What Are Microweddings? Is One Right for You?

Planning a wedding is a huge task. Not only is it expensive, but it can be incredibly stressful and time-consuming. These days, many couples wonder whether a big wedding is worth it, and some consider eloping.

There’s a new trend, however, that still allows you to celebrate with your family and friends but isn’t as stressful as a traditional wedding: microweddings.

In this article we’ve broken down exactly what is a microwedding, explained the basics of how to plan one, and answered all your questions about microweddings.

Microweddings Quick Take: Microweddings are the same as regular weddings, but downsized!

Micro Wedding Venues

When people think of having a smaller wedding, they often picture going to the courthouse or registrar’s office. That said, it is still a wedding, and you shouldn’t miss out on celebrating your special day in style just because you want to keep it small. Despite being a smaller event, your wedding will still be your big day, so be sure to celebrate like it is!

It’s a great chance to make the most of the day and celebrate your love for one another. One of the perks of a micro wedding is the opportunity to get married somewhere different. Consider a variety of small-scale options, whether it’s your favorite restaurant, bar, park, or art gallery. 

While renting out even a small space may seem pricey, many of these places (particularly cafes and restaurants) come equipped with most of the things you’ll need, such as tables and chairs, kitchens, and sound systems. This can make them a cost-effective option.

You can also get your marriage license and travel somewhere new for your microwedding. When you downsize, you’ll find a whole host of adorable places to get married that you may not have otherwise considered. Be it a tiny chapel in Vegas, a cozy lodge in Colorado, an overwater gazebo in the Caribbean, or on a cruise ship, the choice is completely yours!

How Long Does It Take to Plan a Micro Wedding?

Micro wedding planning depends on how many people you’re inviting and where you want to get married. Microweddings are usually planned over about 2-3 months, although it’s possible to do it much more quickly if you want to. You’ll just need to check your local regulations about how long it takes to get a wedding license.

What Are the Benefits of a Micro Wedding?

There is a huge range of benefits of having a micro wedding. The main ones include:

• Microweddings are cheaper than a traditional wedding.
• It’s more intimate, and can therefore be more meaningful and sentimental, as well as being less materialistic.
• Microweddings are more customizable and flexible–you can get married practically wherever you want!
• A micro wedding takes less effort to plan and therefore creates less stress.

How to Plan Microweddings

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your big (small) day!

Choose a Venue First

When it comes to choosing a venue, the best part of a microwedding is that you can have it pretty much wherever you like. Finding a venue should come first so you can make sure it fits all your guests.

Once that’s done, be sure to line up an officiant to make your wedding legal!

Make It a Wedding–But Mini!

Essentials for any size wedding ceremony include an officiant and music. Wedding receptions typically feature three main things: food, alcohol, and good music. Keeping all of these as part of your day will give you that celebratory feel.

You may also want to have some decorations, such as flowers, candles, or table centerpieces. These may be handled by friends or family members, or even by the couple if you don’t want to hire a professional florist or wedding planner.

And while you may not need a giant wedding cake, you will still want something to cut and serve to your guests. There are tons of creative options out there, and choosing something other than a traditional white cake can often save you money. But if that’s your dream, be sure to book with a bakery far enough in advance.

If you choose to get married at a restaurant, they will be able to provide food and drinks. Some restaurants can provide music as well, and may even help you decorate. If they have a pastry chef, they might be able to do your cake as well.

Plan Your Outfit

As with any wedding, you’ll want to be sure you dress up! Even if you want a lowkey celebration, putting on something special will help you feel and look the part, and provide you with gorgeous pictures to look back on later in life.

Get a Photographer

Speaking of beautiful pictures to look back on, you’ll want to make sure to hire a professional photographer. No matter how small the wedding is, please please make sure this is the one thing you do from this list! Relying on family and friends to take pictures, even at a small wedding, is too risky.

When you interview photographers, ask about the pricing options. Since it’s a much smaller wedding with a much smaller guest list, hiring a photographer for a full day will probably not be necessary. They should be able to provide you with a simpler, less expensive package tailored to the size of your wedding. 

Consider Consulting a Professional

When it comes to booking a micro wedding, you can still do all of the little things that make a wedding a wedding such as flowers, decorations, a cake, etc. However, the size and scale is up to you. You don’t need to go above and beyond to decorate unless this is something you really want. 

Some people like to make these arrangements themselves but to make it easy, consider consulting with a wedding planner who can arrange these details for you. Many can provide services for micro weddings, by charging an hourly rate, rather than a flat rate for full wedding planning. This is another way of keeping the costs down, without having to compromise on the quality of your big day.

How Many Guests Is Considered a Micro Wedding?

In general, if you have 50 or fewer guests, it’s considered a micro wedding.

How Much Does a Micro Wedding Cost?

As with any wedding, a micro wedding cost depends on your choices, from the venue to the decor to extras like flowers and a cake. Therefore, the price for a micro wedding can really range. Typically though, they cost a lot less than a regular wedding. You can expect to spend around 50% less on a micro wedding than you would on a traditional wedding.

Can I Have a Microwedding Overseas?

Yes! Micro-destination weddings are definitely doable. In fact, having a smaller guest list makes a destination wedding much easier to manage. 

You can get married almost anywhere in the world. There are even some romantic adults-only all-inclusive resorts that offer free weddings if you stay a minimum number of nights, such as Sandals and Secrets.

To get help with planning one of these (or a destination wedding in your own country) you can visit our travel planning page to chat with one of our trusted advisors.

Have we answered all your questions about micro weddings? Do you plan to have one? Let us know in the comments!