Many individuals fantasize about having elaborate fairytale weddings. However, there’s also a segment of people who prefer a more intimate gathering with their nearest family and friends. These individuals have contributed to the rise of micro weddings. As wedding expenses continue to soar, the idea of micro weddings is becoming increasingly popular, allowing couples to avoid splurging on a single day.
It’s important to differentiate a micro wedding from an elopement. Micro weddings fall somewhere in between an elopement and a lavish wedding. They are thoughtfully organized events that involve family and friends, typically with a guest list of 30 to 50 participants.
That said, it doesn’t mean you have to tie the knot in casual attire in your backyard, as not all couples intend to cut corners. Some couples opting for a smaller wedding may choose to create an elaborate event with a limited number of attendees. While saving money is a significant advantage of micro weddings, many couples are inclined to invest their budget in enhanced services for their selected group of guests.
Intimate weddings can be just as extravagant as larger ones. Ultimately, beauty is subjective. While they might seem unconventional, micro weddings are often more meaningful, romantic, cozy, and, importantly, budget-conscious. If you’re seeking tips and inspiration for micro weddings, keep reading to discover how you can organize a charming small wedding for yourself.
Things To Consider When Organizing A Micro Wedding
If you and your partner have settled on a straightforward and small wedding, don’t let anything deter you. Proceed with planning your special day. It may cause some disappointment for those not included on your guest list, so be kind when explaining the limitations on invites. There are also various other factors to contemplate while organizing your micro wedding, including the following.
1. Capping The Guest List
The typical number of guests at an average wedding in the US and the UK is approximately 200, so reducing this to 50 can be challenging. This issue is compounded by the fact that the 50 total includes a maximum of 25 from each side. Consequently, your guest list will consist of a tight-knit group of family members, such as grandparents, siblings, and close friends. If you can accommodate a few additional guests, consider including a close family member you can’t envision celebrating without. Be prepared for some tough choices.
2. Focus On Every Attendee
With a smaller guest list, you have the opportunity to connect with each individual at the wedding.
Plan out the seating arrangements and place cards to ensure your guests are comfortable at their tables. Make your guests feel valued with thoughtfully arranged tables. These are the 50 chosen people in your life, so take the time to make their experience enjoyable.
3. Add More Guests With A Reception
A great way to include additional guests is by organizing a reception party. Keep the wedding intimate by limiting it to close family and then inviting friends to the reception.
4. Allocate Budget Wisely
Invest in priority items like your ideal wedding dress or beautiful floral arrangements. There are various costs you can reduce with a smaller wedding, such as guest accommodation and transport. Identify what aspects are most important to you and what you can afford to compromise on when creating your wedding budget.
5. Break The Traditional Mold
Discard the traditional expectations for the wedding day and develop your unique schedule. Consider replacing the wedding cake with a tower of cupcakes or skipping the band entirely. Instead, hire a local musician and engage local vendors to provide quality experiences on a budget. It is entirely up to you and your partner, so make sure to discuss and agree on all details together. Determine which customs you wish to uphold on your wedding day, such as the first kiss or bouquet toss. There’s no one to judge or pressure you, so you can plan everything according to your preferences.
6. Keep The Energy Up
An intimate wedding doesn’t equate to a subdued celebration. The wedding is a momentous occasion that deserves to be unforgettable. Hire a live band and crank up the music. Incorporate fun interactive activities to keep the festivities lively. Alternatively, you could consider a destination wedding! Travel to a favorite vacation spot and exchange vows at a picturesque local church or at the top of a ski mountain. A summer wedding at a lovely garden or lakeside, with chairs and a simple arched structure adorned with flowers, sounds enchanting as well!
7. Extend Invitees With Live Streaming
Even if you’re hosting a small wedding, extended family and friends may wish to witness your special day.
Send out invitations for a live stream or a Zoom call. Most venues offer high-quality streaming options from various angles, enabling everyone to be present virtually on your wedding day.
Pros And Cons Of Micro Weddings
A non-traditional wedding approach will inevitably come with some drawbacks. However, it is gaining popularity as many people find it appealing. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of a small wedding and how you can address them.
Pros
1. Affordable
The expense of a wedding is a significant factor for the couple. While you can host a lovely micro wedding for a reduced cost, there are also intimate weddings that can be costly with lavish decorations, along with destination weddings that involve luxurious celebrations. Essentially, micro weddings can be arranged at either a low or high budget, based on your preferences.
2. Adaptability
Isn’t it exciting to create your own wedding rules? Small weddings offer a lot of flexibility. You aren’t obligated to follow trends or traditional practices. You can be as inventive and relaxed as you wish.
3. Comfort
At a regular wedding, over 200 pairs of eyes may be focused on you. While some thrive under this attention, introverted individuals might feel uncomfortable. Micro weddings can help you sidestep the anxiety associated with a large wedding. Knowing that only your closest friends and family are there can alleviate your nerves.
4. Reduced Planning = Less Anxiety
For starters, you need to send out fewer invitations. Secondly, managing your budget becomes simpler with fewer tasks on your agenda. You’ll focus only on essential details, such as choosing a location based on the weather, obtaining a marriage license, and selecting the best vendors. You can even hire a wedding planner to handle these details while you anticipate the festivities with less stress.
5. Savor The Day
A wedding is a cherished memory that many want to keep special. Micro weddings enable the creation of joyful personal moments. It feels unique to spend time with your guests rather than just posing for numerous photographs, allowing you to engage in meaningful conversations. You can truly enjoy your special day in a relaxed setting.
Cons
1. Limited Guest List
Narrowing down your guest list can be a major issue. Deciding who to invite can be more stressful than anticipated. You should have a clear vision and communicate it effectively when discussing uninvited acquaintances. There’s no need for apologies; just be straightforward about your reasons.
2. Lack of Grandeur
More attendees typically means a bigger celebration. As a result, the splendor of the event may feel diminished with a smaller crowd.
3. Convincing Parents And Elders
This concept might be perceived as a rejection of cultural and traditional values, making it difficult to explain your vision to more conservative family members.
4. Fear Of Empty Seats
In a large gathering, the absence of a few guests may go unnoticed. However, it’s a different story at a small wedding. Be prepared to manage the situation of empty chairs, possibly by removing them to lessen their visibility.
5. Family Drama
Every wedding comes with its share of drama, particularly from family. You may face pressure to invite certain individuals just because other family members want them there. It’s important to explain your decisions and the rationale behind the guest list reduction. Remember, this is your special day, so don’t let friends and family pressure you into altering your plans.
6. Maintaining the Energy of the Event
With a larger crowd, the atmosphere tends to be lively on its own. In contrast, with a small group, you’ll need to come up with ways to keep the celebration exciting and engaging.
So, now let’s discuss how to effectively plan a micro wedding!
How To Plan A Micro Wedding
Organizing a micro wedding does not mean abandoning your checklist. Plan in advance to ensure you can relax and spend quality moments with your closest friends and family.
1. Curating The Guest List
Since this is a personal and heartfelt occasion, don’t hesitate to curate your guest list. Write down everyone who is important to you. If the list grows too long, trim it down further by reflecting on how much you want each individual present at your wedding. The overall cost is influenced by the number of attendees, so aim for no last-minute additions.
2. Establishing The Budget
Like any other event, planning a micro wedding requires a budget. It’s important to assess how much you’re willing to spend without causing financial strain. Keep in mind that prices are typically fixed. In some situations, you may need to choose between sticking to your budget or fulfilling your vision. Nevertheless, with a limited number of guests, you can adjust the budget to align with your priorities.
3. Selecting A Venue
Choosing a venue is more straightforward when you’re hosting a small wedding and keeping things simple since you don’t have to fit 150 guests in a single space. Therefore, get creative! Consider unique and budget-friendly locations such as a library garden, a friend’s backyard, a rented spot in a public park, or a charming area along your favorite hiking trail.
4. Seek Assistance From Professionals
Although planning a wedding can be a delightful experience for the couple, it’s perfectly fine to enlist help from friends, family, or a wedding planner. Consider hiring a coordinator who can oversee the arrangements on the wedding day to ensure everything goes smoothly.
5. Establish Your Priorities
Take some time over coffee to identify the essentials and areas where you can cut costs. Create a prioritized list and jot down the expenses involved. Compare this with your budget to make decisions that suit both partners.
6. Select Your Attire
Attire is always at the heart of any wedding. Embrace the dream ball gown, and choose a complementary outfit for your partner. Look for something stylish yet simple. For an intimate event, implementing a dress code for guests can be manageable.
7. Choose A Photographer
The wedding becomes memorable because of the moments attached to it. Ensure those special moments are captured by hiring a photography team. Browse social media for inspiration and share ideas with your photographer, ensuring all necessary arrangements are made for those ideal shots. Be sure to review references and portfolios of the team you choose.
8. Prepare Your Vows
A smaller wedding provides the perfect opportunity to express heartfelt sentiments with brief, meaningful words of gratitude. Personal vows can be made even more special in an intimate boutique wedding setting.
9. Plan The Timeline
Develop a detailed timeline to guarantee a smooth progression of events throughout the day. You could also designate a host to provide brief introductions and keep the event lively. Consider incorporating quick games, music, and dancing to fill any gaps in the schedule. Allow for some flexibility and spontaneity, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for you and your guests.
10. Customize The Event
When it’s a personal gathering, tailoring items from invitation cards to party favors is simple. Plan for custom favors and hand-written notes with place cards to highlight the special connections you and your fiancé share with each guest.
The Bottom Line
A wedding is a personal experience, so it’s essential not to let anyone else make choices for you. You shouldn’t feel pressured to adhere to trends and plan a micro wedding if it doesn’t resonate with you. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of a smaller wedding, and reassess if this is truly what you desire. The primary objective is to organize a wedding that mirrors your relationship. Think creatively and break out of conventional norms. Make the day centered around you and what you envision for your celebration. While micro weddings may be seen as unconventional, they have gained traction post-COVID and can serve as a wonderful alternative to extravagant celebrations or destination weddings. If you’ve decided on this path, don’t hesitate to pursue it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reasonable budget for a micro wedding?
A micro wedding can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on your preferences. With a smaller guest list, you have the flexibility to manage your expenses effectively, be it on a budget or a lavish scale.
How many bridesmaids should I have at a micro wedding?
While there are no strict guidelines, traditional advice suggests having one bridesmaid for every 50 guests. To avoid feeling isolated on your wedding day, having 3 to 4 bridesmaids can create a joyful bridal party dynamic.
Are micro weddings dull?
While micro weddings are intimate events, they can be enjoyable with thoughtful planning. Incorporating games and dancing can keep your guests engaged and entertained.
Is there dancing at a micro wedding?
Even with fewer attendees, a micro wedding embodies all the elements of a traditional celebration. This includes the ceremony, vows, cocktail hour, dancing, dinner, and flowers. However, the couple can tailor the experience to their preferences without any obligations.