WEDDING

What is a Micro Wedding? – An In-Depth Guide

What is a Micro Wedding

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Planning a wedding can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it can become overwhelming as well. Aside from the numerous decisions you must make, coordinating all the wedding details with the relevant parties can get stressful especially as the date approaches.

A wedding can also create quite a dent in your savings since a traditional ceremony can cost around $27,000 on average. This is why many couples are considering making trade-offs and rethinking their wedding day priorities.

Fortunately, a simpler and easier alternative is now available for the practical and modern bride: the micro wedding. A micro wedding is a scaled-down version of your classic “big” wedding. It involves fewer guests, a small budget, and, most importantly, much less stress.

It is perfect for couples who don’t need or want all the extra frills that can come with planning a grand event or those who just don’t have the budget. That is why the micro wedding is becoming an increasingly popular choice for tying the knot.

Micro Weddings in a Nutshell

Generally speaking, a micro-wedding is a smaller version of the ceremony and involves fewer guests. It’s an intimate gathering with all your loved ones, where each person present carries extra importance, and the day is tailored to precisely what the couple wants.

However, it differs from an elopement, which is when a couple gets married secretly and the ceremony is only known to the couple and two witnesses. A micro wedding is a thoroughly thought-out and scheduled celebration with guests, the ceremony, and a reception.

Compared to an intimate or small wedding which typically has 30 to 60 guests, a micro wedding would only have around twenty or fewer guests. Micro weddings generally emphasize quality over quantity when it comes to guests, which means that the people you invite are usually only close friends and family.

Aside from having fewer guests and prioritizing quality over quantity, micro weddings also typically bring more flexibility in terms of budget. Since it’s done on a smaller scale, it usually entails less expense for the bride and groom, plus it can be shorter and more relaxed than a traditional wedding.

Finally, while a micro wedding will still have a ceremony and reception, it’s easier to get away with more casual options like an outdoor barbeque or simply renting out the private room of a restaurant. You can skip some of the steps, like cake cutting or the bouquet toss, and go for a more minimalist approach. You can also forego some of the traditional elements, like the speeches and the first dance, if they don’t align with your values and vision as a couple.

Pros and Cons of a Micro Wedding

a bride walking down the aisle

When it comes to planning a wedding, size really does matter.

  • · While a traditional wedding typically involves an extensive guest list and many elaborate details, a micro wedding offers the chance to celebrate in more intimate settings with fewer people.
  • · It can also be less expensive and much easier to organize, allowing you to focus on the things that matter most.
  • · Since you don’t need to entertain so many guests, you have more time to relax, have fun, and actually enjoy your own wedding celebration, which can sometimes be hard to do at a traditional wedding.
  • · You also don’t need to worry about your guests getting bored or someone being neglected because it’s easy to keep track of everybody in such a small gathering.
  • · For brides who are uncomfortable being in the limelight, a micro wedding would help calm the wedding jitters because they would be surrounded only by very close family and loved ones.
  • · This can also reduce the stress on the couple as they can focus more on themselves and be
  • able to truly be present in the ceremony rather than have their heads filled with worries that something might go wrong on their special day.
  • · It’s also easier to customize the wedding details according to the couple’s vision and wishes since there are fewer factors that you need to consider. Personalizing the décor, accessories, and other wedding elements is more convenient as well since there are fewer pieces that you need to prepare.

But there are some drawbacks to think about too.

  • · A smaller guest count means that some of your important family members and friends may not be accommodated, so it’s important to make sure that anyone who can’t make it will still feel included in some way.
  • · And since micro weddings often involve fewer bells and whistles, focusing on creative touches and personalizing your day may require more effort and expense if you’re looking for something unique. However, as long as it is planned properly, it can be just as meaningful and magical as a larger-scale wedding.

“We had 15 guests and went full out with our DW. Two soloists, happy hour, 5-star family style food & wine in a wine cave. We put 3 farm tables together to create one big & fun dining experience.”

“We had a tiny wedding in our backyard with just 25 people in attendance. It was really hard to cut the numbers down, and we had to cut out some of our good friends. But in the end, I don’t regret it because we ended up having a cosy small wedding, with good food and fun.”

“We invited 51 guests, including 3 kids. Because the guest numbers were so low, we decided to do a weekend wedding, taking our families to Fraser Island. We paid for their ferry transfers and accommodation for the whole weekend, and it still didn’t cost as much as a big wedding would have.”

What to Consider When Planning a Micro Wedding

When it comes to planning a micro wedding, there are a few things you should consider. Here are some tips to help you create your perfect day:

1. Guest list

Since a micro wedding can only accommodate a limited number of guests, you need to think seriously about who to invite. Having a smaller guest list means you get to have an intimate gathering with your closest friends and family. With fewer people, you can ensure that everyone feels special and invited, but you also need to see to it that others understand your choices and don’t feel bad about it.

2. Venue

simple wedding

A micro wedding does not require huge spaces. In fact, it’s best when kept simple and small. Depending on your chosen wedding theme, you may consider outdoor venues or cozy rooms for your celebration since these places can help create an intimate and romantic atmosphere.

To make it even more memorable, you may hold it in venues with special meanings for you as a couple, such as a café where you had your first date or even your backyard. You could also rent a house and have it styled according to your theme if you want a more cozy feel.

3. Food

Smaller weddings mean less food, which often translates to lower costs. Consider having a buffet-style meal where guests can serve themselves or even have finger foods that everyone can share. However, remember to check on particular preferences, such as vegetarian diets or food allergies, from any of your guests to prevent accidents or awkward situations during the celebration.

4. Entertainment

Since it’s an intimate gathering in a smaller space with fewer people, you also need to be intentional in your choice of entertainment. Think about what type of music will best capture the mood of your event — something that’s not too loud but still lively enough to get people dancing and celebrating the night away.

Ideas for Styling a Micro Wedding

Despite being done on a smaller scale, a micro wedding can be styled in so many ways. It all comes down to your imagination and what ambience you want to create for your special day.

However, remember that this day isn’t just about decor but also about making memories that will last forever. No matter how you style your micro wedding, it’ll leave lasting impressions on you and your guests.

If an effortless, free-spirited vibe is what you’re after, set up a bohemian-inspired space with wildflowers, dreamcatchers, and a beautiful canopy of textiles draped from above. Delight your guests with handcrafted wooden serving boards and add some rustic charm with tonal colors and round centerpieces.

You can also go for a luxe and modern feel by creating an atmosphere of sophisticated glamor with modern glassware and dishes, velvet chairs and furniture, romantic candelabras, and picture-perfect florals. Have something special printed on the dinner plates or napkins to make the day more memorable.

Another way to make your wedding extra special is to celebrate it with nature. You can create a glowing outdoor oasis using strings of lights, gorgeous greenery, warm wood accents, and twinkling lanterns to illuminate the dance floor as the night draws in.

Tips for Calculating Costs for a Micro Wedding

You may be wondering how much a micro wedding will cost. After all, a smaller guest list often means lesser spending. But in reality, you’ll still need to plan for everything you would for any normal-sized wedding. That’s why it’s important to create a budget and calculate your projected costs so you can avoid going over your desired budget.

By considering each of these factors with an estimated guest count in mind, you will be able to create a wedding budget with realistic expectations of what to expect. The first thing you need to do is get an estimate of approximately how many people will attend. This number isn’t set in stone, but it’s helpful to have an idea of the size of the wedding so you can start piecing together other details. You can always adjust your guest list if needed later on.

When you send your invitations, specify if they are allowed to bring a plus one and if they are required to notify you if they plan to do so. Being clear about these details would help you manage your budget properly and prevent unexpected expenses on your special day.

Once you have an estimated guest count, start analyzing related costs. Begin with the ones that could take up a chunk of your budget, such as the venue, catering, drinks, and decorations. The venue can be adjusted based on your guest count and what’s included in the rental. Get details on the furniture setup and breakdown, AV equipment rental, and other inclusions in order to get a good idea if you’re getting your money’s worth.

For food and drinks, consider other alternatives such as food trucks or DIY catering, depending on your preferences and budget. Take into account both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that will be served at the event.

Finally, make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Everyone wants to have that perfect wedding, but perfect doesn’t necessarily mean having to go broke just to get everything nailed down. Some aspects of the wedding may not be as important and could be let go of if your budget is limited.

How to Find Vendors for Your Micro Wedding

micro wedding venue

Now that you know what a micro wedding is and why they’re a great way to switch up the traditional big wedding, it’s time to start finding vendors for your special day. Here are some tips for finding the perfect vendors for your micro wedding:

1. Research Potential Vendors

Make sure to allow enough time in your wedding preparations for research. Look around and find vendors who will fit your vision and budget, then make a shortlist of the ones you like.

Do not immediately commit to the first one who gives you an attractive offer because you may find someone you like later and regret your impulsive decision. Read the reviews from their previous clients so you can get an idea of what others think of their work.

2. Compare Prices

You don’t have to break the bank if you stay within a smaller budget. Just be sure to compare prices between different vendors and factor in things like convenience and quality of services when making your decision.

Some vendors may offer lower rates but can still give you a wedding to be proud of, but others may have sacrificed a lot in their pricing that can negatively affect the outcome of your special day.

Feel free to contact them to go through the details of their offer, clarify terms you need help understanding, and double-check the fine print in the contract. Remember that you can always negotiate and find a middle ground with the vendors that you want to work with.

3. Check Availability

Make sure that you check if your chosen vendors are available on the date of your micro wedding. This is especially important if you’re looking for an off-season date or if it falls on a popular holiday or weekend.

It can be a huge source of headaches and frustrations when you fall in love with an offer, only to discover that it is unavailable on your wedding day. Before you go into all the details, one of the first questions you should ask is about their available schedules.

4. Ask Questions

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the vendor’s experience and skills, like how many weddings they typically do in one day or what kinds of weddings they have handled before. This will give you peace of mind that you are working with professionals and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your special day.

Vendors are used to answering questions from potential clients, so don’t be shy or think you’re bothering them too much. It is better for both parties to clarify everything up front rather than be disappointed due to unmet expectations.

FAQs About Micro Weddings

1. How much does a micro wedding cost?

On average, a micro wedding will cost around $10,000 for a ceremony and reception for around 50 guests.

2. What’s the difference between a micro wedding and an elopement?

An elopement involves only the couple, their witnesses and the celebrant. A micro wedding can have up to 50 guests. It’s basically a scaled-down version of a big wedding.

3. Will I regret having a micro wedding?

Most couples who choose a micro wedding do so because it aligns with their values, budget, and even time considerations. However, if you’ve always wanted a big wedding with all the bells and whistles, you may regret having a micro wedding.

4. What’s the difference between a minimony and a micro wedding?

A minimony is a shorter, condensed version of a wedding ceremony. According to the Knot, it’s a moment of commitment shared between yourselves. It only includes up to 10 people and it focuses on the symbolism and meaning of the event.

Wrapping Up

Micro weddings are the perfect option for couples who want to celebrate their love without all the fuss and expense of a large wedding. Couples can enjoy their special day without breaking the bank with fewer guests and an intimate atmosphere. Of course, there are still plenty of options for personalizing a micro wedding, from the decor to the menu. Whatever the couple chooses, a micro wedding is sure to be an unforgettable event.