Discover how choosing a micro wedding in Cornwall can open up a world of possibilities…

Written in December 2020

Small, but exquisitely formed

Should a sparkly rock appear under the Christmas tree or the question gets popped along with the Champagne corks on New Years Eve, you’ve decided to finally get the show on the road after a long engagement, or this year has proven how precious time and love is and committing to each other is all that matters; you and your betrothed are in for a treat planning your 2021 micro wedding.

An intimate wedding presents the opportunity for creating an authentic, unique and memorable experience for you and 22 of your cherished friends and family. Getting down to brass tacks, a smaller wedding party means your budget will go further. You could decide to spend more per head, or promote one of your wildest dreams, previously scratched off the list, to the top spot; like getting married in a Cornish Castle.

For over 10 years we have turned wedding dreams, both large and small, into reality. Let us guide you through some delectable ideas to make your bijou wedding all you’ve ever wanted, and more.

Credit: Rebecca Roundhill

The Venue

Possibly the most essential linchpin for your magic day is the perfect venue; get this first part of the puzzle right and the rest of the pieces will fall into place. With a small wedding, you can now splurge on a unique venue that may have previously been out of your reach.

Despite the sense of grandeur Pentillie exudes on your approach down the drive, what you will discover within its walls is a home. While offering plenty of space for your guests to relax, this homely feel creates a sense of atmosphere; the perfect pairing for the intimate nature of your small wedding.

Of course, if lavish is your style then the castle will not disappoint. The impressive staircase makes for a grand entrance and photo opportunity, the dining room is perfect for a banquet fit for royalty and the views of Cornwall will take your breath away.

At a time when the outdoors is favoured for safety, Pentillie has many inspirational settings for your civil ceremony. Let nature provide the perfect backdrop for your vows; whether under the wisteria clad pavilion or loggia, riverside at the Bathing Hut or high on a hill within the Stone Circle.

At the end of your day, retiring to one of our 11 luxurious, cosy bedrooms will keep the magic going for you and your guests. Gathering for a breakfast debrief the morning after is a sentimental way to start the day, and with your petite wedding party why not extend your stay for a week; we promise nobody will want to leave!

Credit: Rebecca Roundhill

The Guests

It may feel an impossible task choosing the family and friends to invite to your micro wedding, but there are many positives to a VIP guest list and plenty of ways to include those not there in person.

The most notable benefit of a small wedding is the relaxed and warm atmosphere. Planning is much less stressful as there are fewer people, and their tastes, to please, and as guests must sit in their households the table plan is a dream! On the day, you will have more time to interact with each and every loved one, creating a personal and memorable experience for them and you; and you’ll have the space to breath and take in every single moment.

Another advantage is escaping those heart breaking compromises due to budget constraints; a lower head count will allow you to really spoil your guests. Why not treat them to some fun transport to the venue? You could cover all outfit expenses for those in the wedding party and really go to town with personalised mementoes for everyone.

To include absent guests, invite them to get dressed up at home and join you via video link for the ceremony or speeches. They can follow along with the rest of the day’s events on social media by checking out the videos and photos, tagged with your specially created hashtag, shared by those in attendance.

After the event, send them a beautiful gift box complete with an an order of service, a wedding favour and a slice of wedding cake.

Of course, there is another option: if choosing between your loved ones is too difficult, and your wedding is truly about just the two of you, then why not elope in style and make Pentillie yours and yours alone? Details of elopement package

Whether you opt for an elopement or micro wedding package, it’s a perfect excuse to throw a sequel wedding at a time when we can all gather again. You’ll get to relive all the magic and wear your dress more than once!

Credit: Enchanted Brides

The Day

This is completely yours to make it what you want. You may well dream of the customary wedding traditions, or the very nature of a small wedding may inspire some originality in your preferences for the order of the day. In the current climate all rules are out the window, so if the usual components of a wedding day are not in your vision, then the pressure is off to include them.

Make the most of the best day of your life by kicking off the celebrations early; follow a morning service with a brunch wedding breakfast and spend the day talking with your guests, playing games or activities like archery and croquet. Or an evening ceremony may feel more you, with a stunning twilight meal and late dancing.

A bespoke wedding cake provides a styling focal point and the cutting of the cake a focal point in the day. Engage the expertise of a revered baker to design and make a tiered creation, ready for your first official duty as a married couple. Or you may find an alternative like a crisp, golden pie, a stack of sticky doughnuts, platter of gooey brownies or giant croquembouche more fun for all.

Speeches are such a special, although nerve-racking, part of the day. The petite and close nature of your audience should relieve some of the stress; but why not do away with the expected speakers and order and open up the invite to all of your guests, should they wish to share their own special moments of your relationship?

Credit: Rebecca Roundhill

The Styling

Here you can really let your imagination run wild! Smother every surface with stunning flowers; transform the dining room into a spectacular forest wonderland and eat under a canopy of trees; commission a local Cornish artist to create a dramatic suspended ceiling installation of paper flowers; or go ultra romantic with lights, lights everywhere of the fairy, candle or neon variety.

Wherever you hold your ceremony on the Estate, play with the aisle and seating arrangements. Line the aisle with Rangoli designs or a customised runner printed with your favourite song lyrics. Give each guest a great view of the action by having in-the-round or semi-circled seating. Reflect your theme with elegant velvet chairs, eclectic sofas or even hay bales or large floor cushions. And why not take your beloved dog down the aisle with you?

The personal nature of a small wedding lends itself perfectly to incorporating poignant family items. Wedding photos from generations before, heirloom china or a characterful, rustic dresser which can be stocked with comfort items for your guests, such as sanitiser, tissues, sun cream and blister plasters; practical can be beautiful.

With an intimate wedding you have more time and knowledge of each and every guest to personalise down to the tiniest touches. You could provide each guest with a buttonhole or corsage of their favourite flower, gift them a bespoke face mask, commission a poem or write a handwritten note for each person for them to discover at their table setting.

And let’s not forget your own styling! That coveted dress can be yours; put that Savile Row suit on order; or live like an A-lister with multiple outfit changes for each part of your day. Here is another opportunity to incorporate some elements that have been handed down through the family, be it a veil, antique brooch or watch. For some further inspiration, read some of our couples our real wedding stories.

Credit: Noah Werth

The Food and Drink

The perfect place to show your personality and reflect the feel of your day; and with a multitude of options you are bound to find the right fit for you.

With less mouths to feed, extravagance is on the menu! Why not engage the taste bud-tingling skills of your favourite Michelin starred chef? Or indulge in a full tasting menu created using the vast array of Cornish provenance produce available?

If a formal meal doesn’t fit with the vibe you’ve carefully curated, then the stunning grounds of the Pentillie estate lend themselves perfectly to outdoor dining. A food truck serving delicious, artisan meals is always a massive hit; a Champagne picnic on the Old Tennis Lawn overlooking the Tamar River will evoke the sensation of a destination wedding; or embrace the drama of Lime Avenue with a lantern lit feast.

Treat your cherished guests to a top shelf open bar. And who doesn’t love a cocktail? Without the worry of long queues forming at the bar, you could work with a mixologist to create a signature cocktail menu just for your special occasion.

Whatever you decide, the Pentillie staff-family are experts at discreetly taking care of all guest needs without being obtrusive; something of particular importance when it comes to smaller weddings.

Photo Credit: Lahu Wedding Photography

The Entertainment

Who can resist the call of the dance floor at the end of the night? The great news is a couple’s first dance is very much still allowed!

Live music is ideal for smaller gatherings, so a solo artist during dinner and a three or four-piece band for later will create a real sense of connection and be in proportion to your numbers. And so your guests don’t miss out on throwing their own shapes, provide each household group with an individual ‘bubble’ dance floor and let them select their own first dance track.

Or course the creativity afforded by a micro wedding means you can think bigger than the traditional dancing. Think fireworks display, cinema screening of your love story, a light illumination show, a snow machine, silent disco or a whole festival line-up!

So there you have it; small can be special. A small wedding affords you the chance to curate a considered celebration with guest experience, your true reflection and love at the centre of it all.

For more information on weddings at Pentillie, click on our request a brochure button below. Our wedding coordinator Chrissie would also be delighted to show you around the Castle and hear all about your plans. To book a time to suit you, please call 01579 350044 or email weddings@pentillie.co.uk.

If you are looking for even more inspiration do follow us on our dedicated Pentillie Weddings Instagram page.