Planning a wedding with a smaller guest list doesn’t mean you have to give up the elegance, warmth, or joy of a larger celebration. In fact, small weddings often turn out to be the most beautiful, meaningful events — especially when they’re done with intention.
If you’re looking to plan a small wedding in the Dayton, Ohio area, here’s how to create a stunning experience that feels high-end — without blowing your budget.
💒 1. Choose the Right Venue (This Matters Most)
When hosting a small wedding, the venue sets the tone. You want something:
- Intimate but not cramped
- Elegant but not oversized
- Affordable, flexible, and easy to personalize
At Chapel on the Lane, we specialize in small to mid-sized weddings that feel thoughtful and elevated.
Perfect Indoor Spaces for Intimate Weddings:
- The Chapel Sanctuary – A beautiful, serene space perfect for your ceremony
👉 View the Chapel Sanctuary → - The Charming Party Room – Cozy, stylish, and ideal for receptions under 60 guests
👉 Explore the Party Room →
And with our BYOB policy and outside catering flexibility, you can create the wedding experience you want — without being locked into expensive vendor packages.
🪞 2. Focus on Statement Decor (Not Volume)
Instead of filling a large space with dozens of centerpieces or oversized floral walls, focus on 2–3 key visual elements:
- An elegant arch or backdrop for the ceremony
- Candlelit tables or string lights to create warmth
- A personalized welcome sign or memory table
Smaller weddings give you the chance to invest where it counts.
🎂 3. Simplify the Food and Drink
With fewer guests, you can:
- Opt for a family-style meal or upscale buffet
- Skip the full bar and go with signature cocktails and wine
- Bring in your favorite local baker for a small, tiered cake or dessert bar
💡 Pro Tip: Chapel on the Lane allows outside vendors, so you can support your favorite small businesses and save on catering markups.
💌 4. Curate a Thoughtful Guest Experience
Small weddings give you more time to connect with each guest. Make it personal:
- Write handwritten notes at each seat
- Create a playlist that reflects your journey
- Offer cozy favors like mini candles or hot cocoa kits (especially in fall or winter)
Guests often say smaller weddings are the most memorable and emotional — and the thoughtful details are why.
💰 5. Keep the Budget in Check — Without Looking Cheap
You can skip:
- Chair covers, charger plates, or monogrammed napkins
- Over-the-top décor that only impresses for Instagram
- Expensive downtown parking or multi-day rentals
You shouldn’t skip:
- A beautiful, clean venue
- Reliable communication and clear contracts
- Good lighting and real seating/tables
💡 Want real examples of affordable packages?
👉 Check out our affordable wedding space options →
Final Thoughts
A small wedding isn’t a compromise — it’s a creative opportunity. With the right planning, the right venue, and a little imagination, your intimate Dayton wedding can be just as beautiful (if not more so) than a 200-guest ballroom affair.
📍 Interested in seeing the space?
👉 Contact us to schedule a walkthrough →