Couples are simply savvier with spending for big occasions these days. Plus, the idea of a huge, bustling celebration doesn’t appeal to all of us. That's why micro-weddings have exploded over the last few years and are happening more often than ever.
A small, intimate wedding day in a fun, boutique setting is the perfect choice for couples who want to focus on what truly matters—celebrating love with their nearest and dearest, with those closest to them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about planning a micro wedding from start to finish.
Why Micro-Weddings are Better & How to Plan Yours from Start to Finish.
Why You Should Have a Micro-Wedding. Period.
There's a good reason TINY weddings are becoming ENORMOUSLY popular. For one, a wedding for 50 or fewer guests means less stress, more meaning, and... oh, yeah!
LESS money!
It's this generations homage to quality over quantity. It's about a day that's more personal and memorable and less about perfection and false grandeur. YOU are larger than the money you spend on a wedding. YOU are unique, fun, creative and loving. Let those qualities stand out on one of the most important days of your life.
In a Hurry? Learn More: Plan a wedding in six months or less (w/ downloable checklist)
Micro-weddings give you a chance to make real experiences come to life with less focus on glitz, glam and extravagance. With fewer guests, you have the freedom to craft a wedding day that genuinely reflects your relationship. From the quaint, affordable venue to the delicious, hand-crafted menu, to the personal decor. There are endless possibilities for creativity.
The Benefits of Hosting a Micro Wedding
One of the most appealing reasons to have a micro-wedding is cost savings. You've heard the statistics of an average wedding costing $33,000 and climbing. Do you really need to spend anywhere near that much for a celebration to be meaningful and memorable?
Fewer guests and a smaller venue means you can allocate your budget to the elements that matter most to you-- some delicious gourmet food, stunning floral arrangements, outdoor vignettes, a mini-rave dance floor. Whatever creative idea you can come up with.
Another fantastic benefit is intimacy. With a smaller guest list, you’ll have the opportunity to spend quality time with each of your guests and have real conversations and real moments. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone feels included and cherished.
Check out: these untraditional ideas couples are doing at their weddings
Finally, personalization. Having a micro-wedding gives you the chance to weave your personality into every detail, because you won't have to worry about racking up the bill, if you're keeping it small from the beginning. From custom invitations to unique ceremony rituals. This level of personalization is hard to achieve in large, traditional weddings, making micro-weddings a perfect choice for those who want something truly special.
How to Plan a Micro Wedding, Step by Step. Because... Lego Cupcakes.
Set Your Budget (& Pro-Tip... Keep It Low)
How much are you willing to spend at the end of the day? Consider the costs of the venue, catering, photography, entertainment and decor.
Set Your Theme
What's the vibe you're going for? Is it a Roaring 20s wedding? Is it a Bohemian wedding? Maybe your more into a Barbie-themed wedding? Set the tone and planning the rest of your details will come that much easier.
Decide on a Venue That's Fits Your Theme
Finding the right venue is the best way to bring the experience to your guests. Look for small wedding venues that offer an intimate setting, such as a charming garden, an art gallery, color-themed rooms. or maybe a large, cozy bed & breakfast for the whole party.
Create Your Guest List (& Pro-Tip... Keep it Small)
Assuming it applies to you, start with immediate family, then closest friends, then gradually expand if space allows. But honestly, try to stay with just the essential guests. 50 is the max for a micro-wedding but we celebrate those who can pull it off with 30!
Remember: You can sending digital invitations, which is thoughtful, easy to save, and and saves you on paper / mailing costs.
Decide Which Vendors are a Must & Select Them
What are the must-haves of the experience? Select these categories and then find vendors who specialize in small, intimate events. Maybe you've got some freelancer friends who would love the opportunity to be a part of your day and not charge you an arm and a leg.
Be sure to let your caterers, florists, and photographers know the unique nature of your wedding so they can offer you personalized services to match your style.
Design Your Ceremony & Reception Around the Experience You Want to Have
Writing fun vows if you want, incorporating meaningful rituals, have a floral arrangement that signifies your first date, curate the playlists with songs that reflect your tastes, bring in the games or activities that your friends love to play on weekends.
Personalize the Experience
Consider interactive elements like personalized favors, voicemail guestbooks, signature cocktails, a fun photo booth or disposable cameras laying around. The goal is to make everyone feel involved and appreciated.
Final Thoughts: What Do You Have to Keep in Mind When Planning a Micro Wedding?
There are a few unique challenges to consider. One common concern is creating an inclusive atmosphere with such a limited guest list. To address this, be sure to communicate openly with those who aren’t invited. Share your reasoning and find other ways to include them, like a casual post-wedding celebration or virtual livestream.
Another challenge is balancing intimate moments with a fun atmosphere. To achieve this, plan some fun and personal activities that encourage interaction, like group games or storytelling sessions. These can help guests connect and create joyful memories.
Finally, resist the urge to over-plan. Micro weddings THRIVE on simplicity and authenticity. Focus on what truly matters to you and trust that your love will shine through without the need for extravagant details.
Ready to Bring Your Micro-Wedding to Life?
With a variety of boutique wedding trends gaining popularity, more couples are choosing to step outside traditional wedding planning boundaries and host a simple, small micro-wedding.
Cookie-cutter weddings are gone. Today, it's about planning a day that fits your personal, unique vision.
Want to start thinking smaller for your own wedding celebration? We’d love to host you at the Olde House. Book now
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