Planning a Micro Wedding
With COVID still having somewhat of a stronghold on the world, couples have to develop creative ways to celebrate their nuptials. While some have decided to postpone their dates indefinitely, others have resorted to planning a micro wedding. Below is some helpful information and tips regarding the benefits of hosting a micro wedding.
What is a Micro Wedding?
A micro wedding is a wedding that falls between a small/mid-sized wedding and an elopement. Unlike elopements, these “tiny” weddings usually follow a more standard “wedding day-of timeline,” although they are less stressful for the couple.
How Big is a Micro Wedding?
Micro Weddings typically have between 10 – 50 guests, the average being 20 – 25—a typical wedding with a much smaller guest count. Below I’ve pointed out the differences in intimate wedding ceremonies.
MICRO-WEDDING
- 10 – 15 guests (average 20 -25)
- Follow a standard wedding-day timeline
- Involve the same vendors as a regular-sized wedding.
BACKYARD WEDDING
- Can vary in size, depending on the available space.
- Couples have the freedom to create their own décor and personalization.
- Consider it to be your blank canvas.
MINI-MONIES
- 10 guests or less
- Save the big party for later
- Officiant, photographer and people closest to couple are in attendance.
ELOPEMENT
Couple marries with parents/siblings present (sometimes nobody at all, except two witnesses, a photographer, and officiant)
The Benefits of A Micro Wedding?
When trying to decide which type of intimate ceremony works best for you, here are some essential things to consider:
QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR GUESTS.
In this particular setting, you get to spend as much time as you want with everyone in attendance.
MORE FLEXIBILITY WITH THE BUDGET.
Number crunching is one of my favorite perks. The money you would have spent on food and drinks (for 100+ guests) can now be exhausted elsewhere: honeymoon, future vacations, downpayment on a home. With a micro wedding, you’ll get to spend more money intentionally.
INTIMATE WEDDING CEREMONY AND RECEPTION.
With COVID restrictions in place, an intimate setting opens up choices for a venue (or don’t choose one at all). You’ll have total creative freedom.
LESS STRESS AND PLANNING TIME.
Unfortunately, stress is a word that seems closely related to wedding planning. With a micro wedding, you can save time without having to chase down RSVPs for non-responsive guests.
PEACE OF MIND/STAYING SAFE.
A smaller guest list reduces stress and the chances of people getting sick.
Above all else, you can keep the traditions of a “regular” wedding day with a micro wedding.
Planning a Micro Wedding
First, plan your budget. Sit down with your partner and develop the total amount you have to spend on the wedding. Ask yourselves the following:
- What do we already have saved?
- How much will we be saving per month between now and the wedding day?
- How much is being contributed by our family members?
Next, ask yourselves, ‘What are our priorities?’ With a smaller wedding, you’ll be able to splurge on things you want.
- Make a list of your must-haves.
- Figure out your guest list
- Book your venue and must-have wedding vendors
- Make a wedding website to keep your guests informed of everything that is happening.
How much does a micro wedding cost?
The micro wedding cost is always a “tricky” question, as every couple is as individual as the next. However, on average, the price of a micro wedding can range from $5K – $13K for 20 – 50 guests. Again, the amount you decide to spend is entirely up to you, and you can save more by adding some DIY elements.
How to Make a Micro Wedding Special (Personalization)?
Planning a micro wedding is a perfect opportunity to focus on what best represents your love as a couple. Make the day entirely yours with personal touches and favorites. Some ideas include:
- A Group Photo
- Food Favorites
- Custom Music Playlist
- Food Trucks
- Toasts
- Favors
What to Wear to A Micro Wedding
Whatever you want! No, really! Think of all the perfect ways to personalize your wedding attire. The possibilities are endless, from a chic jumpsuit to a flowing summer dress to a pair of pinstriped pants with suspenders.
Planning Your Guest List
Whether you’re creating a unique wedding day experience or simply truncating your nuptial celebration due to COVID restrictions, there is something beautiful about having the people you love most be present at your wedding. Most couples face difficulty when having to handle this task. But here are a few questions to ask yourselves when planning your guest list:
- How often do you talk to or see this person?
- When was the last time you saw each other, talked, or texted?
- Are there any negative feeling or emotions associated with this person?
- Will this person cause drama in any way?
- Is this person being invited due to external pressure *maybe from an outside family member)?
Entertainment
One common question about micro weddings is the entertainment: How do we entertain our guests when there aren’t many in attendance?
Micro Weddings offer the opportunity to connect and engage with your guests on a deeper, intentional level. There’ll be great conversation, fantastic food, and sharing the day with those who you love most is going to be all anyone needs (you and your guests). Because the guest list is not extensive, there is less pressure to entertain, and you can think outside of the box. Here are some examples of what I mean:
- A Live band/Musicians
- A Magician
- Caricature artist
- Fireworks Display
- Mixologist
- Cigar Bar
- Boat Ride
- Karaoke
- Camp Fire
Quick Recap
If you are considering planning a micro wedding, which I hope you are, I am putting together a quick checklist to help you along the way. The 8-page guide will include key points and additional wedding planning resources for a low-pressure experience. Be sure to follow Peridot Imagery on Facebook and Instagram for details.
- Choose Your Date
- Figure out your budget
- Make your guest list
- Contact those guests to see who can’t make it
- Book your ceremony location/venue
- Figure out and book the location for dinner (if different from ceremony location)
- Book Photographer, and other vendors – they book fast, DON’T WAIT
- Make your wedding website
- Buy Your Dress/wardrobe
- Put together dinner plans
- Plan the day
- Figure out decor – purchase what’s needed
- Make music playlist
- Write your vows
- Double check/ Confirm Things
Additional Resources
ZOLA – Complete Wedding Planning App (FREE) – from your wedding planning budget calculator to your wedding website.
MyRegistry – Universal Wedding Registry from ALL locations
Pinterest – For Wedding Day Inspiration and Ideas
Preferred Vendors – A list of Peridot Imagery’s preferred wedding day professionals
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