If you’ve been keeping up with current trends, you may have seen a rise in popularity of the “micro-wedding”. If this is your introduction to the idea, you may be thinking, “Okay. That sounds like a cute term, but what is it?” A micro-wedding is a down-sizing of your typical wedding and consists of up to 40 guests! It is the perfect solution for couples stuck between the idea of a traditional wedding and the desire to elope, but there are also many other benefits. Here are our top four reasons to have a micro- wedding, and how we can help you!
A Micro-Wedding Reduces the Stress of Hosting!
We’ve all heard “success is 90% planning, 10% execution.” A micro-wedding can ease the burden on both fronts. Coordination and planning is significantly easier with a smaller guest list. Sending out save the dates, invitations, and keeping track of RSVPs with only 40 guests makes everything much more manageable. Having fewer guests also means that you can be more mindful of food sensitivities when coordinating with a caterer and ensure that everyone can partake in your big day. 40 guests may sound like a small number and induce some anxiety when thinking about narrowing the guest list. Every couple wants to feel celebrated on their big day, and traditionally we may think about this happening with 100-200 guests. However, as couples have been discovering recently, a smaller quantity of guests in no way means a lower quality of the overall experience. Being intentional with your guest list and reducing the number of guests ensures that you’ll have more time with each of them. You won’t have to rush through your photo sessions or reception line; you will have quality time with each individual! Everyone wants to dance with the bride and groom- with a micro-wedding they will definitely get the chance.
Micro-Weddings Can be More Budget Friendly!
Hosting this type of event can allow you to splurge or save more money according to what you want! You are definitely saving money by having a smaller guest list; this also allows you to choose a smaller venue, and save on decor. These are all great options for couples who are looking to tuck some money away for a few extra days on their honeymoon or to save for their new life as a married couple! The beauty of the extra money is that it could also be used to splurge. If you’re saving on the number of guests, maybe you have enough now to pay for that band you really wanted or those custom embossed invitations. Or you have enough to invest in that floral wall backdrop for all your guest’s Instagram posts! Using a coordinator for your planning can help your budget as well. Your time is valuable! In some cases when planning a wedding, planning has to become the couple’s number one priority and hobby. By hiring a coordinator, you are allowing the possibility of time to pursue your other interests and passions. For example, our joint package with Briar Rose Hill can offer you everything from coordination to venue in our all-inclusive package. It is incredibly affordable and includes flowers, cake, catering, and reliable vendor recommendations for everything else. Save yourself valuable time (and money) by utilizing affordable options.
Micro-Weddings are More Environmentally Friendly
Why not save the world a little bit on your big day? Micro-weddings hosted in a smaller venue will require less power for lighting, heating and cooling, and water! You will be saving paper when sending out Save-the-Dates and invitations. Because you are inviting a smaller number of guests, more of them may be from similar circles and willing to ride-share or carpool to your event together. In this scenario, you’re helping the environment and your guests by saving them gas money. We mentioned the menu earlier when considering simplified coordination, but with a micro- wedding you can also reduce the possibility of food wastes. Think back to a wedding you’ve attended- have you ever seen the Mother of the Bride carrying half of the leftover cake to her car? I know I have. And then around three months later, she still has pieces in her freezer. A smaller wedding allows you (and your caterer) to be more accurate in predicting how much food is needed. This can substantially reduce the amount of food waste! Saving the environment- and your family’s freezer space.
Silver Linings of Today’s Times
Last but not least, the topic on everyone’s minds. It’s no secret that COVID-19 has changed the way we live- and celebrate. A smaller gathering will provide you more peace of mind and communicating and encouraging clear safety precautions will be easier with a micro-wedding. With a smaller number of guests, distancing on the day-of will also be less complicated! A micro-wedding is a great way to promote the safety of your guests while still having a beautiful and meaningful wedding. If you want to have a micro-wedding but are unsure about how to narrow down your guest list, this year has given you a silver lining. People of all ages are more familiar with streaming and video conference services than ever before. This provides a safe option for those who want to be part of your big day but are unable to make it in-person. For more information on hosting a wedding, check out our recent post “Wedding Planning in a Pandemic - Postponement Tips, Safety Measures and Support”.
We would love to help you coordinate your dream wedding. If you’re interested in a micro- wedding of your own, consider our partnership package with Briar Rose Hill! Briar Rose Hill is the perfect backdrop for your big day, with elegant grounds and a gorgeous historic home. Paired with our coordination, assistance in catering, decor, and flowers, this could be the perfect opportunity to create the micro-wedding of your dreams.
Blog Written By: Erin Eversole
Photography By: Kendall Parson’s
Couple: Laurie & Tanner ( A future Memory Lane Events Couple)