You Should Have a Micro Wedding
What is a micro wedding?
A wedding, but on a smaller scale, typically around 10-20 guests
Micro weddings tend to be less stressful than bigger weddings, more intimate, you'll be able to interact with all your guests, typically cost less depending on what your vision is.
They're perfect for the couple that want a wedding, but don't want the attention of lots and lots of people, potentially that you don't know very well, but you do want immediate family and close friends, a great alternative for the introverts.
Your Budget Can Stretch Further
With a smaller wedding, you can stretch your budget further. You can prioritise elements of your
wedding you want to make spectacular.Maybe you want an amazing caterer, or you have a unique
idea for decor and florals, maybe you want a photographer and videographer you otherwise couldn't have budget for with a bigger wedding. Maybe a special vendor for entertainment,
Location
One of the best things about having a micro wedding is that you have a lot more options for places to have it.It could be a stunning airbnb, ceremony at a scenic location then dinner at the local quirky restaurant, your'e not limited to the bigger traditional venues.
Think about what location means the most to you and how you would feel to spend the day or maybe a few days
Guests
This can sometimes be the trickiest part of a micro wedding.
A micro wedding has a considerably smaller number of guests than a regular wedding, around 10-15. Who should you invite?
The people that mean the most to you.
immediate family and close friends. Some people may wonder why they aren't invited, and thats ok, it's your day.
You shouldn't feel pressured into a bigger wedding by other family members/friends, you might be having a smaller wedding due to the large cost of having a big wedding, or just might not want to have a busy wedding day, you want to so something unique, and to make sure you have time to soak in the day with your partner, without having to deal with a large amount of people.
Personalisation
With a smaller wedding you can focus on really making things special and run with your vision. Make handmade favours for your guests, some hand written thank you notes for attending, maybe you really want some beautiful floral decor and whimsical lighting. Consider writing your own vows, maybe have a private vow reading to each other before the ceremony to really soak in each others words, you can do a more non traditional ceremony or add in your own traditions.
Planning Checklist
Venue/Location - having a smaller wedding can give you more freedom with where you do it, you could get ready in an airbnb and have a ceremony in a beautiful location in nature, then have a dinner at a venue, maybe even the airbnb. You could do it all in a venue, have a look around you area, there may be some smaller unique venues that you could use.
Photographer/Videographer - Essential for capturing the moments of your day, still or moving, make sure to secure who want as soon as you know a date to ensure you get who you want
Officiant/Celebrant - You need to make sure you have someone to make it legal! there are different types of wedding officiants, religious and non-religious, some do a more straight forward ceremony, some will do a more personalised ceremony, do some research of ones in the area and what you would like for your ceremony
Licence - For one you need a wedding licence! Make sure you can legally get married in the location if you are from somewhere else, sometimes it wont be legal unless it's from your home state/province/country. You may also need a licence for the wedding itself depending on the location, if its a national park etc. liquor licence if you plan on serving alcohol may be necessary. Park permits, more often than not if you are having a wedding in a national park, you will need a permit
Catering - You could hirer a caterer, have a sit down dinner or a buffet. Maybe some food trucks, a mobile bar. You can have fun with this to bring a unique twist to your day
Rentals - You may need to rent tables, chairs, linens, decor, cutlery, lighting, maybe a tent if its outdoors
Transportation - Think about how you will get to the different locations if that's what you choose to do, you may need to rent a vehicle for the day or a few days, maybe you want to provide a shuttle serve for guests from dinner, especially if serving alcohol.
Accommodation - For you and some suggestions for you guests, unless they are able to stay at the same place, maybe if you rent a larger airbnb etc.
Dress/Suit - If you might be walking a bit or in a scenic location, think about having a dress that's easy to move in, maybe something with movement and easy to take with you if you are travelling. Same with shoes, if your wearing a dress or a suit, maybe pick out some shoes that are comfortable to walk in and have a special for reception after.
Hair/Makeup - Make sure you to do a trail with the artist you pick, that way you can tweak everything to perfection and everything will go smoothly on your day.
My Thoughts
As a wedding photographer who has shot the big weddings... i definatly prefer the vibe of micro weddings. so many beautiful moments to capture, a more relaxed feeling and more time with the couple.
I'm currently engaged and have been looking at doing a micro wedding, both me and my partner are introverted, and the thought of being in front of a lot of people just isn't it for us. We want the low stress, intimate vibes of a micro wedding, somewhere beautiful with only the people that matter the most. So if this is the vibe your going for, jump right in.
