We’re so lucky to live in a time where individuality is not just encouraged, but celebrated! Gone are the days when every couple was expected to follow a set list of wedding traditions, from venue to attire to even the dessert table.
Even wedding size has more flexibility these days, with a growing number of couples choosing smaller, more intimate settings with only those close to the couple. Throwing a micro wedding can eliminate some of the stress of a larger affair and allow you to enjoy the big day alongside a handful of select guests.
What should you know about this trend, and how can you implement it in a celebration that is unique to you? Here is what you should know.
What is a Micro Wedding?
Generally, a micro wedding is a small affair with fifty or fewer guests. You’ll invite only immediate family members and close friends who have significantly impacted you or your relationship.
Grand weddings with hundreds of guests appeal to some couples, certainly, but it’s not for everyone! If you and your partner would prefer something personal and intimate, a micro wedding is definitely a wedding trend to look into.
Some couples opt for a micro wedding to save on cash, since fewer guests will mean a smaller menu, less food to order, and so on. But this is entirely up to you! Some couples will simply put that budget toward upscaling the micro wedding into something truly incredible – and just wouldn’t be affordable for a larger guest list.
For example, a smaller guest list might mean you can afford to book a destination weekend wedding, high-end catering, or extravagant flower arrangements. It’s all about creating an experience you will remember forever.
Micro Wedding Pros and Cons
Does this smaller ceremony sound like the ideal fit for your big day? Ensure you know all of the potential pros and cons of a micro wedding.
Pro: More Intimate Means More Relaxed
Larger guest lists also mean you won’t know everyone as well. Distant family, coworkers, and old friends may only be known to one half of the couple – and feel like strangers to the other. This can lead to additional stress since the bride or groom may feel extra anxiety about making a good first impression.
Micro weddings offer more intimate settings, which often means that things will be more casual and relaxed. Among close family and friends, everyone will already know each other and feel less pressure to be “on” and “perfect” every second of the day. You can just be yourself!
Pro: Less Stressful
Brides and grooms alike are often overwhelmed with anxiety about getting their ceremony and reception off without a hitch. The more people you invite, the more stress and room for error. From catering and seating arrangement miscommunications to realizing you didn’t order enough wedding favors, there’s a lot more to worry about!
With the guest list whittled down, you’ll have far fewer details to manage. Think about how a smaller headcount influences the stress leading up to the ultimate celebration. Invitations, venue, rentals, catering, transportation, entertainment – everything can be scaled down into something smaller and more straightforward.
Pro: Save Money
A smaller venue with fewer guests does have the potential to save some serious cash. While the wedding and reception will make for incredible fun and lasting memories, the event will be over before you know it.
Some couples may prefer to put their budget toward other things. As mentioned earlier, this could mean an upscaled destination wedding or extra investment into something that will last forever. Wedding cinematography, for example, will capture all the highlights of your special day so you can relive those moments for years to come.
Con: Fewer Guests Mean Hard Decisions
The major con of throwing a micro wedding in lieu of a traditional wedding is obvious: you won’t be able to invite everyone. You’ll have to face the reality that some people may be hurt to be excluded from your special day.
However, you can mitigate this by setting clear expectations about the guest list. Immediate family only, for example, can help your great aunts and cousins twice removed understand that they weren’t individually singled out to be excluded.
Another related downside: any absentees will be more noticeable. If an invitee doesn’t show up for some reason on the day of the ceremony, it will be obvious that someone is missing.
Con: Throwing Away Tradition
Modern couples might not care about traditions at their wedding, but your guests may have some opinions about your departure from the norms. You may have to get buy-in from your family early to avoid some of the disappointment about missing what they thought was a standard wedding procedure.
6 Unique Ideas for Your Micro Wedding
How can you celebrate in style with fewer guests at a micro wedding? These unique ideas will help you think through the possibilities.
Hike to Your Vows
If you want a wedding that highlights the natural beauty of your local area, you may decide to forgo renting a venue and instead take advantage of free or low-cost options. For example, the happy couple might hike onto a trail to exchange their vows. Ensure your guest list is prepared for a short hike with comfortable footwear!
Make Reservations at a Nice Restaurant
Instead of having a caterer bring the meal to you, a smaller party means that a typical restaurant should be able to accommodate everyone. This can save money because catering is typically one of the more expensive reception costs.
Plus, you won’t have to rent tables and chairs for your guests. All you have to do is reserve a table or a private room at your favorite restaurant.
Rent an Airbnb
One unique way to celebrate your reception is to rent out an Airbnb instead of a more formal venue. A high-end rental home allows you to take advantage of a kitchen for your food and may even have seating taken care of for your guests.
If you plan to serve alcohol, guests can drink and enjoy their night without worrying about a designated driver – because they can spend the night in one of the bedrooms.
Plus, look for amenities like a hot tub, pool, or fire pit that can make your reception even more fun! It’s like a mini resort just for you and your guests.
Destination Wedding
It’s much more affordable to book a destination wedding for a handful of people, and it’s less of a hassle with a smaller guest list. Splurge on more luxurious accommodations, first-class flights, and experiences for your guests that you may not have been able to include in other circumstances.
After Party Options
A simple restaurant reservation might not fit the bill for those who want to celebrate all night. Go to your favorite restaurant for a meal and then head out with guests up for a little partying. You can hit up a local bar for cocktails, go dancing, or attend a fun class with your guests like a sip and paint. You could even visit a winery for a tasting.
Rent Out a Theater
Maybe you and your sweetheart are big film lovers. Many local theaters will allow you to rent a room and screen a movie with friends and family. This could be a sweet, low-key memory that you can revisit every anniversary by watching the same film.
Remember Every Moment with Wedding Cinematography
With all of the money you save on the arrangements of your micro wedding, you can invest that money back into a film that will capture the heart and emotion of your intimate ceremony and reception.
Reverent is the largest wedding cinematographer in the state of Texas, specializing in emotional, cinematic storytelling that will stand the test of time. We have the experience and creative vision to capture your love story and distill it into a touching, one-of-a-kind wedding film you can cherish forever. Book our services today for your upcoming nuptials!
