How to Plan the Micro Wedding of Your Dreams
Much like the tiny home trend, micro weddings are here to stay. These small-scale celebrations include only your closest loved ones, creating an intimate atmosphere that brings together those who matter most to you. It’s no surprise that they’re becoming increasingly popular.
Whether you’ve always wanted a micro wedding or it’s a fun new concept to you, here’s our ultimate guide on how to have an unforgettable day on a smaller scale.
What Is a Micro Wedding?
Everyone’s definition of a micro wedding is slightly different. Some define it as a gathering of fewer than 50 people, while others consider it a wedding for no more than 20 guests. Either way, a micro wedding can still have all the excitement and joy of a larger celebration.
Not to be confused with an elopement, which requires much less wedding planning and is more spontaneous, micro weddings take the wonderful touches of a larger wedding — such as decor rentals, floral arrangements, and entertainment — and serve them up in a smaller package.
Why Micro Weddings Are Popular
Micro weddings have been growing in popularity thanks to their intimate feel, budget-friendly options, and creative freedom. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why micro weddings are loved by so many.
They Create an Intimate Atmosphere
Micro weddings are often known for their warm, personal environment. The guest list is limited to the couple’s close friends and family members, which tends to make everyone feel more at ease. It’s simpler to create a welcoming and familiar mood than with a big wedding.
That special feeling doesn’t just come from the connections between you and your guests. Intimate weddings are typically hosted in smaller venues, so there’s less empty space. Many couples opt for a DIY or rustic style for their special day, or theme it closely around a unique hobby or interest, which only adds to the intimate atmosphere.
With a smaller guest list, you can also dedicate more time to each guest. Instead of spending your wedding reception trying to connect with dozens (or even hundreds) of people, you can enjoy longer conversations and make more memories with a select few.
They Help You Save Money
One of the reasons why micro weddings are popular is that you can recreate that luxe wedding feel on a smaller budget. With fewer guests, you can save money on costs that typically rise sharply.
When you’re dealing with a guest list of 25 versus 250, it’s easier to create the experience you love for less or DIY the day without a wedding planner. Think about all the other areas where you can scale down your costs too, like floral arrangements, wedding favors, and invitations.
Micro weddings can often be shorter than a more traditional wedding ceremony and reception, which also brings down costs. Perhaps you can hire your wedding photographer at an hourly rate and maybe even scale down your food options by hosting your wedding later in the evening or over brunch.
This isn’t to say that all intimate celebrations are budget affairs, however. While some couples look to save money and create a more relaxed mood, others take the opportunity to add more luxurious touches to their wedding experience — like making it a weekend getaway or hiring a renowned wedding videographer to capture every detail.
You Have a Greater Choice of Wedding Locations
With a smaller guest list, you’re no longer limited to traditional wedding venues. You don’t need space to seat 100. Instead, you can explore smaller or more unusual locations for your wedding.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your choice of micro wedding venue. Ask your favorite restaurant if they’re open to hosting your reception, or see if an officiant can witness your “I dos” in front of your favorite museum exhibition.
These alternative wedding locations also come with another bonus. They’re often more affordable than hiring a dedicated wedding venue. This gives you more room in your wedding budget to dedicate to other areas.
Another favorite location for micro weddings is someone’s backyard. This is perfect if you only have a handful of guests and want to create a truly relaxed atmosphere. Decorate your backyard wedding with string lights and communal seating, then host a cozy reception with your loved ones. Destination weddings also make for great micro experiences that are no less special than big-sized bashes.
Expert Tips on How to Plan a Micro Wedding
We love these smaller weddings for their creativity, versatility, and ability to feel uniquely personal to the couple. Here are some top planning tips to help you create the perfect atmosphere at your micro wedding.
Spend More on What Matters Most to You
With less of your budget taken up by catering costs thanks to a smaller guest count, you’re free to invest more in the areas that matter most to you and your partner. Some couples will spend more on wedding photography and videography with an upgraded package or a more in-demand photographer. Others prefer to fill the venue with beautiful blooms from a talented florist or splurge on a luxury wedding dress.
You could also consider using some of your newly found budget to spoil your guests. Offer pampering treats on the day, be generous with your dessert table, or upgrade your wedding favors. Adding any extra touches will help make the day feel that much more special.
Switch Up Your Entertainment
Some wedding entertainment options translate better to a smaller wedding than others. A huge dance floor might be empty at a micro wedding, so switch things up.
For example, instead of hiring a DJ and full sound system, consider bringing in your favorite local musician or band. It’ll feel more like a cozy, intimate, personal gig just for you and your closest friends and family members. (Plus, it’ll create a really memorable first-dance moment.)
You can also take a completely unique approach by setting up lawn games or a video game station with your favorite console.
Scale Down Your Wedding Cake
Massive, multi-tier wedding cakes may make a statement on the dessert table, but at a smaller wedding, you might end up with too much cake left over. Consider a scaled-back version of your dream wedding cake design.
An easy way to do this is to remove a tier or two from your cake. Another option is to forego the traditional cake and offer single-serve cheesecakes or personalized cupcakes that match your wedding theme.
Consider Making a Weekend of It
A small wedding can often feel like a family gathering, just with a more exciting reason to get together and celebrate. Extend that feeling by making a weekend of your wedding and turning it into a mini vacation for your guests.
Consider a rustic getaway in the woods where guests can stay in their own cabins, or book a gorgeous modern house and explore the city with your guests. Create a mini-retreat filled with relaxing time spent outdoors or an activity-filled weekend with hiking or kayaking instead.
5 Invitation Designs for Your Special Day
With such a cozy atmosphere or intimate, relaxed vibe, your wedding day deserves invitations to match. Greenvelope has so many wonderful wedding invitations that would be perfect for a micro wedding.
Our digital invitations are easy to design and send, and have that personal touch that you’re looking for to complement your mini wedding celebration. Customize your invites by changing the layout, fonts, and colors, and add your own bespoke wedding invitation wording.
To help you find an invite that’s ideal for your big day, here are some of our favorites that work well for a micro wedding.
1. Doodle Hearts and Stars Invitation
Design: Kid Collective
There’s something very charming about this doodle wedding invitation. The contemporary colors and whimsical feel makes it a great match for a small, personal wedding ceremony and reception.
2. Desert Adobe Invitation
Design: Sarah Deters Illustration
This desert-inspired wedding invite gives you a fun and on-theme way to invite loved ones along to your micro destination wedding somewhere out in the beautiful wilderness.
3. Modern Photo Invitation
Design: Owl and Toad
We adore this simple contemporary wedding invitation. It includes space for a photo of the two of you, which makes the invitation feel even more personal. Add a heartfelt note on the reverse, and it has everything you need to be the perfect micro wedding invitation.
4. Eclectic Electric Invitation
Design: Robinson Creative House
If you love bright colors and wild patterns, this eclectic wedding invitation could be just the thing. The shades of orange and pink work together so well and give the invite a really joyful vibe.
5. Bold Checkerboard Invitation
Design: Kid Collective
This checkerboard invitation is a fabulous choice for any micro wedding, but it’s especially good if you also have a minimalist, monochrome, or alternative wedding theme. It’s bold and expressive, and you can even add your own favorite colors by working with our design team.
Create the Perfect Micro Wedding
Bigger isn’t always better. Micro weddings aren’t about sacrificing style, atmosphere, and fun for a quick celebration. Rather, they’re a chance to gather with your nearest and dearest and savor every moment. You can keep the wedding theme, decor, food, and entertainment of your dreams and simply scale it down for a cozier experience. Create memories in a quirky alternative venue, or take your guests on a weekend trip — the choice is yours.
And when you’re ready to excitedly invite your loved ones to join you for the big moment, choose Greenvelope’s wedding invitations to help you do it. Find the perfect design and customize it to get that bespoke feel in a way that’s budget-friendly and has a real personal touch.
