The COVID-19 pandemic gave the world a surprisingly long list of words and terms, from “Zoombombing” to WFH (working from home) and “social distancing.”
In our industry, those terms included “micro wedding,” which is a small, intimate wedding with less than 50 people.
Granted, micro weddings weren’t invented during the pandemic, but demand for them, along with private wedding ceremonies, rose significantly during that time. With large gatherings prohibited, micro weddings gave couples a way to go forward with their wedding plans.
Today, while the pandemic is behind us, interest in micro weddings remains strong.
As Minne Weddings owner Gretchen Culver told Minneapolis news station KARE, micro weddings are not a fad.
“The pandemic has given couples permission to have whatever kind of wedding experience they want,” Culver said. “And they are able to choose the one that feels the best for them and fits their values and lifestyle.”
If the idea of a micro wedding appeals to you, take a look at the information and tips we’ve put together. They could help you decide if this approach is a good fit and get your planning off to a strong start.
Micro Wedding Plusses
Micro weddings can be ceremony-only events, but they certainly don’t have to be. Their primary defining element is their small size.
Some of the plusses of going this route include:
-Affordability: Micro weddings — with fewer invitations, place settings, favors, and other items — tend to be less costly than larger events.
-More quality time with your guests: Instead of limiting yourself to a brief hello, you get to enjoy the people who came to share your special day.
-Less planning stress: Generally, smaller weddings have fewer details for you to figure out and execute, saving you time and minimizing your aggravation.
-A relaxed vibe: The overall feel of the wedding will be up to you, and your small event can be formal if you’d like it to be, but micro weddings also lend themselves to a more casual approach.
Guidelines for Micro Wedding Success
If you do want to go forward with a small wedding, these suggestions can help you plan more effectively.
Have a budget. We mentioned that micro weddings can be more affordable than larger events, but you’ll still need to map out how much you want to spend on your micro wedding venue, vendors, food, transportation, rings, and the many other expenses associated with getting married. Keep in mind that no matter how tiny your event is, you can incorporate all of the elements you want. And, with the savings you’ll be realizing as a result of your minimal guest list, you’ll have more to spend on your priorities, from videography to entertainment.
Put venue research high on your list. Most wedding professionals recommend placing venue selection high on your to-do list, after budgeting, but before finalizing a date. You’ll find a wealth of small wedding venues in Houston, for example, including options specifically for couples planning a micro wedding. Once you have your “where” selected, it will be easier to select your “when” and work out other details like décor and vendors.
Make your guest list thoughtfully. With a scaled-down wedding, every decision counts. We suggest taking time to consider who you want there and talking it over with your partner. One thing to remember is, even if you only have a few guests with you in person, you also have the option of live-streaming the ceremony so some people can join you virtually.
Don’t reject the idea of a planner. Of course, the decision to hire a planner is entirely up to you, but even with a small event, professional planners have value to offer. They can, among other things, help you organize your ideas, stay within your budget, negotiate prices, find quality vendors, answer questions, and turn your vision into reality.
Think Carefully Before Assigning Yourself Do-It-Yourself-Projects. Along the same lines, a small wedding does not necessarily mean you or your family have to take charge of the décor, bake your cake, or handle the photography. Yes, you absolutely can do those things if you want, but we advise clients to work with professionals as much as possible. Their experience, connections —and all-important liability insurance — make them worth the investment.
Embrace the wedding you want. Having a micro wedding does not mean that you can’t have the elements you’ve dreamed of for your big day. There are no rules that state you can’t wear the dress you want, have a first look, include traditions that would be meaningful to you, or enjoy the entertainment you have in mind. The only rule we recommend you impose on yourself is to focus on creating an experience that both you and your guests will cherish.