Micro weddings are a trend of this year, these are weddings with less than 20 guests. Being smaller in size, it’s usually cheaper, more relaxed and shorter in length than a traditional wedding day. While it still could be the couple and two witnesses, it’s not done in secret or on a whim, but is a fully thought-through and planned wedding day, just for a smaller guest list. The ceremony will often not take place at a registry office either.
A micro wedding will always have a ceremony and a reception, but that can take any form the couple like, for example, an outdoor ceremony followed by a casual BBQ or renting out the private room of a restaurant for a meal, speeches and dancing. You can include or skip wedding traditions that you want. Let’s take a look at some pros and cons to find out if it’s your option or not.
Pros
First of all, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed wedding day. Planning a large event is a huge undertaking that involves juggling multiple suppliers, chasing RSVPs, planning seating arrangements, and ensuring there’s enough food, booze and entertainment for your guests on the day. A small wedding of up to 20 guests is often much less stressful for couples. It strips the planning process right back to the things that are most important to you as a couple: the people you absolutely want by your side and the experience you want to create for yourselves and your guests.
When you reduce the number of guests at your wedding, the cost naturally goes down. If budget is a big consideration for you, a micro wedding where you only invite your absolute nearest and dearest might be the best choice. It’s also a fantastic idea if you want to focus on the quality of your guest experience, which will be also allowed with a micro wedding.
Micro weddings will most likely to be held in exclusive-use venues where you have free rein to transform the décor, decide your running order and create the atmosphere you want. You’ll easily extend your wedding venue list if you have fewer guests.
At a big wedding, couples are lucky to get five minutes to catch up with each guest. With a smaller number, you can interact with each and every guest, build deeper connections and make your guests feel more valued.
Not a motivation for everyone, but for some, the thought of a hundred people watching you walk down the aisle and say your vows can be anxiety-inducing. Whether you have anxiety or are shy, whether you are an introvert who doesn’t like to share feelings, micro weddings are or you.
A boho tablescape with macrame, candles and bright blooms, benches and a teepee for a micro wedding.
a bright fall micro wedding reception with a coral runner, blush candles and a bright floral and fruit centerpiece.
A bright summer micro wedding with yellow petals, candle lanterns and a blush watercolor backdrop is amazing.
A cheerful and cool micro summer wedding reception with lush blooms and greenery and lights over it.
Moody wedding table decor.
A cool micro holiday wedding indoors, with a large Christmas tree as a backdrop is a gorgeous idea.
A cozy micro wedding reception with lush greenery, white blooms and elegant tableware is veyr intimate.
Cons
The biggest disadvantage is that you may encounter pushback from friends or family. Guests who don’t make the cut can feel hurt by your decision to have just 20 people at your big day. You have to be really confident that this is the right decision for you, otherwise you may start feeling guilty about the people who are upset by your choice. If you can’t go with 20 or fewer wedding guests, micro weddings might not be for you.
A formal micro wedding with a dress code is a thing that can also happen if you only want that.
A garden micro wedding ceremony space with greenery, blooms, fruits and candle lanterns doesn't feel too large.
A micro wedding ceremony on the lakeshore, with an adorable view as the main touch and backdrop.
A micro wedding reception will make you two feel more comfortable and you can spend more time with your guests.
A relaxed beach micro wedding with some guests and the couple's dog participating is a cool idea.
A romantic micro spring wedding reception with a lavender table runner, matching candles and floral centerpieces.
A romantic modern micro wedding ceremony space with greenery, driftwood and ghost guest chairs.
Tips
If you go ahead with a micro wedding, write a list of non-negotiables that you want at your wedding. You and your partner should each get to say three things that you won’t compromise on. It’s a good idea for a usual wedding, too, but for a micro one it’s a must as your budget is usually smaller.
You do not want to feel lost in a setting that feels too big and amplifies the small numbers. You need somewhere ‘just right’ with plenty of space for everybody to relax, but the right proportions for the intimate atmosphere to be created. The stuff should be unobtrusive.
The size of your wedding is no indicator of how lavish you can go with the things that matter. Splurge on what you consider important and save where you feel it’s right. If you want a gorgeous expensive dress, just go for it! Take a look at various ideas below and get inspired to have your own very special micro wedding!
A simple micro wedding ceremony space with greenery, boho rugs and wooden chairs.
A small and cozy backyard fall wedding reception is a cool idea for those who don't feel like large and formal weddings.
A small outdoor wedding ceremony space with a fall floral arch and greenery and just several guests.
A tropical micro wedding with not many guests and an outdoor tropical micro ceremony for intimacy.
Go for a ceremony in any space you like as getting a smaller number of guests there won't be difficult at all.
Going for a micro wedding, you can elevate the experience and splurge on many more things, for example, bright blooms and greenery.
Saying 'I Do' in front of a small amount of people is a cool idea for introverts and those who feel too shy.