5 Realities of Planning a Microwedding
“What should we do about our wedding?” asked every COVID couple ever.
By now, you’ve heard the term microwedding, and probably have a friend or friend of a friend who's had or been to one! Generally, a wedding is considered a microwedding if there are 50 or fewer guests. This style of wedding became popularized during a certain virus when Happily Ever After couldn’t wait and some couples chose to host their weddings with a more modest guest count.
Even as social distancing mandates have lifted, the microwedding trend is here to stay. Couples are loving this low-pressure take on a usually high-stress celebration and having more budget flexibility.
There are a lot of benefits to keeping your wedding an intimate affair (such as more face time with each of your guests!), but there are also a few unique considerations.
The sweetest couple // Alyssa Rados Photo
Here are 5 realities you should know about before planning a microwedding:
Your microwedding will be as “budget-friendly” as you make it. With fewer guests comes a smaller bill? Not always! With fewer guests to tend to, many couples are choosing to invest their budget in upgraded services like top-shelf bar offerings and premium plated dinners that they couldn’t otherwise have afforded for 200+ guests. Other couples choose to enhance their wedding design by adding impressive floral installations and upgraded table settings.
You’ll probably celebrate in an unconventional venue. Larger reception halls or barns might feel too empty with a smaller guest count. These spaces can be perfect if you plan to do your ceremony and dinner in the same space (no room flip required!). However, if your ceremony will be off-site or outside, you may want to find a venue with a more cozy atmosphere for cocktail hour and dinner. Consider places like cafes, art galleries, arboretums or gardens, and even special places like mom’s backyard or the family cabin.
A smaller guest count doesn’t mean cheaper vendors. Yes, you can totally save some of your budget in terms of sending fewer invites and feeding fewer people, but your photographer and DJ don’t care how many guests are present — it takes just as much effort to do their job no matter your guest count. Appreciate wedding pros and the services they offer, without expecting a discount just because you reduced your guest count.
On that note… “Mini” and “Micro” wedding packages may be more affordable, but might not include everything you need. If you’re downsizing your guest count, consider if you’re also planning to downsize your reception plans. Oftentimes, a “Mini” or “Micro” wedding package means fewer venue rental hours or less time with your photographer. If you’re planning a more casual or shorter reception, then six hours of photography or a ceremony-and-cocktail-hour-only venue rental could be perfect! Just read the fine print so you know what your “Micro” package is really “saving” you.
Lastly, be prepared for some resentment. While it may seem easier to create the guest list when only including immediate family or your closest friends, it may not be understood by guests who didn’t get the invite. Unfortunately, this is inevitable when downsizing your celebration, whether due to budget constraints or capacity restrictions. Whatever the reason, your wedding is deeply personal and it’s totally okay to keep it small! For folks who just don’t get the memo, check out this article from The Knot for advice on what to say.
Lucky in Love // Alyssa Rados Photo
In the end, don’t forget what this whole (micro)wedding thing is about — your love for one another!
Ultimately, your microwedding can cost as much (or as little) as you’re comfortable with and no one else’s ideas or expectations should be as important as your own. When you’re celebrating your love with your nearest and dearest, a microwedding with a self-serve buffet and your backyard picnic furniture will be just as special as a cafe reception with a 5-star meal.
The cutest tree swing at the Barn at Stoney Hill // Alyssa Rados Photo
Just married! // Alyssa Rados Photo
As you’re planning your microwedding, consider investing in a Certified Wedding Planner to double-check those contracts, perfect your floor plan, and button-up your timeline! With our eye for design and details, we’re here to provide unique suggestions tailored to your guest count and budget.
