I’m a big fan of simple weddings. They’re (generally) less expensive and just as meaningful and memorable as weddings that pull out all the stops. And they’re less stressful. When there are less details to worry about, there is less anxiety. Also, simple weddings don’t usually take as long to plan – which is perfect for couples who don’t want a long engagement.

Perhaps you adore simple weddings too, but you’re not sure how to pull it off for your own wedding. Or maybe you think simple weddings have to sacrifice style. Not so!

I’ve gathered some ideas on how to create your own simple wedding that is still stylish and unforgettable!

Ideas for Simple Weddings

1. Cut the guest list to include only the people who matter most in your lives. This will make your wedding feel more like a fabulous get together with family and close friends, than an ‘event’.

Photo: Alexa and Scott’s 33-guest Maine Wedding

2. Choose a gorgeous setting that needs little adornment. That way you won’t have to worry about decorating details. A big ol’ oak tree was the focal point for Amy and Michael’s vineyard wedding (shown below).

3. Have the reception and the ceremony in one place, like an inn or bed and breakfast.

4. Choose DIY projects that you can do well in advance, like party poms or homemade jam. Simple weddings can still be chock full of DIY, just make sure you plan ahead.

5. Choose simple DIY projects. Those origami balloon lights might look dazzling, but do you really have the time or patience to make hundreds of them?

6. Delegate your DIY. Get your mom, sisters, friends, cousins, nieces in on the DIY action. They’re feel good that they’re contributing, and you’ll have less to do!

7. Don’t keep up with the Joneses. Your wedding is not a competition. It’s a celebration. Let other brides’ weddings inspire you, but don’t feel like you have to out-do anyone.

8. Nix the extras. Do you really need a dessert table, when there is plenty of wedding cake to go around? Do you really need a signature drink, when there is wine and beer?

9. Don’t feel pressured to write your own vows. Traditional wedding vows are still beautiful and personal – because it’s the two of you who are saying them. I’m a writer, so naturally I was initially convinced that we should write our own vows. After reading the traditional vows, I realized that I couldn’t say it better myself. I have no regrets.

10. Let go of the notion of perfection. Go with the flow – and let your wedding unfold the way its meant to. It will be simply beautiful – even if everything doesn’t go as planned.

Photo: Le Bride

Why not put a creative spin on your wedding cupcakes and make DIY cupcakes in a jar. They’re easy and your guests will love the presentation! DIY cupcakes in a jar are also a great idea for your wedding shower. Here are some tutorials for this fun dessert:

Cupcakes in a jar from Cakies.

Cupcakes in a mason jar from Beantownbaker via Cakespy.

Gorgeous cupcake in a jar from The Cake Plate found via Austin360.

Amy & Mike had a laid-back, intimate wedding with 35 guests. Their ceremony took place on an expansive lawn underneath one of the HammerSky Vineyard’s century-old oak trees.

According to wedding planner Erin McDonald from Dandelion and Grey, the ceremony site was simple and sweet, so the focus would be on Mike & Amy and the natural beauty surrounding them.

“Guest’s spent cocktail hour playing lawn games, taking photos in the polaroid photo booth and enjoying wine from the vines that surrounded them. One long dining table provided a cozy, inviting atmosphere for dinner, which was served family-style. Dancing and dessert took place in the barn underneath an antique chandelier and an abundance of string lights,” says Erin. “It was such a beautiful day.”

Amy, 30 & Michael, 33

Paso Robles, Ca

Wedding Date: September 26, 2010

Number of Guests: 30 adults and 5 kids

Wedding Cost: $20,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: HammerSky Vineyard

Wedding Reception Location: Same

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We have a very small group of friends and both have small families.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

None compared to an other wedding. It was actually easier because I didn’t have to accommodate too many people.

By Laura Keller

Favors are one of those relatively small wedding details that oftentimes take on epic proportions. It can be a nightmare to decide on a wedding favor that is meaningful, budget-friendly, and useful to your guests. One option that has universal appeal and can be quite affordable, however, is food.

For a delicious and personal way to send off your wedding guests, select a delicacy local to an area of significance to you, your husband-to-be, or your families. Give your guests jars of authentic maple syrup if your fiance grew up in Canada, or if the two of you met down South, use small bottles of Carolina-style barbecue sauce as wedding favors.

Couples with strong ties to their family heritage can draw on traditions that extend even further back in time. If you or your soon-to-be-husband descends from an Italian family, provide guests with jars of homemade pasta sauce, while cute packages of Irish soda bread are a great option for the newlyweds of Irish descent.

Even the most difficult of guests can be appeased with an edible favor and selecting something representative of your background adds a personal touch but requires only minimal effort.  Consider the sorts of foods you grew up on or the ones you and your fiance have grown to love and you’re sure to find an abundance of flavorful favor options.

Old Bay is a flavorful seasoning primarily used on crab and shrimp dishes in the Chesapeake Bay region and is conveniently sold in cartons perfectly sized for favor-giving.

Different varieties of barbecue and hot sauces are great favor ideas for Southern weddings.

Irish soda bread muffins are a cute and delicious way to acknowledge your Irish roots.

For the Italian bride, canning a few batches of your family’s secret pasta sauce makes for great favors, while bottled olive oil is a delicious Italian favor option that requires no cooking whatsoever.

If you hail from wine country and really want to splurge on your guests, consider bottles of wine. Provide an assortment so guests can choose whatever they fancy, or supply one particular bottle that is a favorite of you and your fiance.

First Photo: Country Living, Second Photo: Leo DJ Photography, Third Photo: Wedding Paper Divas, Fourth Photo: Kitchen Parade, Fifth Photo: Bluebirdbaby, Sixth Photo: Recycled Bride, Seventh Photo: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Laura Keller is a 20-something living in Baltimore, MD. Some of her favorite things include crafts, cooking, and culture, which she shares on her blog Radiator Tunes.

If you are looking for autumn wedding ideas, why not go with a pumpkin theme? Martha has some clever ideas on pumpkin carving.

Sunset also has some fun pumpkin carving ideas.

Don’t forget to check out Better Homes and Gardens for some unique carving ideas, including these monograms.