Micro Weddings: What Are They and Should You Have One?

Nothing has shifted the way we live our lives more than COVID-19.

Weddings included.

This pandemic, together with its safety restrictions and social distancing requirements, has dramatically changed what a wedding can look like.

We’re now giving more thought to the safety of gathering in large groups. And we’re focusing on smaller weddings that are more intimate and intentional.

Are you newly-engaged and wondering if you’ll be able to have the wedding of your dreams?

Then perhaps a micro wedding is the perfect solution.

What is a micro wedding?

As the name suggests, a micro wedding is a small-scale wedding. It falls somewhere between a small traditional wedding and an elopement.

The guest list for a micro wedding is usually no more than 50 guests - made up of immediate family and super-close friends only.

This means micro weddings focus more on you as a couple than on wedding traditions.

Though unlike elopements, micro weddings also make a point of including your guests.

In fact, the shortened guest list allows you to spend more of your budget on the smaller details - something that’d be hard to do with a hundred guests or more.

How the pandemic is creating a new trend in weddings

With social distancing and restrictions on gatherings expected to stay, the popularity of micro weddings has increased dramatically around the world.

It means that weddings are becoming more about creating an experience that’s intimate and meaningful for the couple.

Which makes sense, really.

Especially when you think about traditional weddings being nothing more than a big production to entertain hundreds of guests.

Why should you consider having a micro wedding?

The best thing about a micro wedding is it can still feel like a traditional wedding.

You plan your wedding day with the guests in mind. You still have a wedding party and include activities for everyone to enjoy.

But since everything is on a smaller scale, the planning is simpler and less stressful. And your actual wedding day won’t be as demanding or chaotic as a big traditional wedding either.

As a result, you’ll be able to focus more on each other, your marriage celebration, and quality time with your guests.

Surely that sounds better than entertaining guests you barely even know.

What’s more, you’ll potentially save money that can be put towards more important investments.

A house deposit, perhaps? Or an amazing honeymoon?  

Here’s what a micro wedding might look like

Of course, your wedding day is all about you. And you should plan a day that’s meaningful and memorable to you both.

For some inspiration, here’s a sample timeline of a micro wedding:

1. Spend your morning getting ready with hair and makeup. You might have a small wedding party of one or two people.

2. Before the ceremony, a handful of your closest family and friends arrive. You want your wedding day to be simple and intimate, so you invited around 40 guests.

3. You enjoy your wedding ceremony that’s beautiful and intimate.

4. After the ceremony, your guests enjoy a cocktail hour while you get to spend some time together as newlyweds and have some portraits taken.

5. Everyone enjoys a meal together. There are toasts, and everyone has a great time catching up.

6. Afterwards, there are drinks, music, and having a fun time together.

7. Once everyone has left, the two of you can savour the last moments of your wedding day. You’re both relaxed and looking forward to your future together.

Sounds amazing, right?

Is it time to step away from the traditional?

More and more couples are looking for ways to skip out on big stressful weddings. Especially with the current restrictions and health considerations. 

If eloping doesn't feel like the right choice for you, but you love the idea of having a smaller, more intimate wedding… then a micro wedding might be the perfect compromise!

And remember, virtual wedding streaming is becoming more popular and is easy to arrange.

So you can have a micro wedding and still have lots of guests share your wedding day with you - from anywhere in the world!

Are you planning an intimate or micro wedding?

Then you may be thinking of having a documentary photographer there to capture all the special moments of your day.

If so, I’d love to hear from you!