Let's be frank, Corona has completely railroaded the wedding industry, leaving couples and vendors scrambling to find options to keep their love parties alive.
But there is always some kind of beauty to be found amidst chaos and it has been so inspiring to see peeps pivoting like it's hot and thinking of alternative ways to get hitched and celebrate that life commitment to their love.
With so much uncertainty still on the horizon, it's no wonder many couples are looking to downsize and create a celebration that is controllable and still tres cool.
Hello Air BnB.
Hiring an airbnb or holiday rental is the way forward for the mini wedding scene and with NSW restrictions currently sitting at 20 people within a household, a perfect little gathering on a gorgeous property is just a no brainer.
So if you are thinking about eloping and staying somewhere suave, or having a pint sized celebration at an Air BnB, here's a few tips on how to get it off the ground, as well as a few of my fave property picks on Sydney's South Coast.
Step 1. Pick a place
Do you want to keep it local or make it a weekend away?
Do you want to get married onsite or have an adventurous ceremony elsewhere and head back to the house afterwards?
Do you want to have 20 of your faves present for the celebration then boot them out of your love nest at the end of the day?
These are a few considerations when picking a location and the kind of property needed to accomodate you.
As well as Air BnB and local real estates, there are other sites such as Stayz & Home and Away with loads of reviewed property listings, and the option of contacting the owners directly to ask all the important questions. Read on to see what those are.
Remember the importance of the elopement ceremony itself. Where do you want that moment to unfold? On the beach, in the woods, on a cliff, overlooking a valley at sunset?
If you are planning on eloping offsite then be sure the accommodation isn't too far away as that kind of defeats the ease of the whole experience.
If you are wanting to hold the ceremony onsite then make sure there is a nice outdoor area, or a cosy room with a big fire place that will suit the magic moment.
Step 2. Ask all the questions
So you've chosen a location and even have a few properties on the shortlist, now here's what to ask the owner if the info isn't already listed online.
Do you allow gatherings of up to 20 people?
This is an important one as often properties that only accomodate 10 for example, won't allow extras onsite. I recommend being transparent from the start and if you are planning on having a small wedding celebration (for twenty), let the owner know that's what it is.
Some won't allow it, some will, and some may just require you to pay a higher security bond.
How much parking do you have?
Can we bring our pet?
How close are the neighbours and will there be any issues with us playing music?
What is the bond and cleaning costs?
What is the access like? (Important if you have oldies or anyone less mobile coming along)
Step 3. Book em Rex!
Once your venue is locked down you need to get onto all your other vendors to get your shin dig off the ground.
I highly recommend getting your celebrant and photographer on board early in the planning process as they can assist with ideas for ceremony locations and timing.
If you are having a small celebration at the house, you'll need to book a caterer and I recommend finding one that provides plates, cutlery and glass wear if possible, so they can take it all away at the end of the night or next day.
You may also need to hire some long tables and chairs if your house doesn't already have enough dining seating. The other option is to get a stylist in who can create a beautiful set up with all the napery, plates, cutlery and florals.
With all your suppliers, don't forget to factor them in to your numbers. As it currently stands 20 are allowed within a household in NSW so an onsite caterer may not work, but they could do a drop and run or set things up whilst you aren't home.
Step 4. Alcohol and tunes
Obvs. What's a party without booze and tunes. Make sure the house has blue tooth connectivity so you can hook up your iPhone and check out the fridge situation as you may need to bring extra ice buckets.
Step 5. Plan your elopement ceremony with your celebrant
If you have chosen a great celebrant who regularly does elopements then you can rest easy that they will create a truly magic moment in time for you and your partner.
I adore elopements. They are intimate, raw and such an honest reflection of your feelings in that moment. So much of the wedding fuss and stress has been eliminated so the couple are able to truly sit within the moment and focus on why they want to be there.
Step 6. Make a list
And finally, before you leave for the big day, make a packing list. Understand what the accommodation has and take whatever else you think you may need.
This list will be your best friend.
WOO HOO!
So now you know the steps, you need to pick a place. I have pulled together a teeny list of hot diggity houses for hire on NSW's South Coast & Southern Highlands to get you started. They sleep between 10 and 23 people.
Digs to accomodate all 20 of your revellers
Epic beach house with an artistic eclectic style. Sleeps 23.
A combination of incredible homesteads set on a14 acre property.
They specifically cater for mini weddings and the whole property can be hired for this purpose.
Sleeps 25.
Stunning property with fire pit. Accommodates a mx of 18. Events and parties allowed.
8 bedrooms, huge open plan living. Can sleep up to 20. Just contact the owners to discuss your event.
Accomodate 20. Historic building c1903, extensive grounds with fire pits and places galore.
Digs that sleep less but have party possibilities
Stunning waterfront, right on Jibbon Beach. Sleeps 10 however are open to enquiries for weddings and events.
Incredibly (insta-sensation) stylish property, sleeps 14 only but allows small wedding gatherings. Amaaaaaaaazing!
This is a stunning wedding venue with onsite accomodation and they are currently offering mini wedding wedding packages.
Spa and farm retreat... what a killer combo! Sleeps 8, allows small wedding gatherings on request.
Alpacas, Pig, Goats, Ponies + PizzaOven... need I say more. Incredible stylish farm stay that sleeps 14+ and happy to host small weddings.
Incredible property accomodating 8-10 guests. As far as I know, parties ain't allowed but the perfect option for a smaller crew. Check this place out. Off. The. Charts.
Incredible view! Up to 14 guests. Contact owner regarding a 20 person event.
Amazing dog friendly water front on beautiful Jervis Bay. Sleeps 8 comfortably. Contact owner re event.
Accommodates up to 12. Eclectic House with water views. Super cosy and perfect for an offsite elopement on stunning Hyams Beach, with an intimate gathering afterwards.
If you want to see more from this gorgeous Blue Mountains Airbnb elopement, with incredible pics by Oli Samson (Briar's Atlas), check it out here on Rock & Roll Bride.
Go forth my pretties, search hard and be married.