Tiny Weddings in a Tiny Country
Why Singapore couples are saying yes to less, and loving every moment of it.
In a country where space is a premium and everything moves at lightning speed, it’s no wonder more Singaporean couples are choosing to slow down and scale back, at least when it comes to their wedding day.
Enter: the tiny wedding.
Gone are the days when 500-guest banquets were the gold standard. Today’s couples are swapping opulence for intimacy, choosing heartfelt moments over endless guest lists. From cozy garden solemnizations to barefoot beach vows, the small wedding trend is more than just a pandemic-era solution. It’s a conscious, creative, and emotionally rich way to tie the knot.
If you’re planning a wedding in Singapore and feeling overwhelmed by expectations, here’s why a “tiny wedding” might be the perfect fit and how to make it truly unforgettable in our little red dot.
What Is a Tiny Wedding?
A tiny wedding is exactly what it sounds like: a significantly scaled-down celebration with a smaller guest list, usually fewer than 50 people. It falls somewhere between a minimony (typically 10 or fewer guests) and a micro-wedding (30–50 guests), offering just enough room for your nearest and dearest.
But a tiny wedding isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about creating space for meaning, for intention and for joy.
Instead of spending energy on seating charts, large-scale catering, and stage lighting, you get to focus on what truly matters: your vows, your connection, and the people who’ve stood by you through it all.
Why Tiny Weddings Are Gaining Popularity in Singapore
1. They’re More Personal
With fewer people, your wedding becomes more about you. From handwritten vows to heartfelt speeches, every moment feels more intimate. And because you’re not rushing between tables or worrying about entertaining hundreds of guests, you get to actually enjoy your big day.
2. You Can Spend More Per Guest
A small guest list doesn’t mean a “budget” wedding. In fact, many couples use the same budget and invest it in richer details: a private chef dinner, handcrafted stationery, custom florals, or a boutique venue. You get quality over quantity, an experience that feels exclusive and deeply memorable.
3. Singapore’s Unique Venues Work Better for Small Groups
Let’s be honest: Singapore isn’t known for sprawling estates. But it does offer beautiful, compact spaces perfect for tiny weddings:
- A rooftop ceremony at The Alkaff Mansion
- An intimate garden party at The Summerhouse
- A beachfront picnic at Tanjong Beach Club
- A cultural celebration in a shophouse or museum gallery
With a smaller headcount, you unlock venue possibilities that simply wouldn’t work with 200 people.
4. They Allow for Creativity and Flexibility
Tiny weddings allow you to break the rules. Want to wear a floral jumpsuit instead of a ballgown? Go for it. Prefer a brunch reception with plant-based canapés? No problem. Without the pressure of a large audience, you can make bold, authentic choices that reflect who you are.
About
Hi, I’m Nitisha. I grew up in a world that told me to follow the script, but somewhere along the way I traded the script for a compass. These days, I follow where my feet and heart lead, from sleepy towns to saltwater coves, capturing stories that feel like home even when I’m far from it.
TRAVEL
8 Essential Wedding Moments to Capture
8 Essential Wedding Moments to Capture
8 Essential Wedding Moments to Capture
Planning a Tiny Wedding in Singapore: Tips for a Big Impact
✧Keep the Guest List Intentional
The beauty of a small wedding is the intimacy. Choose people who are meaningful to both of you. Chose who know your story and will truly celebrate your love. You don’t need to invite your boss’s cousin’s neighbour. And guess what? You don’t have to feel guilty about it.
✧Choose the Right Venue
Look for spaces that feel cozy and elegant, not empty. A beautiful garden, a private dining room, or even your own HDB rooftop terrace can feel magical with the right styling. Bonus: many of these venues are more affordable and less restrictive than traditional hotel ballrooms.
Popular small venues in Singapore:
- The White Rabbit
- Open Farm Community
- Villa Paradiso
- Botanico at The Garage
- Siri House at Dempsey
✧Curate a Meaningful Experience
Think beyond ceremony and reception. With fewer people, you can include unique experiences like:
- A shared wedding brunch with loved ones
- A tea ceremony with both families in one setting
- Live acoustic music or a personalized playlist
- A handwritten note at each seat
- A group vow or guest blessing
These details create an atmosphere that lingers far beyond the last glass of champagne.
✧Invest in Photography That Tells a Story
Tiny weddings are full of emotion and that deserves to be captured with intention. Hire a photographer whose style aligns with the mood you want: documentary, fine art, golden hour romantic, or editorial.
Bonus: With fewer guests and a slower pace, your photographer can take the time to capture more genuine, story-driven moments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiny Weddings in Singapore
Is a tiny wedding cheaper?
Yes and no. You’ll definitely save on food and venue costs, but many couples choose to reinvest that budget into quality upgrades, like designer outfits, bespoke florals, or a luxurious staycation.
Can I still have a tea ceremony?
Absolutely. In fact, with fewer guests, traditional elements like tea ceremonies become more intimate and focused. You can even modernize it with a cross-cultural twist.
Will people be offended if they’re not invited?
Not if you communicate with kindness. Most people understand that weddings are personal and smaller weddings often mean deeper conversations, not just polite hellos at a crowded table.
Tiny Country, Big Feelings
Singapore may be small in size, but it’s rich in heart and tiny weddings are proof that you don’t need grandeur to make a moment unforgettable.
When you strip away the noise and pressure of convention, what’s left is powerful: two people, fully present, promising forever. And when that promise is made in a space that feels safe, meaningful, and true to who you are, that’s not just a small wedding. That’s a love story told perfectly.