The 1-2-3 Guide to Having a Micro Wedding

Micro weddings have been making a big mark on the wedding scene lately, and for good reason. Couples looking for more intimacy and higher affordability are finding it with micro weddings. At the same time, they’re enjoying benefits like easier planning, attention to detail, and the ability to achieve a top-tier, fully personalized wedding. A micro wedding, when done right, is the true definition of less is more.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how micro weddings are defined, why couples are choosing them, and how to plan a completely awesome micro wedding you’ll never forget.

Quick Takeaways:

• Micro weddings are smaller in size, typically with fewer than 50 guests.
• Couples don’t have to pay for large venues and extensive guest lists for a micro wedding. As a result, they can spend money on other aspects of the day most meaningful for them.
• Benefits of micro weddings include cost savings, easier planning, more intimate settings, and a smaller environmental footprint.

What’s a Micro Wedding, Anyway?

In a world where social media and oversharing have become the norm, it’s easy to feel pressured to keep up with the proverbial Joneses when it comes to your wedding. Recently, however, more engaged couples are pushing back on this pressure. They’re choosing micro weddings instead of extravagant parties that often cause undue stress and serious financial strain.

While big weddings are awesome if that’s what you want and can afford, micro weddings are perfect for couples who want something smaller, more intimate, and less expensive. They typically have fewer than 50 guests, including only those who have close relationships with the bride(s) and groom(s).

The great thing about micro weddings is that by scaling down in size, couples can focus on making every detail of their day true to their unique wedding vision. As a result, the day feels totally about them and their love.

Let’s dive deeper into some of the specific reasons micro weddings are becoming so popular right now.

Why Do People Choose to Have Micro Weddings?

Micro weddings are gaining popularity for a number of reasons, from cost savings to personalization to easier planning and more. Let’s explore why many couples are choosing the path of a micro wedding:

Cost Savings

Cost savings is one of the most compelling and practical reasons couples opt for a micro wedding. Traditional weddings can be financially overwhelming, demanding big-budget expenses like a large venue, extensive catering, and elaborate decor.

Micro weddings, on the other hand, allow couples to allocate their budget more selectively. By scaling back on the guest list, couples can invest in quality rather than quantity. They can spend on meaningful details that matter to them without breaking the bank.

On average, couples that choose micro weddings only spend about a third of the average $30K they’d spend on a more traditional wedding (so, $10,000 give or take).

Ease of Planning

When you’re having a big wedding, practical demands mean you often have to plan several months to a year (or more) to book the wedding vendors, venues, and other details you’ve always wanted. A micro wedding eliminates this time barrier. Couples can get married more quickly (in only a few weeks in many cases!) and with a lot less planning stress.

If you and your significant other want a short engagement, a micro wedding is a great option. You’ll have more options for venue selection since your group will be smaller. Logistics will be more manageable, and planning decisions will be less daunting in general. You’ll likely need less time to save money. At the same time, the process will feel less stressful and more focused on the the details you care about most.

Intimacy

If you want your ceremony and reception to feel intimate, a micro wedding is definitely an option you should consider. Micro weddings usually only include very close family and friends. This means you can skip formalities like introducing your new husband or wife to your mom’s bridge club bestie, your dad’s golf partner, or your second cousin once removed.

You can also spend more time with your guests when there are less of them, creating special memories with the people you love most that you’ll truly cherish forever. You can stay present and enjoy every moment of your big day rather than worrying about whether you made your rounds to every guest table or said enough thank you’s throughout the day.

Personalization

Micro weddings offer an unparalleled level of personalization. Because they don’t have to execute on a large scale, couples have the freedom to curate every aspect of their celebration, tailoring it to their unique preferences and love story. From selecting an intimate venue that resonates with their journey to crafting personalized vows to adding unique touches to decor, favors, seating charts (etc.), every detail can be designed to the couple’s personality and desired wedding vibe.

This freedom allows for a one-of-a-kind experience where the wedding truly represents who they are, and the result is a celebration that feels deeply meaningful and authentically their own.

More Eco-Friendly

Micro weddings usually have a smaller ecological footprint compared to larger affairs. With fewer guests, there is less waste, reduced energy consumption, and a decreased need for extensive transportation. Couples who prioritize sustainability find micro weddings to be an eco-conscious choice that aligns their celebration with their values of environmental responsibility.

How to Make Your Micro Wedding Awesome

Creating an unforgettable micro wedding is all about embracing the unique opportunities this intimate setting provides.

Here are some tips to help you plan an amazing micro wedding experience:

• Personalize Every Detail: At every step of planning your micro wedding, think about ways you can personalize it. From colors, to venue, to menus, to attire, to favors and more, the day should be totally yours.
• Choose an Exceptional Venue: Opt for a venue that resonates with both of you. Whether it’s an intimate garden, a charming historic inn, a picturesque beachfront, or someone’s backyard, select a location that you love and feels comfortable for you.
• Curate Your Guest List: Be intentional in your guest selection. Invite those who have played significant roles in your lives and will cherish the moments with you. Be honest with yourself about who you want to be there. Don’t feel bad communicating transparently with others about it.
• Live Entertainment: Consider live music or entertainment to enhance the ambiance. A talented musician, a string quartet, or even a local band can add a magical touch to your micro wedding (and can be more affordable without a large guest list and venue to pay for).
• Capture the Moments: Invest in the right photographer to document your micro wedding. It should be someone you 100% trust to capture every important moment of the day.

By embracing these tips, your micro wedding will no doubt be a memorable experience, filled with love, meaning, and personal touches that reflect your one-in-a-million love story.

At Perennial, we love capturing micro weddings with documentary-style photography. We’ll capture your day authentically—candid moments and real emotions you can relive it again whenever you want. Schedule a call with us to decide if we’re right for you!