How Do You Announce You Had a Small Wedding? Tips for Sharing Your Joy!

ByOMG Hitched Team Reading Time: 7 minutes

If you’ve had a small wedding and want to share the happy news, announcing it doesn’t have to be complicated. The best way to announce your small wedding is through heartfelt wedding announcements that let everyone know about your special moment. Whether you had an intimate ceremony with close friends or a private celebration with family, your announcement can reflect the joy and love of the day.

A small wedding announcement: two champagne glasses clinking, a simple cake with a "Just Married" topper, and a small bouquet on a table

You can choose to send formal cards or digital announcements to share the details. Many people appreciate a personal touch, so consider including a story or memory from your wedding day. This makes your message more exciting and engaging for those who receive it.

Remember, it’s perfectly okay to announce a small wedding to those who matter to you. It’s a chance to celebrate your love and foster connections with those who may not have been there on the day. Take the opportunity to share your joy and invite others into your beautiful journey.

The Basics of Wedding Announcements

A small wedding cake with two elegant champagne glasses on a table, surrounded by delicate flower arrangements and soft candlelight

When you have a small or intimate wedding, sharing the news can feel different from a larger celebration. It’s important to think about when to announce your wedding, who you want to inform, and how to style the announcement to match your celebration.

Choosing the Right Time to Announce

Timing is key in wedding announcements. Typically, you should send out your announcements shortly after the wedding. This can be within a week if you want to share the news quickly. If you took beautiful photos, consider waiting a few weeks to include those in the announcement.

You can also choose to announce it just after your intimate ceremony. This is common for couples who prefer a surprise wedding announcement. If you had a planned elopement, share your joy as soon as you’re back home. This makes the announcement feel special and personal.

Deciding Who to Inform

Deciding your guest list is crucial. Think about who is most important to share your news with. Start with close family and friends who might have expected an invitation.

Consider reaching out to extended family and acquaintances through a casual wedding announcement. This can be an email or a social media post to keep it light-hearted.

If you’re comfortable sharing more details, you could include the wedding date and location. This adds a nice touch for those who want to celebrate your joy, even from afar.

Determining the Style of Announcement

The style of your announcement should match the tone of your wedding. If you had a formal wedding, a traditional wedding announcement might be appropriate. This could include elegant wording and a lovely printed design.

For a casual or informal wedding announcement, you can opt for a simple and heartfelt message. Use a friendly tone and include a fun photo of you both.

No matter the style, be sure to include key details like your names, the wedding date, and any significant moments from your ceremony. Choose a format that feels true to you, whether it’s a card, an email, or a social media post.

Crafting Your Announcement Wording

A cozy backyard with a small, intimate wedding setup, adorned with fairy lights and floral decorations. A simple yet elegant table setting with a small cake and champagne glasses

Creating a wedding announcement for a small wedding can be a meaningful way to share your joy with friends and family. The wording can vary widely based on the tone you want to convey. Here, you can choose between a formal or informal tone, incorporate personal touches, and find sample wording for different types of announcements.

Formal vs. Informal Tone

When choosing your announcement’s tone, think about your audience. A formal tone works well for traditional families or when you want to convey elegance. You might say, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter.”

In contrast, informal wording can be light and fun. You could write, “We tied the knot! It was small and sweet.” This tone is ideal if your friends and family appreciate a relaxed approach. For example, a funny wedding announcement could read, “We eloped! No cake, but we did get takeout!” Decide what feels right for you and the mood you want to set.

Incorporating Personal Touches

Adding personal touches makes your announcement unique. Include details that resonate with you and your partner. Mention how and where you got married. For instance, if you had a destination wedding, share the location. “We said ‘I do’ on the beach in Hawaii, just us and the waves!”

You can also add a short story or a favorite memory from your special day. This could be a highlight like a shared laugh during the ceremony or a favorite song played. Creative touches like photos or a small quote can make your announcement stand out, showing the love and joy of your small wedding.

Sample Wording for Different Types of Announcements

Here are a few examples of wedding announcement wording based on various themes:

  • Formal Announcement: “Together with their families, Emma and John announce their marriage on January 10, 2025.”
  • Casual Announcement: “Guess what? We got married! Just a small gathering with close friends.”
  • Elopement Announcement: “We eloped! Loved our intimate moment and wanted to share it with you.”
  • Surprise Announcement: “Surprise! We tied the knot last weekend in a secret ceremony.”

Think of your announcement as a reflection of your personality and relationship. Use these samples as inspiration to craft your own special message.

Selecting and Preparing Your Wedding Stationery

A couple’s small wedding announcement: a cozy table set with a simple, elegant invitation and a scattering of confetti

When it’s time to share your small wedding with others, selecting and preparing your stationery is key. Thoughtful design and careful distribution will help you effectively communicate the joy of your event.

Designing Your Announcement Cards

Your wedding announcement cards should capture the essence of your celebration. Start with a design that reflects your style and the intimate nature of your event. Choose colors and fonts that resonate with your theme.

Consider including key details like the date, location, and a heartfelt message. You might opt for personalized wedding announcements to add a special touch. If you had a small gathering, it’s great to mention that this was a unique celebration.

You can also add a creative element. Think about including a photo from your wedding or a simple illustration that represents your love story. Aim for clarity and warmth in your wording. Beautiful stationery not only informs but also expresses your joy!

Choosing the Method of Distribution

Choosing how to distribute your wedding announcements is just as important as the design. You have various options, so think about what feels best for you and your guests.

Tags for Consideration:

  • Mailing: Traditional and personal, mailing can be a great way to ensure everyone receives your announcement. Consider hand-addressing envelopes for a personal touch.
  • Email: Quick and effective, sending an electronic announcement is a modern choice. This option saves time, especially if you’re sharing with distant friends or family.
  • Social Media: If you’re comfortable, sharing your news on social media can reach many people instantly. Create a creative wedding announcement post to share your special moments.

Make sure to choose a method that fits the tone of your celebration. Whether traditional or modern, your announcement should reflect your personality and the love you are celebrating.

Tips and Etiquette for Wedding Announcements

A couple standing in a cozy, intimate setting, surrounded by a few close friends and family. The scene is warm and joyful, with soft lighting and a relaxed atmosphere

When you announce your small wedding, it’s important to share your joy while respecting the feelings of others. Here are key aspects to consider that will help you navigate the announcement process smoothly.

Nuances of Announcement Etiquette

Knowing how to announce your marriage is key, especially if your wedding was small. Start by crafting a short and sweet announcement that captures your happiness.

Include your names, the date, and location of the ceremony. Traditional wording is a safe choice. You might say, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith are pleased to announce their marriage on January 10, 2025.”

Be mindful of your wedding guest list. You may want to send announcements to those not invited to the ceremony. A personal touch, like a handwritten note, can go a long way.

Managing Expectations for a Reception

If you’re planning a larger celebration later, make that clear in your announcement. Mentioning a planned reception can prepare your guests and set clear expectations.

You may say, “We will host a reception on April 1, 2025, and hope to celebrate with you then.” This helps anyone who felt left out feel included for the future gathering.

Consider including RSVP information for the reception. This way, you can start planning with a clear idea of the number of guests attending.

Utilizing Social Media and Hashtags

Social media is a great platform for sharing your news. Create a unique wedding hashtag to gather all your posts and photos in one place. This makes it easy for everyone to find and share their memories.

When posting on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, include details about your small wedding. Use friendly language to explain why you chose a smaller event.

Don’t forget to inform close friends and family ahead of your social media announcement. This way, they’ll feel included in your joyful news and can help spread the word.