shape your glutes the right way. If you’ve been doing random workouts with no real growth… start here. Save this for your next glute day and thank me la
FitLikeRosy

FitLikeRosy

62 likes

Bro skipped leg day forever after that
#lmao #legday #gym #fyp #funny
RAY

RAY

837 likes

A wedding newspaper titled "The Newlywed Post" for Alexandra and Luke's wedding on June 1, 2024. It features their photo, wedding party details, ceremony timeline, and a thank you message to guests.
Why you should do a Wedding Newspaper!
I absolutely LOVE how these turned out!! One of my best friends designed these for me and she absolutely killed it! We are going to have a bunch of kids at our wedding so we wanted something for them and our guests to look at/do while we took pictures! #bride #weddingfavoridea
AlexHamby

AlexHamby

1694 likes

A couple kissing outdoors, with text overlay discussing their elopement and the decision to have a small ceremony instead of a big wedding.
A man in a light suit stands beside a man in a dark suit holding a book, with text indicating a $70 cost for a marriage certificate.
A couple kissing outdoors, with text detailing the cost of the bride's $100 dress and the groom's suit from his closet.
Big Weddings are Scams
I don’t need a fancy venue, a big guest list, or a fancy gown. All I need is you and a promise of forever . #wedding #elopement #marriage #weddingbudget
Monet Parra

Monet Parra

321 likes

My Heartu skipped a beatu...
Long time no see dweakki in the ✨️blender ✨️NOT MY PIC!!! #straykids #funny #dweakki #blender #funny
✨️Official SKZOO Account✨️

✨️Official SKZOO Account✨️

1397 likes

A hand holds a rustic wedding bouquet featuring orange, white, and brown flowers with dried elements, set against a wooden backdrop.
Two 'Save the Date' cards are displayed, one featuring a photo of a couple and the other a brown card with event details for Avery and Jordan.
An open bridesmaid box contains a Stanley tumbler, a small bottle, and other gifts, with a card reading 'I CAN'T SAY I DO WITHOUT YOU.'
What I’m Making For My 2025 Wedding 🤍💍
When I say I have had my dream wedding planned in my head from the moment I met my fiancée, I’m whole heartedly telling the truth. I love to create and bring life back to old things so why not use my wedding as a place to showcase that! Of course we all know weddings are EXPENSIVE so to help keep
Morgan Paige

Morgan Paige

3263 likes

Diary entry #12-Day 6 lower body. I skipped last weeks workouts…
Diary entry #12 -Day 6 lower body. I skipped last weeks workouts. Not because of lack of motivation but truthfully really bad cramps 😩 on this day I realized something I had been working really hard on for the past 4 months was not something i wanted to pursue anymore. I felt like a failure, wast
mycomebackdiaries

mycomebackdiaries

3 likes

A wedding party, including the bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearer, posing on a grand staircase, illustrating the theme of using ChatGPT as a wedding planner.
A close-up of an elegant wedding table setting with flowers, candles, and a place card, featuring the ChatGPT prompt: "Help me create a detailed wedding planning timeline."
A beautifully set wedding reception table with a large, light pink floral centerpiece, showcasing the ChatGPT prompt: "What are some affordable alternatives to traditional wedding venues, catering, or floral arrangements?"
How to use ChatGPT as Personal Wedding Planner!
Planning Your Wedding? Here’s How DIY Brides can Stay Organized, Save Money, and Keep Your Sanity! Are you taking on the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) journey of planning your own wedding? As a DIY bride, you know this isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about making your big day uniquel
Mimi

Mimi

17 likes

A black and white image shows a bride and groom holding hands during their wedding ceremony, with a minister officiating. The text "WEDDING CHECK LIST" is overlaid on the image.
A close-up of a smiling couple under a veil, with "12+ MONTHS" and a checklist including getting a wedding planner, setting a budget, drafting a guestlist, securing a venue, and putting together the wedding party.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a suit walk away from the camera. The text "9+ MONTHS" is displayed with a checklist for registering, booking vendors, ordering the dress, and sending save-the-dates.
The check list you need for your wedding
Hello friends! 🍋 Planning a wedding can feel very stressful Trust me, I know how it is. That's why I put together a wedding checklist to help keep everything organized and stress-free. It doesn’t matter how big or small a wedding is, time is essential for the perfect day. It’s never
Thamires Cottone | REALTOR

Thamires Cottone | REALTOR

383 likes

What else do I do if I skipped the gym
Some days don’t go as planned—my little one is sick, so no gym or full workout today. But I’d rather move at home than skip completely. Consistency over perfection! On the bright side, whenever time allows, the boxing bag is always waiting for me 🥊 #workout #workoutmotivation #momsoflemon8 #
YULIYA LEE

YULIYA LEE

199 likes

DAY 4: I Almost Skipped… But Didn’t
Progress lives on the days you want to quit. The Winter Lock-In: No Excuses. Just Me.❄️ #weightlossandfatloss #workout #motivation #embracevulnerability #lemon8dairy
🦋Mareshah Eden🦋

🦋Mareshah Eden🦋

8 likes

Your Monday feels off because you skipped this. 👀
Doing a quick dashboard refresh in my Haute Luxe Espresso Planner before the week starts 🤎 It takes less than 5 minutes but makes everything feel clearer, calmer, and more intentional. Reset the layout. Romanticize the reset. How are you starting your week? #digitalplannerideas #goo
She is Haute

She is Haute

50 likes

POV: you skipped the 14 hours
Would you believe me if I told you these were crochet braids?🌱 Full tutorial will be posted on my YT 🤍 #bohoknotless #knotlessbraids
M O J I R A D E

M O J I R A D E

230 likes

Tweak your wedding?!
¿Cambiar el pastel de bodas por copas de fresas con chocolate? 🍓✨ Esta novia dijo que SÍ a la comodidad y el sabor. ¿Te atreverías a romper la tradición en tu gran día? Cuéntame en los comentarios. 👇 Swapping the traditional wedding cake for chocolate-covered strawberry cups? 🍓✨ This bride said YE
MillyTor ☕️

MillyTor ☕️

69 likes

A split image showing Matty Healy and Gabbriette Bechtel holding hands on the left, and a man kissing a woman in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet on the right, likely Charli XCX and George Daniel.
Matty Healy, with tattoos on his arms, is shown kissing Gabbriette Bechtel outdoors. Gabbriette has long dark hair and wears a black top and grey pants.
A black and white photo of four men, likely the band The 1975. Matty Healy is in the center foreground, looking directly at the camera.
Why Matty Really Skipped Charli XCX’s Big Day
When news dropped that Matty Healy skipped Charli XCX and George Daniel’s wedding, I was bracing for a full-on fan meltdown. I mean, these guys are basically besties and missing that moment? Big deal, right? But nope, an insider spilled the tea and Matty was in LA supporting his fiancée Gabbriet
tasiaa

tasiaa

75 likes

Why we completely skipped Sippy Cups ❌
I feel like sippy cups are seen as a rite of passage and something you absolutely have to give your little when they graduate from bottles and great could not be further from the truth! There is a lot more information out there now about the downsides of Sippy Cups so let’s talk about it! Here
Mama Chels

Mama Chels

143 likes

A text overlay on a cloudy sky with sunlight, sharing an encouraging message about God's timing and presence during a waiting season. It reassures that God is working even in silence and hasn't forgotten you, citing Psalm 34:18.
When It Felt Like God Skipped Me…
Ever felt like you were the last one in line for your blessing? I’ve been there. But God was working the whole time. If you’re in a season of waiting, I hope this post gives you peace. #FaithJourney #GodsTiming #ChristianGirlContent #SoftHealing #TestimonyPost #Encouragement #Christ
✨Daichelle✨

✨Daichelle✨

73 likes

Why We Traded a $30k Wedding for a Vegas Chapel & a Future🎰💍
We didn’t want a giant wedding. We wanted a life. 💍 After being together since we were 14 and 15, we’ve dealt with the distance, the doubters, and the long wait. When it finally came time to say "I do," we realized we didn't need a room full of people to prove our commitment. We just n
Alyssa💕

Alyssa💕

2 likes

Small or large wedding? 💍
We had a very small (my parents and his) ceremony at the court house and it was the best decision for us! I have nothing against big weddings at all and sometimes wish I would’ve had one. I actually tried to go that route first ( that’s why I had the dress already), but it just didn’t work out
Sierra | SAHM🩷

Sierra | SAHM🩷

6 likes

They skipped Madison Beer rip
KINGDRAKO

KINGDRAKO

1 like

And I cried….. I crieddddd. Reminded me why we skipped the big wedding in the first place. The euro conversion rates these days are insane. #weddingbudget #weddingtok #vowrenewal #2027bride #weddingplanning
Monica | Travel & Lifestyle

Monica | Travel & Lifestyle

2 likes

🎮 i wish i skipped the physical version of these ✨
🤍 here are some physical games i have that go on sale often on the eshop! ✨ save a few bucks and skip the physical version on these games 🎮 cult of the lamb 🎮 spiritfarer 🎮 hello kitty island adventure 🤍 games are getting more and more expensive and as someone who loves physical media i stil
cozystarz☆

cozystarz☆

51 likes

Small wedding , big love in Tulsa Oklahoma
You skipped the big wedding stress #microwedding #weddingsbyalexis #elopement #civilwedding
Tulsa Wedding Officiant

Tulsa Wedding Officiant

0 likes

A newlywed couple stands on a grand, ornate staircase inside San Francisco City Hall. The image is overlaid with text "Elopement Inspo 01. LOCATION," highlighting the beautiful venue for a civil wedding.
A bride and groom ascend a majestic staircase in San Francisco City Hall. Text overlays indicate flight durations from various US cities, emphasizing the travel required to reach this elopement destination.
A couple shares a kiss on the grand staircase of San Francisco City Hall, a stunning architectural backdrop for their elopement. The image confirms the location with the text "San Francisco CITY HALL."
Elopement Inspo | My Civil Wedding | Pt. 1
As a girly who aspired to have a big wedding, I was shocked that I even took the elopement route. But one day I was scrolling on Instagram looking for wedding venues and BOOM! This gorgeous city hall came across my reels feed! I was instantly drawn in. There is not enough words to describe
Londyn Liquinn 💟

Londyn Liquinn 💟

781 likes

We Ditched the Big Wedding: Truth About Eloping 💍
We skipped the big wedding, ditched the stress, and chose a day that was just about us. No seating charts, no pressure—just love, adventure, and a moment that felt right. If you’ve ever felt like traditional weddings are more about the show than the love, you’ll get it. Would you ever elope? Let’s
Laellie.d

Laellie.d

1 like

A newlywed couple kisses surrounded by cheering wedding guests, with text overlay "controversial WEDDING ideas" and a heart and lightbulb emoji.
A rustic wooden canoe filled with ice and various bottled beverages serves as a self-serving bar, with wine glasses arranged on a wooden plank. Text overlay reads "Non-traditional bar!!! A self serving bar!!!!".
A white wedding sign with the phrase "Pick a Seat, Not a Side" in black script, adorned with white roses and greenery, indicating no assigned seating.
2026 Wedding Controversial ideas
we skipped the rules a little on this one..no assigned seats, no overthinking - people just went where they wanted and it honestly made everything feel way more fun. at the end of the day, nobody remembers where they sat anyway. if you want your wedding to feel like this… this is the move. -Elev
Elevate

Elevate

3 likes

✨JUICY COUTURE THAT I LOVE BUT SKIPPED AS A J.C.A🤭
Juicy Couture Addict Here!! 🫶🏽👋🏽🫶🏽 ✨currently on the hunt for the OG Velour @Juicy Couture I see all over my FYP from TJ Maxx✨ 🛍️ until then… you can come along with me & see all the girlies I left behind for myself in another universe 🫶🏽 🤭 📍TJ Maxx 📍Burlington Coat Factory #j
Jasmine

Jasmine

36 likes

I’d have a heart attack if I ever skipped the gym
Jameson 𒉭

Jameson 𒉭

1 like

The “Skipped” Mortgage Payment Explained 🏡
One thing that surprises a lot of buyers: when you finance a home, you often don’t make your first mortgage payment right away. Here’s how it typically works: January Start the home search, tour homes, write an offer February Close on the home and get the keys March No mortgage payme
Brandy Aguirre

Brandy Aguirre

7 likes

Success isn’t skipped to… it’s climbed to.
Everybody wants success fast. The money. The peace. The glow up. The freedom. But nobody talks enough about the stairs. The tired days. The self-doubt. The nights you keep going with zero motivation. The moments where it feels like nothing is working. That’s the staircase. Success isn’t usu
Prezcsent Digitals

Prezcsent Digitals

3 likes

I almost skipped today… but I WANT THAT SUMMER BODY✨✨
I wasn’t motivated. I was tired. I debated staying home. But I showed up anyway—and that’s the difference. Not perfection. Not motivation. ✨Consistency.✨ If you’re waiting to feel ready, this is your sign. Go anyway. 💪🏽✨ #workout #workoutmotivation #gymgirlie #gymmotivat
Mariah J💕✝️���💕

Mariah J💕✝️💕

12 likes

I’m glad we did these things at our wedding…
Your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful & restrained by outdated traditions! Make it highlight you two as a couple by incorporating the things you love! If you need ideas, I’m here for it!!! 1️⃣: Save money by asking your talented friends/family members to help out on your day! We had a fr
Kalea Strahm

Kalea Strahm

109 likes

Dodgers skipped leg day…
🎥 Maybe the Dodgers skipped leg day… 😅 Because that layoff and rust showed last night. But hey — this team’s got fight. 💪 They’re 1-11 in Game 1s all-time in the World Series. The last time they won a Game 1 on the road? 1963. Sandy Koufax. Complete game. 15 strikeouts. 🐐 So yeah… sometimes you tak
Randy Orchen

Randy Orchen

0 likes

The ONE Beauty Step I Never Skipped as a Mom 🌞
When I became a mom, a lot of my routines changed… Less time. Less structure. Less “getting ready.” But one thing I didn’t let go of? Applying sunscreen. It’s quick, simple, and something I can do even on the busiest mornings. And honestly—it’s become more than skincare. It’s a smal
Theapplause

Theapplause

12 likes

See more