While some couples dream of grand weddings that make them feel like royalty, some dream of more intimate and unique weddings. More couples are embracing the concept of the micro wedding to avoid the stress and cost of accommodating hundreds of guests.
A micro wedding is perfect if you want to celebrate with those close to you in an event that resembles your personality as a couple and makes it memorable for everyone. It is all about your personal style and what truly matters to you.
A micro wedding is a smaller, more intimate version of a traditional one. The guest list is limited to 50 people, usually family and really close friends. At a micro wedding, you can generally expect a ceremony, a reception and most time-honored wedding traditions. Think of a micro wedding as an in-between of an elopement and a traditional wedding.
Unlike a bigger wedding, micro weddings are often more casual and don’t follow traditional rules. Micro weddings are big on style, and venues play a main role. But most importantly, micro weddings are all about you, your taste and what truly matters to you.
Micro weddings are growing in popularity because they allow couples to have their dream weddings on a budget, particularly if they desire a destination wedding that a large guest list would hinder.
Micro weddings are the perfect choice for couples who want to have the wedding of their dreams, fully experience a traditional wedding while having a smaller group of people or enjoy the ceremony with less stress on a smaller budget.
They also allow you to explore different and unique ideas. If you are considering having a micro wedding, here are some of the benefits:
While micro weddings tend to cut down on the stress and cost for most engaged couples, investing adequate time and effort into the planning phase will help you get the most out of your wedding. We’ve put together a 10-step micro wedding planning checklist to make things easier for you.
Remember, micro weddings are all about you and what matters the most to you — it’s the time to shine as authentic as you are. Talk to your fiance about what you both want, and think about these questions:
Incorporate the answers into your wedding. Having a theme for your wedding will make the next steps much easier.
Your wedding budget is one of the most important parts of your wedding planning. Take some time to define how much money you want to spend on your wedding and how you’ll allocate your budget. Think about the things you want to have at your wedding. Define your musts and try to stick to your budget as much as possible.
Deciding who to invite might be one of the trickiest parts of a micro wedding. When making your guest list, think about who you couldn’t live without. If you are fine with them declining or are inviting them because you feel you have to, they may not belong on your micro wedding. Remember, there’s a reason why you’ve decided to go down this path, and limiting your guest list can help you stick to your budget.
Even for small weddings, it’s a good idea to hire professional photographers, videographers, wedding planners and catering staff to keep your wedding organized and lift the stress of coordinating the day off your shoulders.
When you don’t have to accommodate a large crowd, affordable venue options abound. Find a venue that speaks to you and your significant other’s personalities and interests. Make sure your venue aligns with the concept of your wedding and your budget and that it’s comfortable for your guests. From rustic barns to private beaches, the options are nearly endless.
Buying the dress or selecting a tux or suit style can be one of the most special moments during wedding planning. Select outfits that go along with your wedding theme and venue. Most importantly, choose a wedding ensemble that speaks to you.
Have a wedding planner help you with the logistics of your day, from getting ready to leaving the reception in a meaningful way. While you don’t have to go all out, your micro wedding should still feature a small reception, especially if your guests have traveled a significant distance to be a part of your big day. A micro wedding provides a fabulous opportunity for an intimate post-wedding dinner or relaxing cocktail hour — at a much lower cost.
Sometimes, less is more — and this is almost always the case for a micro wedding. Avoid over-decorating, as this could overwhelm an already small venue. Instead, choose a few elegant centerpieces — such as flower arrangements or sculptures — and simple accents, including flower petals or string lights.
Music is a key part of creating the ambience you want for your wedding. Make your micro wedding extra special with live music, which adds class and intimacy to the occasion. Browse local artists’ event packages — you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the options!
Micro weddings are more intimate, with only your family and closest friends surrounding you. Make the day meaningful for your guests by creating a thoughtful dedication or including some ideas from our list below to make your wedding more special.
Making your tiny wedding memorable is all about the big and fun details. We’ve gathered some fun micro wedding ideas to help you make the most of your wedding time, and you can come up with your own ideas.
Plan some activities the day before the wedding so your guests can get to know each other and enjoy the party more. You might host:
Create great memories with out-of-the-box ideas, and think about what would make you enjoy your wedding even more.
A fabulous way to end a wedding weekend is to spend the rest of the night or the next day with your guests.
Memories and micro weddings are about details — the aroma in the air, the sound in the background and the way the couple lights up when they look at each other. Capturing the story you create on this precious day is a must. Choose a Shutter and Sound videographer who can make this memory last forever.
