Everyone’s dream wedding looks different. While many couples dream of lavish decorations, luxury venues and lengthy guest lists, weddings don’t have to be such a big event. Micro weddings are a brilliant alternative for those looking for a smaller, more intimate ceremony. Having grown in popularity since the pandemic, an increasing number of couples are now opting for these smaller weddings instead of the traditional extravaganza.
A micro wedding could mean something different to each couple, but typically they would have no more than fifty guests, a smaller venue and a shorter ceremony. If that sounds like the kind of wedding you’d enjoy, read on to discover our top tips for the planning process.
Purchase secondhand where possible
A key advantage of hosting a micro wedding is the reduction in costs. Where you’d typically have to pay for a large venue and extensive catering amongst other things, a micro wedding can help couples to significantly cut down on costs.
In the spirit of cost saving, there are plenty of wedding elements that could be purchased secondhand. From your wedding dress to decorations, there’s no shame in extending the life of an object on your big day. You may even find that you’re able to have more high-end items than you’d be able to afford if they were brand new.
Be realistic about your guest list
An extensive guest list is one of the elements that can drive up the cost of your wedding the most. While the individual cost of each guest’s meal and drinks may not seem a lot, a total for even twenty guests can end up consuming a significant chunk of your budget.
A good rule of thumb to keep your guest list around your target number is to consider who you regularly keep in contact with. It can be tempting to invite all of your close family, but determining what “close” means can be tricky. By asking yourself who you speak to the most and would enjoy having there on your big day, you can trim down the list to only your true nearest and dearest.
Start preparing early
Although a micro wedding may not require the same level of planning and preparation that a traditional wedding would, it’s equally as important to start planning with plenty of time to spare before the day. Even small venues will have waitlists, and the same applies to photographers, caterers, florists and any other suppliers you might need.
Where budget is concerned, it can be especially helpful to start your wedding planning early. This way, you can work out which dates would be the most affordable, and you might even be able to get some early bird deals in the process.
Opting for a smaller wedding ceremony doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. There are plenty of ways to replicate the same romantic aura without breaking the bank, and many couples find that having a more intimate ceremony can actually make it feel all the more special. After all, what better way to celebrate your future together than surrounded by your closest friends and family?
