What Is A Micro Wedding And Why Should You Have One?

The wedding industry has become a billion-dollar industry and statistics show it’ll increase to $291 billion by 2031. That is a huge undertaking and a large investment! Many couples feel pressured to host a grand wedding ceremony but not many consider a micro wedding and why should they have one. So, what is a micro wedding? Read on to learn more including planning tips and creative ideas you can incorporate into your day!

Micro weddings are not just about being cost-effective and reducing stress, but about prioritizing an intimate and meaningful experience.

What Is A Micro Wedding?

Let’s start with the micro wedding definition: A micro wedding is a small-scale wedding ceremony and reception typically attended by 40 to 50 guests. It makes it all that much quaint, romantic, and easy to plan. Plus, it allows couples to plan and budget for something on a smaller scale, whether they choose a simple or a luxurious wedding.

So, why have a micro wedding? The benefits of a micro wedding are endless! You can customize your wedding to your liking, whether you choose to include treasured customs and traditions, such as exchanging vows, a reception with food and drinks, and entertainment or dancing, but on a smaller scale.

You can even skip bridesmaids and groomsmen, go with a theme, make it a surprise for guests, or choose a unique wedding location. The sky’s the limit!

What Happens At A Micro Wedding?

There are key elements that are quite similar to larger wedding events but with a focus on the amazing experience rather than on spending lots of money! Couples can also be as specific as they want on their preferences and cultural traditions.

So, what does a micro wedding look like?

Ceremony: What is a micro wedding ceremony exactly? Well, the happy couple exchanges vows and rings in a personalized ceremony. You can do so at a smaller micro wedding venue in the U.S. such as a resort or lodge, a backyard, a botanical garden, an intimate chapel, or even a scenic outdoor location like a National Park. The ceremony may be officiated by a religious leader, a civil officiant, or a friend or family member. Those are the most fun!

Tablescapes are set up against the wall in the private dining room at the Surf Hotel in Buena Vista, an amazing micro wedding venue

Reception: The reception is followed by the wedding ceremony and it can involve a sit-down meal, cocktail-style reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks, a casual buffet, or even a food truck! The idea is to create a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere where everyone gets to enjoy and celebrate the couple’s union.

Personalized details: This is where couples can show off their personality! You can add personal details that reflect a couple’s interests or hobbies, or even traditions they wish to start together. Maybe it is handmade favors, customized signage, themed elements, and even the opportunity to take group photos! If you decide to have a wedding website, you can add those group photos or use them to create thank-you notes.

Quality time with family and guests: Because there are no more than 40 to 50 wedding guests, it means couples can spend more quality time with family and guests during the party time. Ever wonder what to do at a small wedding reception? Couples can interact, dance, play games, and basically, share more meaningful moments with their family and close friends.

Photography: Have a micro wedding photographer document your day! You can opt to work with a photographer to either document parts of your day or a full day to capture every single detail. From getting ready to any micro activities you have planned, you’ll never regret having photos of your day to share with your future generation.

A wedding ceremony takes place beneath the Flatirons in Boulder Colorado at Chautauqua Park, a micro wedding venue in Boulder

Tips For Planning A Micro Wedding

Now that we have gone over what is a micro wedding and what happens at a micro wedding, let’s go over some planning tips!

Define your guest list: If you’re wondering how many people you invite to a micro wedding, the answer is up to 50. You can also opt to elope with just close family present. Be strategic with your guest list, focus on inviting those who are closest to you and who you believe will truly cherish being part of your special day!

Set a budget: How much does a micro wedding cost? The answer will depend on your budget and preferences. Micro weddings can be more cost-effective, but you’ll need to consider vendors, such as wedding venues, catering, micro wedding photographers, and attire. You can also consider alternative venues, such as a National Park, restaurants, or intimate spaces.

Opt for DIY and personalized touches: Get creative with decorations, favors, signage, and other elements that reflect your personality as a couple.

Prioritize what’s important to you: Focus on the amazing experience that will make your micro wedding memorable and meaningful! Remember, keep it intimate.

Creative Ideas For Micro Weddings

Here are a few creative ideas that you can incorporate into your own micro wedding :

Personalized ceremony backdrop
Interactive guest book where guests can leave a message, such as in a Polaroid photo, video, or wedding website.
Intimate dining experience, such as a long banquet-style table or family-style dining.
DIY cocktail bar where guests can mix or customize their drinks.
Themed decor and attire for guests.

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As a micro wedding photographer based in Colorado, I can offer you more ideas that we can discuss together and plan on how to document and capture the experience of your micro wedding. We can even find creative ways to include your family in your photos, as well as group shots with the full guest list! You can have everything using just a little bit of creativity. Get in touch with me so we can book your micro wedding photography!