The latest Micro Wedding trend has taken the wedding industry by storm. Let’s be honest, planning a wedding is no small task and can take a toll on those stress levels. It’s why so many people hire me to help! Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in 2020, the desire to reduce wedding costs and guest numbers has increased. Even before the pandemic, we noticed an increased popularity in smaller and more intimate weddings.
Budget is often a key factor in opting for a smaller wedding. Did you know that the average cost of a wedding in Canada is $29,450? That kind of investment could easily go towards a down payment for a house, retirement planning or a pretty spectacular honeymoon. Many couples are instead opting to have a Micro Wedding: a miniature version of a traditional wedding.
What Is a Micro Wedding?
A Micro Wedding is a traditional wedding when it comes to the format of the day. The main difference is the guest list. This is reduced to between 20- 50 close friends and family. However, not all Micro Weddings have budget-saving goals. Some allocate larger proportions of the budget to other areas of the wedding that would have previously been spent on guests. For example, splurging on a premium open bar, adding floral installations or opting for a more extravagant dinner for their select guests.
Is a Micro Wedding Right for You?
While a Micro Wedding has many benefits that we will get to shortly, the biggest challenge for couples is deciding to reduce the guest list. By opting for a reduced guest list, you’ll probably have to leave some people off your list that you care about. We recommend sitting down together as a couple to decide who are non-negotiables. If you find this list greatly exceeds the 50 mark, then a Micro Wedding is probably not the best idea for you.
One of the primary benefits of a Micro Wedding is the option to reduce food and beverage costs. A large proportion of the wedding budget is food and drink. Most venues will charge the food and beverages based on the guest count. Having a smaller guest count will therefore reduce this cost. By reducing this cost you can then choose to have a smaller budget overall or reallocate your original budget to more premium selections.
If you’re an eco-conscious couple, a Micro Wedding is a perfect option to reduce your carbon footprint. Things like travel, food waste and temporary floral arrangements can make a negative impact on the environment. By opting for a smaller wedding, you can reduce consumption and therefore your ecological impact.
In our opinion, the biggest benefit of a Micro Wedding is being able to spend quality time with guests. Larger weddings do not allow the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with everyone in attendance. Reducing the number of guests allows for those conversations and a more memorable experience for your select guests. For many of us, It’s rare to have so many people you love in the same place. You can truly savour the experience in a Micro Wedding.
5 Tips for Planning a Micro Wedding
If you’ve read this far, you’ve likely decided that a Micro Wedding is the perfect option for you and your husband/wife to be. Before you start planning, here are our 5 top tips for planning a Micro Wedding.
1. Start with the Perfect Wedding Venue
There are a wide range of possibilities when it comes to event spaces. With a smaller guest list you may have additional options like a cottage in the Muskokas, a boutique restaurant, art gallery or garden. Choose a venue that has some meaning to you and your partner. It could reflect a passion of yours or reflect your favourite type of date. When researching venues be sure to check if there is a minimum number of guests or minimum spend as this can be more challenging with smaller guest counts.
2. Be Stringent with your Guest List
For some of you, this will be the most challenging aspect of planning regardless of whether you’re planning a Micro Wedding or not. This should be a task that you do as a couple to avoid anyone being missed. It is your wedding so you can focus on guests that are a priority to you both. Removing plus ones for guests can also help keep the number down to those who you really want to be there. Another decision to make is whether or not to have a wedding party. You may decide that having your closest friend stand by your side on the day is all you need.
3. Hire a Wedding Planner
Even though it may seem like planning a smaller wedding is easier, it actually still comes with many of the same challenges of a traditional wedding. By hiring a wedding planner, you can enjoy your day knowing that all the details are taken care of. They will be able to provide vendor recommendations and other details that you may not have considered for your special day. A wedding planner will give you that Micro Wedding with Micro Stress!
4. Document your Day
Even if you want a very understated wedding, be sure there is someone to capture the day. Hire a wedding photographer and/or wedding videographer so you can relive those moments. Any married couple will tell you, the day comes and goes in a flash! Some couples are choosing to live stream their ceremony to send out to extended friends & family – a great option if you have friends & family overseas.
5. Focus on the Details
One of our favourite things about Micro Weddings is that you can spend more time on the details. This could be investing more in a unique venue, custom cocktails, decorations and a fun menu. In addition, you can also include more sentimental touches such as handwritten invitations, personalized vows and other thoughtful details that those around you will appreciate.
So there you have it – everything you need to know about creating a beautiful Micro Wedding. If you’re looking to create a meaningful Micro Wedding, Weddings & Events by Cheryl Munro, knows that events are planned so that memories can be made. We can assist you with planning a beautiful wedding that your guests will talk about for years to come. From full planning, partial planning to month of coordination, we have a package that will work for you. We would love to meet you and learn more about your dream wedding. Get in contact and we can start from there!
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