The pandemic has changed the way we think and behave, but also the way we celebrate. For safety reasons, large-scale events are frequently postponed or even canceled. However, another phenomenon is becoming more and more popular — micro-weddings. Whether the pandemic forces you to reimagine the traditional celebration or you are just a person with a love for minimalism and intimacy, our article is for you. Scroll down below to see if micro-wedding is your thing.
What is a micro-wedding?
Micro-wedding is an intimate celebration typically with no more than 50 guests, making it the perfect middle ground between an elopement and a large opulent wedding. A win for couples who are not that interested in what a more traditional celebration has to offer! The small nature of such celebrations allows complete flexibility in terms of choosing venues — even a backyard will work. Plus, in the age of social distancing, micro-wedding is a great way to celebrate a meaningful occasion on a small-scale while not breaking safety measures and minimizing the chances of putting your health (and your guests’) at risk.
Flexibility
You can either maximize the cost per guest rate by pouring money onto lavish details or go towards an intimate budget-friendly celebration. Regardless of venue status and level, throwing a micro-event will cost you way less than a large-scale traditional wedding. With fewer guests on the list, you can stretch your budget further for even better catering, beverages, invitations, and memorable favors. Other than that, you might save some money for your future expenses, be that a honeymoon or some different type of activity you and your partner dream of spoiling yourselves with.
@blondearmy, @abigaillewisphoto
The atmosphere
Micro-wedding implies a smaller number of guests thus you can create a more cozy, private, and somewhat homely atmosphere during the event. The celebration will become even more meaningful, as you will share your happiest moments only with an extremely close group of people. Throughout a grand-scale wedding ceremony, you have to devote your attention to hundreds, if not thousands, of people. That's not the case when it comes to micro-weddings. These tight-knit celebrations will allow you to interact with everyone you invite. Plus, brides and grooms will have more time to enjoy each other's company and be less distracted by everything happening around them.
@damienmilan_photographer,@emma_beaumont_atelier
The planning process is easier
True, it’s much easier to plan and organize an event for a smaller group of people. You will get a high-quality celebration with lesser expenses, still being able to satisfy the needs of each of your guests, taking into consideration their personalities and tastes. Moreover, micro-wedding is just perfect for showing your artistic side, as you will have more creative liberty. Nearby park or cafe as a venue? Small wedding in an art gallery? Indeed, when it comes to planning a micro-wedding, the only limitation is your imagination.
It's impossible to invite everyone
Unfortunately, having a micro-wedding is also about making some sacrifices. Since it’s a small celebration, couples might have a hard time deciding who to add to their guest list. And let’s be honest, this might just be too much for already stressed-out brides and grooms. Whether you like it or not, you will eventually have to come up with a choice and drop out some important names to keep your celebration small and intimate. If cutting down your guest list is too much heartache, then micro-wedding might not be an option for you.
Sticking to traditions
Micro-weddings, being a relatively new concept of wedding celebration, might go against the traditional norms of large-scale ones. As it’s an unconventional choice, some of your more conservative older relatives, friends, or even your parents might get the wrong idea. So it will probably take some time for them to understand your vision and come to terms with your decision. However, it’s your celebration, hence your opinion matters the most. Try to approach your loved ones delicately and explain to them why micro-wedding is what you are aiming for.
Some guests might not show up
Sounds like a nightmare! Just the idea of having empty seats on such a big day makes anxiety pop up even more. However, anything can happen, so you have to be prepared. Some of your invitees might have a sudden change of plans or, in the worst possible scenario, health issues that will result in them not showing up for the celebration. In that case, the disadvantage of a micro-wedding is obvious — with a smaller guest list, the absence of some invitees is very noticeable. Imagine if ten people don’t show up at a celebration with 30 guests, the impact will be felt heavily.
@vividsymphony, @emmajaneweddingplanner
Be yourself
Micro-weddings are definitely a hot topic in the wedding community. But before making your decision carefully weigh up all the pros and cons. And remember to stay true to your tastes, values, and your own self.
