For most of the 20th century, the big white wedding reigned supreme—ballrooms, banquet halls, and towering guest lists were the dream. The model dates back to Queen Victoria’s 1840 wedding to Prince Albert, which popularized the white dress and formal receptions that came to define Western wedding traditions. After World War II, prosperity and the rise of suburban life turned weddings into major social events. A grand guest list meant success; a hotel ballroom was the gold standard.
The rise of the small wedding
But somewhere between Pinterest boards, rising costs and a global pandemic, the script flipped. By the late 2010s, couples were already trimming the excess, choosing barn weddings, backyard ceremonies and brunch receptions over black-tie affairs.
Then, 2020 forced everyone to downsize and in doing so, revealed something kind of wonderful. Smaller weddings felt more personal. You could actually talk to your guests. You could eat dinner sitting down. You could remember the day instead of just surviving it.
Small weddings become a movement
Now, what started as a necessity has become a movement. Across Washtenaw County, couples are embracing small weddings—crafted around connection, not crowd control. From historic barns to greenhouses to chic little inns, these venues prove that intimate doesn’t mean informal; it means intentional.
Between skyrocketing costs, shifting priorities and a desire for experiences over extravagance, small weddings have become the new standard. They leave room for the things that matter most—family, conversation and character.
The beauty of keeping it small
Big weddings will always have their place, but there’s something timeless about a small one done well. Whether you’re exchanging vows in a greenhouse or clinking glasses in a converted barn, Washtenaw County’s venues prove that intimate celebrations aren’t about cutting corners; they’re about celebrating connection.
Where to find intimate wedding & reception venues
Ann Arbor City Club (160 banquet / 180 theater)…