Autumn is a magical time of the year. Its vibrant colours and cosy vibe make it the perfect season to host an intimate wedding. Consider these six small wedding themes that will make your day unique and unforgettable.

Rustic Harvest 

What better way to celebrate autumn’s beauty than with a harvest-themed event? This is one of the best small wedding themes, as it’s seasonal. To top it off, offer fall flavours to your guests, such as apple, maple, butterscotch, bourbon and squash steaks.

Ideal venues: Barn, orchard or farmhouse

Must-have decor: Wildflowers, mason jars, natural materials like wood, burlap and seasonal produce like gourds and pumpkins

Moroccan-Inspired 

While it doesn’t entail fall colours, the vibrant hues and patterns make this an excellent wedding theme for autumn. The decor is typically lavish, featuring intricate patterns, luxurious fabrics and ornate carvings.

Opt for a colourful textile instead of walking down a plain red carpet. If you and your partner adore gorgeous textures and rich shades, this is the ideal theme for your intimate event.

Ideal venues: Garden, tent, or a Moroccan guesthouse 

Must-have decor: Moroccan lanterns, rugs, velvet, silk

Vintage Glamour

If you want soft, muted hues, opt for vintage glamour. This theme is for couples who wish to embrace the elegance of the past.

Think classic silhouettes and timeless details like lace and cathedral-length veil. Style your hair with parted ‘70s bangs for added vintage appeal, and wear a statement headpiece.

Ideal venues: Art deco-style ballroom, historic mansion or museum

Must-have decor: Antique furniture, lush florals, lace details, gold accents

Cosy Cabin Retreat

Hosting an intimate wedding with this theme feels like inviting loved ones to a cosy celebration. It’s the ideal intimate wedding theme if you want to utilise your family cabin. If it has limited capacity, consider inviting around 50 guests, including the immediate family and some longtime friends. This helps keep the focus on you, your partner and your closest loved ones.

With the right decor, your event will exude rustic charm and nature’s appeal. Imagine exchanging vows in front of a fireplace altar surrounded by guests wearing flannel attire.

Ideal venues: Lakeside cabin, campground with tents or mountain lodge

Must-have decor: Plaid table runners, antlers, wooden signages, pine branches, and flowers like roses and lavender that stimulate positive emotions and bring colour to your venue

Nature-Inspired

The best part about a nature-inspired intimate wedding is its stunning natural scenery, meaning you don’t have to worry about spending a lot on decor. It’s an excellent theme to consider if you want to champion sustainability on your big day. Doing so helps strengthen your connection with nature and helps cultivate a sense of responsibility toward the planet.

Ideal venues: Public park, forest, botanical garden or treehouse cabin

Must-have decor: Wood, moss, florals and muslin fabric

Halloween

If you and your future spouse love Halloween, why not tie the knot on or around that special day? Wear a black gown if you want to have a more eccentric event. Have your guests wear fun Halloween costumes like Bridgerton or Hocus Pocus. Don’t be afraid to get creative and spooky.

Ideal venues: Spooky barn, forest, themed restaurant

Must-have decor: Pumpkins, gothic floral arrangements, faux cobwebs, dark table linens and candlelight

How to Choose a Theme for a Small Wedding

Here’s how to settle for the ideal theme for your big day.

Ask the Right Questions

Consider these questions when finalising your theme:

• How did you meet?

• What activities do you enjoy doing together?

• What kind of clothes do you and your partner like?
  
  

Reminisce Your Wonderful Moments Together

Look back on the memories that made you and your partner happy. These could include eating out, travelling, dancing or creating meals together. Review old photos and videos, then get inspiration from them.

Find Wedding Theme Inspiration

Many websites and magazines can inspire you to find the right wedding theme for autumn. Remember to note your favourite finds and share them with your partner.

It pays to consider your theme carefully, even if you’re having an intimate wedding. Choose the one that speaks to you and your partner to have a truly memorable event.

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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.