Are you considering a micro wedding?
September 14, 2020
If you’re considering a micro wedding, here are a few things to think about. You might have some unhappy friends or family members when they find out you’re going small and they will be excluded from the guest list. Stay confident and explain your plans. If they care, they will understand. If you’re willing, you can share lots of photos and the video to help them feel like they were still a part of it. You might even be able to offer a live feed during the wedding.
Focus on your MUST HAVES first. Whatever is most important to you, make that be where you put your time and energy first, so that the day goes as planned. Then, if you have to compromise on anything, it will be the aspects of the wedding that aren’t your number one priority.
It’s still a good idea to create a registry. Just because you’ve decided on an intimate ceremony doesn’t mean that your distant family or co-workers won’t want to give you a gift. To make sure that you don’t end up with four of the same thing, registries are key.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates is the perfect venue for a beautiful outdoor wedding. With historic homes, romantic gardens, and spectacular river views, there is something to offer every couple. Ceremony packages include a wedding ceremony, a one-hour wedding rehearsal, a two-hour engagement photo session, complimentary passes, free parking for guests, and an events staff member to coordinate and supervise your ceremony, as well as necessary support staff. Keep in mind that rental equipment and catering services are not included and must be obtained through an approved vendor on our list. Event insurance is required for all ceremonies and receptions.
The desire to enhance intimacy and reduce wedding costs have only increased since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic emerged. As more couples opt for celebrations with smaller guest lists, we’ve seen the rise of elopements, “minimonies,” and micro weddings. Read on to learn about these wedding trends, discover how to plan a micro-wedding in particular, and determine if a small wedding is right for you.
The Micro Wedding
A micro-wedding is an in-person wedding with up to 50 guests who are almost entirely composed of your nearest and dearest. For this wedding type, you probably won’t invite your mother-in-law’s second cousin or your colleagues from work.
Plan a micro wedding just as you would a traditional wedding — but with fewer people invited.
Is a micro wedding right for you? Opting for a micro wedding depends on a variety of factors including:
•Location
•Budget
•Number of people you can’t imagine not being at your wedding
To help you determine if a micro wedding is right for you, see if you meet any of the following criteria.
•Are you planning a destination wedding that’s better suited to a small group? If the venue is remote, you’d like to plan group activities with guests, or there are limited accommodations, then a micro wedding may be an ideal choice.
•Are you OK with not inviting your “full crew” to the wedding? A small wedding has many perks, but it does mean you’ll probably have to leave some people you care about off the guest list. If you’re okay with that, forge ahead with your micro wedding.
•If you’re hoping to minimize cost, a micro wedding could be for you. One of the largest costs of many weddings is food and drink. More guests usually means a larger bill, especially since the average cost of a wedding guest has increased.
•Think about how much time you want to spend with your guests. While it’s nearly impossible to say more than a quick “Thanks for coming” to guests at a large wedding, a micro wedding creates the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with all guests.
•If you want to spend more of your budget on something other than food and drink, a micro wedding opens the door to options. If you’re hoping to purchase an amazing wedding dress, beautiful floral displays, live entertainment, an extravagant honeymoon, or another pricey treat, a micro wedding can help ensure you have enough funds for the splurge.
•Large weddings can be overwhelming. A micro wedding is a great choice if the idea of hundreds of people watching you say “I do” seems like too much, and you prefer a wedding on a smaller scale than more traditional nuptials.
•Perhaps you hope to limit your carbon footprint by using fewer resources for the wedding. There are numerous ways a micro wedding can help you be more eco-conscious. For instance, fewer people will have to travel by plane or car and less food and drink will be consumed, minimizing the amount of food waste and dishes that require water.
Tips for planning your micro wedding:
Once you’ve given the green light to a micro wedding, use the following 14 tips to create a smaller scale celebration — without losing any of the magic for your special occasion.
1. Find the right wedding venue
A major advantage of a micro wedding is the abundance of venues available. While large weddings are limited to event spaces that can accommodate a big group, couples planning intimate nuptials usually have their pick of everything from a boutique restaurant, an art gallery, or the top of an iconic structure to an intimate beach, a sunset cruise, or a secret garden.
There are few limits to where you can say “I do.” As many aspects of wedding planning depend on the venue, find the right one before moving on to the next step.
2. Consider a destination wedding
As a micro wedding can significantly lower your costs, you may find that your budget allows for a destination wedding. If this is something you’ve dreamed of, start looking into how to make it happen. As an added bonus, it’s a lot easier to get 50 or fewer people to a far-off location than 150.
3. Only invite your closest friends and family
One of the trickiest, but most important, aspects of a micro wedding is only inviting the special people you and your fiancé can’t forgo. Create the invite list together, and be as discerning as possible with who makes the cut.
4. Reconsider allowing plus ones
If your invite list is pushing 50 without accounting for plus ones, you can make them a no-go. It’s likely many of your guests will know each other, so you probably won’t get much flack for the decision. Even if you do, remember it’s your wedding. You have every right to say “No” to someone you barely know arriving on the arm of Cousin Anna or Uncle Bob.
5. Find the right officiant
While it’s always good to find an officiant that resonates with you, it’s especially important for a small wedding as it’s such an intimate affair. You can either hire a professional officiant from the area where you’ll wed, or ask a loved one who has a way with words to officiate.
6. Decide if you want a wedding party
Some couples choose to not have a wedding party during their micro wedding, since the guest count is small. Alternatively, you and your partner could have one special friend or family member beside you as you say “I do.” At the end of the day, the size of your wedding party is up to you, regardless of the guest count.
7. Get creative with wedding elements
Fewer wedding guests usually means more space for quality and creativity. A small guest list can result in a more unique venue, foodie-friendly meals, custom cocktails, involved games, elaborate decorations, and anything else you wish.
8. Embrace the services of a wedding planner
While it seems like wedding planning for a micro wedding is easy, there are still elements you may forget or find overwhelming. Consider hiring a wedding planner. This wedding pro can ensure every detail is considered and dissolve a significant amount of your stress.
9. Hire a photographer
Regardless of how understated you want your wedding to be, it’s still a momentous occasion that should be captured by a professional photographer. Take your time searching for the right fit, perusing online portfolios, and calling top candidates to get a feel if your personalities mesh.
10. Treat yourself to an amazing wedding reception
Just because you’re having a micro wedding doesn’t mean you should forgo a fabulous reception. Because this type of wedding doesn’t require as many funds for food and drink, you’ll probably have more flexibility when it comes to selecting a venue, entertainment, decor and fun details you think would enhance the celebration.
11. Decide if you want DIY floral displays or a professional florist
Although trying to create DIY centerpieces and other floral displays for a large wedding can seem like a recipe for disaster, it’s doable for a micro wedding. If you enjoy getting crafty with flowers and foliage, consider making your own displays. Alternatively, you can always seek out a florist to help you develop a concept that matches your vision.
12. Make it personal
Without an abundance of guests, creating thoughtful touches is more doable. This can include handwritten invitations, calligraphy place cards, arrangements of hand-picked wildflowers, and anything else that piques your interest.
13. Opt for your favorite sweets
When you’re not trying to provide dessert for over 100 people, you can forgo the cake and get more creative. For example, if you love homemade cookies, pie, or candy, feel free to follow that urge. Some couples hosting a micro wedding also choose to have a small cake and a separate table with a variety of sweets.
14. Determine when you need to acquire the marriage license
Some places have numerous hoops to jump through before you receive the marriage license. It’s wise to look into the requirements a few months before you tie the knot. This is especially important if you’re hoping to get legally hitched during an international destination wedding.
Linda and John recently had a micro wedding at Edison Ford. If all of the above resonates with your ideal wedding day, give us a call and book your micro wedding today!
