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5 tips on how to plan a thrifty coffee shop elopement

July 30, 2020
Intimate coffee shop elopement

On a budget or needing to pair down your guest list due to Covid? Consider hosting a intimate wedding at a small thrift shop or restaurant? Photographer Sarah Kriner pulled off this super sweet elopement inspiration and has some words of advice.

Intimate coffee shop elopement

1. Finding a venue: Consider using sites like Peerspace and Airbnb to find smaller venues to host your event. I think this is a great time to re-imagine weddings, and start using some very under-utilized spaces that have character. Support the small spaces who have had a rough few months, and might welcome hosting your small gathering!

2. Be Creative: This doesn’t have to be a time of complete disappointment when you’re cutting back on a large gathering…think of ways to celebrate that your day is now smaller+more intimate.

3. Reuse and Recycle: Going for a vintage+eclectic vibe?
+ Consider thifying
+ Check fabric stores for linens you can use for your wedding day, and then can be turned into something to use in your home
+ Check with your friends and see what they have that can be borrowed or restyled.

4. Dried florals: Use dried florals and mix with real flowers some of the florals are dried and can be saved+used multiple times. It’s easy to be thoughtful about waste (and budget) and take small steps to make change!

5. Borrow a wedding dress: For our shoot, the bride’s dress was borrowed from a friend, the groom’s tie was thrifted. But you can consider using sites like Rent the Runway, Preowned wedding dresses, or Tradesy to shop for pre-owned wedding gowns.

Wedding signage Dried floral bouquet Intimate coffee shop elopement Intimate coffee shop elopement Wedding invitations Intimate coffee shop elopement Intimate coffee shop wedding Dried floral bouquet Dried floral arrangement Dried floral arrangement Vintage wedding decor Coffee shop wedding Intimate coffee shop elopement

Thanks Sarah for the inspiration and planning tips!

Photographer: Sarah Kriner / Second Photographer: Jess McGhie / Venue: Ally + Sid / Hair & makeup: Stacey Banfield
Florals: The Flower Press / Cake: Jared Porter at Burly Cakes /Stationery: Papier HQ